Academy Task 5 / Class of S26 - The Mid-Season Review

[Jack_Pow]

S25 / Academy Class of S26
(The Mid-Season Review)

The S25 / Class of S26 Academy League has hit the half-way point, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most entertaining campaigns so far. There’s been goals, there’s been drama, and I’m sure there will be many more twists and turns to come, to keep everyone on their toes.
From early frontrunners setting the pace, to teams that started slow but are now starting to really find their gears, every club has its own story unfolding. So now feels like the perfect opportunity to take a look at how the season has panned out so far.

In this mid-season review, I’ll be breaking down each side’s journey so far, highlighting their top three standout performers based on their average ratings after the first 7 matches, as well as hearing directly from the voices of those from inside the clubs to get their thoughts on the first half of the season – what’s gone right, what hasn’t, and what they are aiming to achieve in the final run-in.

There’s plenty to go through, so let’s dive in.

Stockholm IK:

1st – Dennis van Huntelrooy – ST (7.74)

2nd – Arsene Cardinet – CM (7.56)

3rd – Geronimo Datbasted – DL (7.47)

We start with league leaders Stockholm, who sit two points clear of Adowa Accra at the halfway stage, having scored 19 and conceding just 8 in their opening seven games.

Their campaign couldn’t have got off to a better start – an opening 4-2 win away to the Academy title holders – two-years running – and the league’s current top-scorers, Victoria Falls. That was followed by dominant back-to-back wins in MD2 and MD3: a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Port Royal, and a statement 5-0 dismantling away to Jakarta, showing they were the early team to beat.

A controlled 2-0 win over Atletico Medellín in MD4 made it four wins from four, but things took a sharp turn in MD5, as they faced bottom club Istanbul, where they suffered a shock 5-2 humiliation – a result that cost them top spot and raised a few eyebrows.

The response, though, was exactly what you’d expect from title contenders. Up against the new league leaders Adowa Accra, Stockholm delivered a solid, if not slightly fortunate, 2-0 win to reclaim top spot.

Their final game before the halfway point of the season brought more drama. Against now bottom-placed Sydney City, they fell behind early and looked in danger of another slip-up, and a repeat of their loss to Istanbul. This time, though, a late equaliser salvaged a point, which was just enough to keep them at the top heading into the second half of the season.

Hoodz (Manager of Stockholm IK) on how their season has gone so far:

If I’m being honest, it’s been a strong start on paper, but it hasn’t felt as smooth as the table suggests.
If you just glance at that, you’d say we’ve been in control, but actually watching the games, it’s been a bit more chaotic than that. There’s been moments where we’ve looked elite, and then spells where we’ve completely lost control of matches.

What’s gone right is pretty clear, though. When we click, we’re a horrible team to come up against. The way we transition and attack teams, especially when we get ahead early, is probably the best in the league. You look at games like the 5-0 win against Jakarta, the 3-0 win versus Port Royal, we can suffocate teams and then hit them hard.
The other big positive is that we’ve found different ways to win different types of game. We’ve had controlled wins, chaotic wins, even games where we weren’t great but still picked up the 3 points, and that’s usually what separates you over a season. It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’re getting it done.

Defensively, the numbers have looked good overall, and we’re joint best on goals conceded for a reason. In the majority of games we’ve looked rock solid, but there’s also moments where we’ve looked way too open or been sloppy, but this is something we’ll rectify and try to balance going forward.

What’s gone wrong is probably more about consistency and control rather than the results. The Istanbul game is the obvious one; scoring 2 goals away from home and still losing 5-2 in the manner that we did, was unacceptable. That wasn’t just “one of those games,” that was us losing all structure and we were punished badly for that.
Even in games we’ve won, there have been spells where we’ve let teams back in or allowed them too many chances, or pushed our luck. So far, we’ve mostly got away with it because our attacking output is high, but we know that won’t always be the case.

Another thing, is we haven’t really stamped authority on the league yet. We’re top, but it doesn’t feel like teams are worried about facing us. Compare that to sides in past seasons where you knew the result was inevitable. We’re not quite there yet, even though the results have us close.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

For the second half of the campaign, the aim is simple; turn our positive results into something more controlled and reliable.

The first thing is tightening up defensively without killing what makes us dangerous. We don’t want to become safe and predictable, because that’s not how this team is built. But we need to remove those chaotic spells where games turn into basketball matches. If we can keep our attacking momentum, whilst reducing those moments of chaos, we go from a good team, to a problem for everyone.

Secondly, we need to be turning wins into statements. We wants more games where we dominate from the 1st minute until the 90th. We’ve shown we can do it, just not consistently enough yet.

Third, is managing the big games better. I’m mentioning it again, but the Istanbul loss is the one that keeps sticking out for me. Against the better teams, it’s not just about scoring, we have to have more control, better game management, knowing when to slow things down. That’s something we need to improve if we want to stay at the top.

Finally, the obvious one and links to what I just said – now we’re at the top, we need to do all we can to stay there. Being there at the halfway point means nothing if you start to slip up during the remainder of the season. The league is so tight right now, and some of the teams below us are really starting to hit form. A couple of bad results and dropped points, and you’re suddenly chasing again. So the real goal is consistency. If we keep doing what we do best, and keep improving week-in-week-out, we give ourselves a real chance of winning it.

Overall I’d say it’s been a very good start, but there’s still work to do. There’s still more to come from us, and we’re far from the finished product, which is the most encouraging thing for me.

If we find that next level, the aim changes from just about holding on to top spot, and about creating a gap between us and the chasing pack.

Adowa Accra FC:

1st – Nick Kasak – LAM (7.67)

2nd – Che Youz – CM (7.63)

3rd – Ewan Purves – DR (7.57)

Adowa Accra sit just two points off the top in 2nd place, with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat. They’ve scored 17 goals, and conceded just 8 – firmly cementing them in the title race.

Their season started quietly with an underwhelming 0-0 draw against PS Jakarta, but they quickly found their stride. A 2-0 win away to Istanbul got them going, followed by an obliterating 5-1 thrashing of Sydney. From there, a solid 2-0 win away to Port Royal, made it 3 wins on the bounce.

Then came one of the games of the season so far; a wild 6-3 victory over Atletico Medellín, showcasing just how dangerous they can be going forward.

Their only real setback came in MD6, when they fell to fellow title challengers Stockholm, followed up with a 2-2 draw against 3rd place Victoria Falls – another side very much in the mix – in a result that likely neither team would’ve been happy about.

nckkss (Current highest-rated player at Adowa Accra FC) on how their season has gone so far:

I really like the formation and the tactics that the manager is using to try and get the best out of us – all the stats suggest we should be much worse off than we have been. But as a team, finishing has been a constant problem. Looking back at our Stockholm game it feels like a point was within our grasp rather than losing 2-0.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

I think there’s no shame in second place for our team, and the second half of the season could be a struggle as other teams around us improve.
As for me, there’s a way to go but I want to be the top player in the Academy for goal involvements and want to be high up in the first round picks of the draft. But I’m going to need to work even harder to do this. 7 more games to catch up!

Victoria Falls:

1st – Nacho Kusora – ST (8.34)

2nd – Joe Mormor – AML (7.86)

3rd – Bruce McAllister – AMR (7.53)

Victoria Falls currently sit 3rd in the table, on 13 points, with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses – and have been one of, if not the most, entertaining sides to watch, leading the way with an incredible 28 goals scored, and 14 conceded.

But things didn’t start well for the current title holders. A 4-2 home defeat to Stockholm on the opening day was followed by another setback, losing 2-1 to Jakarta in MD2.

But from there they exploded into life. A dominant 4-0 win over Istanbul kickstarted their campaign, and the goals would carry on flowing over the course of the season. They followed this up with a 5-3 win away to Sydney, before tearing Port Royal apart with a 7-1 hammering in front of their home faithful.

MD6 brought more of the same - a ruthless 7-2 victory away to Atletico Medellín, proving their attack is as relentless as it is dangerous.

They wrapped up the first half of the season with a 2-2 draw against fellow contenders Adowa Accra, keeping themselves firmly in the title conversation heading into the run-in.

Giacomino Raiola (Manager of Victoria Falls) on how their season has gone so far:

After MD1 and a 4-2 loss against Stockholm, I still wasn't worried, it was the start of the season, and I know that to win the Academy, you can have lost on some occasions.

After the 2-1 loss against Jakarta in MD2, though, I started to be a bit worried – it was a very unlucky game in which an injury ruined the whole plan. I then started working with a new tactic and the results have showed, with 4 consecutive wins (4-0 vs Istanbul in MD3, 5-3 vs Sydney in MD4, 7-1 vs Port Royal in MD5, and 7-2 vs Atletico Medellín in MD6) and we had the pace to be back on the right track.

In the last game (MD7) against Adowa Accra we got a good draw after going down to 10 men in 30th minute; which, unfortunately, meant that we weren't able to close the gap with first place. So at the half way mark I find my team in a happy 3rd place with the possibility of still being able to achieve our goal.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

After winning the last two Academy titles with Victoria Falls, my hopes were, and still are, to defend the title to the best of my abilities.
Another personal objective of mine is to be the best Academy manager of the CABA/Athenai Organisation, by finishing above both Adowa Accra and Sydney City.

PS Jakarta:

1st – Jayson Bryzski – CM (7.1)

2nd – Don BebeZ – AMR (7.1)

3rd – Maurjiro Rivers – LWB (6.7)

PS Jakarta currently sit in 4th place – level on points with Victoria Falls and just three points shy of the top – despite a season that’s swung wildly between highs and lows. 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 12 and conceding 16 along the way, which tells its own story.

They opened with a goalless draw against Adowa Accra in MD1, before edging past Victoria Falls 2-1 at home to get up and running in MD2.

Then in MD3, when their fans were hoping their previous win would kickstart their campaign, came a reality check. A heavy 5-0 defeat at home to Stockholm exposed some fragility, and consistency has been an issue since.

To their credit, they did bounce back quickly – a narrow 1-0 win away to Istanbul steadied things somewhat, and this was followed by an entertaining 5-3 win over Sydney as they finally started to find their rhythm.

But just as it looked like they were going to maintain their good form, another slip followed. A shock 7-2 defeat to Port Royal, which handed their opponents only their second win of the season and underlines Jakarta’s unpredictability.

They did finish the first half of the season on a positive note, though – a composed 2-0 victory, and a first under their new manager, who has made some big changes to the squad, and has given them something to build on heading into the second half of the campaign.

McLumberjack (Manager of PS Jakarta) on how their season has gone so far:

So yeah, Jakarta has honestly performed really well, all things considered, before my arrival. Getting wins over Victoria Falls, Istanbul and Sydney is no easy feat, so I have to put respect on the previous manager and the players. Now it is never easy to have a big shift in personnel in the middle of the season, and as it stands we have 5 new players who all need some time getting used to the pace of the league. I am very grateful we were able to start against Atletico Medellín who have been one of the weaker teams, and even more grateful we were able to start with a win.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

I have a great group of players, but there’s no need to beat around the bush; we are a bit behind the other teams quality-wise. However, what we lack in quality right now, I think we can compensate for with tactics and sheer grit and determination. I think if I manage to get this team firing on all cylinders there is no limit to what we can achieve. As of right now, I would be satisfied with the season if we manage to end up in the top 3 and I fully believe we can!

Istanbul F.K:

1st – Zryachiy “The Headhunter” – GK (7.5)

2nd – Jake Ronaldo – ST (7.3)

3rd – Joshua Homme III Esquire Limited – LWB (7.21)

Istanbul sit comfortably in 5th, four points clear of sixth-placed Port Royal, picking up 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. They’ve scored 14 goals – 13 of those coming their last 3 matches – and conceded 11. And in a league of tight margins, their slightly healthier goal-difference could prove important in the run-in.

Their season started unspectacularly with a 1-1 draw away to Atletico Medellín, but things quickly dipped. A 2-0 loss to Adowa Accra was followed by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Victoria Falls, and a narrow 1-0 loss to Jakarta – and four games in, questions were starting to be asked about where they’d start picking up points from.

Then came the turning point – enter league leaders Stockholm. Producing one of the shocks of the season, Istanbul stomped to a stunning 5-2 win that completely flipped their momentum.

Not stopping there, a confident 4-1 win away to Sydney followed, before they wrapped up their first half of the season with a dominant 4-0 victory over Port Royal – results that not only turned their season around, but have given them real breathing room in the table.

Afrhite (Manager of Istanbul F.K.) on how their season has gone so far:

Istanbul had a really rough start but we’re looking good so far with the recent tactic change. Like I previously mentioned in the Locker Room, I took inspiration from a previous tactic Krung Thep used in the past. I had help from one of my players, who had lots of football experience, for ideas, until we ended up with the formation we’re currently using.

Talking about my players; I’m really proud of their progress so far, lots of good future prospects coming through Istanbul, and other teams in the Academy. Just to name a few: Boudreaux – who’s our captain, Ronaldo, Esquire the third (as I like to call them), Bergmann, our Rookie goalkeeper Headhunter, that I’ve nicknamed “Little Rookie,” Castellani, and of course Von Wolfe, who is quite the ball of energy in the locker room. I would also have included Robert, our previous goalkeeper, but due to a career change, he wanted to have an early retirement.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

For this season, and like my previous season, welcoming the new players to the Academy: I want to make it so my players have fun, motivate them to be ambitious towards their goals, and to develop themselves as players, and to obviously win as much as we can, and maybe bring the Championship home, as I’m currently 0-4 as an Academy manager, with no Championships under my belt yet. I know players love the shiny trophies, but so does their manager.

Port Royal F.C:

1st – Barry McGlynn – CAM (7.31)

2nd – Sadie Black – AMR (7.14)

3rd – Reece Munro – CM (7.07)

Port Royal, tipped by many early on as title contenders, find themselves down in 6th place – with 2 wins and 5 losses, scoring 12 but conceding a worrying 23 goals (the second highest in the league). They currently sit on 6 points, just 2 point ahead of bottom clubs Atletico Medellín and Sydney.

Their season actually started well. A lively 4-2 win over Sydney City in the season opener backed up the pre-season hype and suggested they’d be right in the mix straight from the get-go.

But things quickly began to unravel. A 3-0 loss to Stockholm set the tone, and it didn’t improve in the coming weeks. Further defeats – an especially disappointing 3-0 to Atletico Medellín, a 2-0 loss to Adowa Accra, and then a brutal 7-1 annihilation at the hands of Victoria Falls.

But out of nowhere came a spark of life from the early favourites, when in MD6, they blew PS Jakarta away with a 7-2 victory in another standout game of the season.

But they, unfortunately, couldn’t use this as a platform to kick-on, as they followed it up with a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Istanbul, who’ve now opened up a 4-point gap between the sides, and leaving Port Royal with plenty to work on heading into the latter half of the campaign.

pizca (Manager of Port Royal F.C.) on how their season has gone so far:

Well if the season were to end today, then it would have been a total failure of a season. We have the highest amounted TPE in the Academy, and 2nd highest average, and we sit in 6th. So really underwhelming and I take full responsibility for that, as it doesn’t come down to quality, but to tactics, and I’ve failed on that part so far.

The good thing is that we have three top 5 earners in the class, on our team (McGlynn, STARSCREAM, and Munro, I believe) and 4 Port Royal players have jobs in the league.

And their aims for the remainder of the season:

My aim for the rest of the season is to win, I guess, but can hopefully showcase the team well enough so that every Organisation would like to draft them 1OA (haha).

Atletico Medellín:

Atletico Medellín sit 7th at the halfway stage, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Just the 9 goals scored (the lowest in the league) and 20 conceded, which leaves them on 4 points, and currently joint-bottom.

Their campaign began steadily with a 1-1 draw against Istanbul, but things quickly dipped after a 2-0 loss to Sydney City in MD2.

Then came a surprise. In MD3, they turned heads with a convincing 3-0 win over Port Royal – a result that looked like it might signal a change in fortunes.

It didn’t, and what followed was a tough run of defeats: 2-0 to Stockholm, 6-3 to Adowa Accra, 7-2 to Victoria Falls, and 2-0 to PS Jakarta, which has left them struggling and with a mountain to climb, heading into the second half of the season.

Sydney City:

1st – Tim Quackareedoo – CM (7.1)

2nd – S Sei – CM (7.0)

3rd – Gold Ship – AML (7.0)

Sydney sit bottom of the league at the halfway point with 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses so far. They’ve scored 13 goals, but conceded a league-high 24, leaving them rock bottom, but level on points and goal-difference with Atletico Medellín.

Their season started badly, taking a 4-2 loss from Port Royal on the opening day, but they responded well with a 2-0 win over Atletico in MD2 to get off the mark early.

But this momentum didn’t last. Heavy defeats followed: 5-1 to Adowa Accra, back-to-back (which must be a first) 5-3 losses to Victoria Falls and PS Jakarta, as well as a 4-1 defeat to Istanbul, leaving their season in jeopardy.

But just when it looked like more misery was to come, they produced another one of the surprises of the season. Against league leaders Stockholm (whose form against bottom-placed teams has certainly raised a few alarm bells), Sydney came out firing and were moments away from taking maximum points, in what would’ve been a huge win, only to be denied by a late equaliser and a share of the spoils.

A small positive to end what’s been a tough first half of the season for them.

CamGoldenSun (Manager of Sydney City) on how their season has gone so far:

Our season obviously hasn't gone to plan. We'd love to be sitting on top, but c'est la vie.

And their aims for the remainder of the season: 

We look forward to putting those losses behind us and have the league take a second look at Sydney and their players for the upcoming draft.

Overall Highest Rated Average Rating:

1st – Kusora (Victoria Falls) – 8.34

2nd – Mormor (Victoria Falls) – 7.86

3rd – van Huntelrooy (Stockholm) – 7.74

Top Scorers:

1st – Kusora (Victoria Falls) – 12

2nd – van Huntelrooy (Stockholm) – 9

3rd – Mormor (Victoria Falls) – 6

Top Assists:

1st – Pena (Victoria Falls) - 6

2nd – Quackereedoo (Sydney), Kasak (Adowa Accra), Mormor (Victoria Falls), McAllister (Victoria Falls) - 4

3rd – Homme III Esquire (Istanbul), Ronaldo (Istanbul), Pow (Stockholm), Cardinet (Stockholm) – 3

Goalkeeper Clean-Sheets:

1st – enBach (Stockholm) – 4

2nd – Flowers (Adowa Accra) – 3

3rd – Zryachiy (Istanbul), Yupanqui (Victoria Falls), Degon (Port Royal) – 1

[McLumberjack]

Awesome indepth article!

[nckkss]

Love all of this!

[Moka26]

Wait, isn't it S26 ?
I came here looking for an article about our Academy season...

Either way that's a great in-depth article, keep going !

[Jack_Pow]

Wait, isn't it S26 ?
I came here looking for an article about our Academy season...

Either way that's a great in-depth article, keep going !

Yeah I wasn't sure what to title it since although it's S25, we're the Class of S26, so I just ended up going off the current season, but it's probably made it more confusing haha, thanks though mate!