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**Jubka**

CPT4

Season 22 turned out to be a very good season for Juozas Kupinas. FC Kaapstad might have been 11 points short of the title, which went to AS Paris, but for him personally a lot of good things happened. He had an amazing season in his new positions. While having been a winger in his academy season and his first two seasons at FC Kaapstad, he now had spent an entire season as mostly an central attacking midfielder and striker. He even had two matches where he played as a central defending midfielder. And if that wasn't enough of an achievement already, he scored 22 goals, was tied for most POTM performances and had the highest overall rating of any player over the entire season!

This resulted partly in him getting the call in the offseason that he would get promoted to the major team, Hollywood FC! While he knew he was close to getting promoted, it still came as somewhat of a surprise. He expected to have to play another season at FC Kaapstad, but budget cap issues at Hollywood FC resulted in him being needed there and Jalen Brooks would replace him at FC Kaapstad.

Nervous but excited he traveled to Los Angeles to join his new teammates. He gelled in the group quite quickly and was honored to share the pitch with players he had always looked up to like Pete Martell and Ali Dia. He would also get to play again with former teammates like Evan Hunt, Caspian Skovgaard and Alex Calderon. It was slightly intimidating in the beginning to be a major league player, but things have been going well for Juozas. At this point in season he has scored 7 goals and Hollywood FC is leading the major league after 10 match days!

This impressive start of his Hollywood FC career resulted in him getting notified that he will be part of the Eastern Europe squad for the WSFC! He was honored to hear that they want him to be the starting striker for the team in this prestigious tournament. The pressure of being expected to be the main goal scorer in the region he's about to represent motivates him like nothing else. And he is also thrilled with the opportunity to get to play with players like Predrag Dobrić, Coin Flip and his former teammate at FC Kaapstad, Marean Dohbra. He'll also be the first Lithuanian player (together with Heung-Man Smalls) that gets to play for the Eastern Europe WSFC team. He can't wait for the WSFC to start and to make the people in his home country proud. But first there's a major league title for him to win with Hollywood FC!

Approved - Great start to the season and I'm sure all of Eastern Europe is excited to see what you can do!

ACynicalGamer

https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showt...0#pid93480

It had always been Slab Heads dream to pull on an England shirt and walk out at Wembley to an adoring crowd.
Growing up in Manchester, a big footballing city, how could it not have been? Slab Head had grown up watching England squander countless major trophy opportunities with strong squads full of world-class players due to uninspired performances and questionable coaching. He had grown up learning to ignore whatever had happened in the previous campaign, buying into the growing hype around the England team every season, despite previous disappointments. He had grown up singing Neil Diamonds Sweet Caroline and 3 Lions by Baddiel, Skinner and Lightning Seeds at the top of his lungs in fan parks and pubs and football stadiums. He had grown up dreaming of pulling a white shirt over his head and stepping out onto that hallowed turf as a member of an England world cup team.

It was a cold December morning when Slab Head's phone rang out. He'd left it downstairs while he went up to shower.
When he came back down and glanced at his phone he noticed a missed call from an unknown number. That's odd he thought People don't usually have this number unless I've given it to them. He was pondering what to do when the same unknown number called through again. He debated what to do for a second, before ultimately answering, cautiously.
Hello? He started.
SLAB! He got in return, Glad I could catch you! Sareth Gouthgate here with the England set up, we were thinking it was about time we got you down to train with the boys.
Oh hi Mr Gouthgate, I wasn't expecting your call, He replied. What d'you mean down with the boys?

There was a pause before the voice at the other end of the phone replied.
For England son, you're going to play for England.

Approved - England just landed a super solid CD

**LtForestPuppy**

CPT 4

For Carolien Miedema, playing for her home region of Benelux in the WSFC was more than just a call up it was validation. After a great start to her career, Miedema finally earned her spot among Europe’s elite representing the region that shaped her game and mindset.

Her selection didn’t come easily. Benelux’s roster is notoriously competitive, featuring top tier players from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. But Miedema’s versatility and tactical awareness some traits that blossomed over her SSL seasons made her the perfect fit for the national system’s fluid front line. Coaches praised her adaptability, noting she could operate both as a central striker and as a wide forward pressing high in transition.

Benelux will have a young netminder in the upcoming WSFC with both Fiery Chicken and Maarten Slothlenburg being in their sophomore campaigns in the SSL. They will however have a solid forward line with Miedema Zach Mulder and Nerve De Groot up front. Their midfield will consists of Ryan Van Eyndhoven and Hercule Hefeweizen which also is a solid pairing with both over 1200 TPE at this point in their careers. Finally on the defense Benelux is looking at fielding one veteran in Aart de Trella and a bunch of young guns Don Lorenzo, Ozzy Trent Kovacs, Ronflex, and Joseph Mathys Hendry.

All in all the Benelux club is looking to make a run at the championship and they will be leaning on Miedema and the rest of the front line as the hope is to outscore their opponents with the strength they have on the offensive side of the ball. There could be some struggles on the defensive side, but the belief is the firepower they have will make up for that and with any luck Miedema will be leading the team in goals just like she has ever since she was taken to Liffeyside in the last expansion draft.

Approved - Benelux is a solid squad. We'll see how it all plays out

By-Tor

CT #4

Being built in the droid factories of Geonosis, Roger Roger is one of the first (if not the first) player in the SSL to be born outside of Earth or even the traditional bounds of WSFC international confederacies. Being in the unique position of being free of any WSFC group, Roger Roger will probably be able to pick which federation he will play for. To my knowledge, this is unprecedented for an active, well earning player.

Without a nation to support, Roger Roger must decide who to play for. Of the 16 WSFC regions, some are of more interest than others. There are some nations with a large player base like USA or Canada. There are some with none at all like West Africa or Central America. Consideration of available striker positions must also come into play if Roger Roger is to select a nation. He wants to play a pivotal role in the success of a region, but he also wants to enjoy a few years in the sun before being relegated to "decommissioned" status.

Here is a preliminary list of what Roger Roger sees of each federation. He has not spoken to any of the groups, but he can see where he may fit with the clubs. For strikers, he is counting players that are in his play window.

Alpine Federation: 1 S19 striker, 9 over 1000 TPE
Asia: 1 S20 striker, 11 over 1000 TPE
Belenlux: 1 S17 striker, 7 over 1000 TPE
British Isles: 6 strikers between S15 - S21, 17 over 1000 TPE
Canada: 1 S18 striker, 9 over 1000 TPE
Central America: 1 S23 striker, 3 over 1000 TPE
Central Europe: 2 strikers S18 and S23, 10 over 1000 TPE
East Africa: 1 S17 striker, 7 over 1000 TPE
Eastern Europe: 2 S20 strikers, 7 over 1000 TPE
Eurasia: No max earning strikers, 7 over 1000 TPE
Norden: 1 S21 striker, 11 over 1000 TPE
Oceania: No strikers, 6 over 1000 TPE
Pyrenees Union: 1 S18 striker, 12 over 1000 TPE
South America: 1 S22 striker, 5 over 1000 TPE
USA: 1 S22 striker, 17 over 1000 TPE
West Africa: 1 S21 striker, 3 over 1000 TPE

A lot of Roger Roger's decision will also be influenced by how these federations plan to deploy its attacking players. Will they use true attacking strikers or will they rely more on the midfield? How will Roger Roger benefit from joining a group of existing strikers or what will happen if he is the only striker? Based on the information above, there are a few holes that Roger Roger could plug into, but it remains to be seen how managers plan to utilize his strengths. Roger Roger is excited to see what becomes of his international status and if he will be able to choose his nationality in the near future.

Approved - Best of luck choosing your nationality!

Ghost

Career PT4 – Versatility
Word Count: 1103 (Sorry!)

------

Good day! It is I, your very content beat writer with another update on our Welsh shot-stopper of Rapid Magyar SC – James Asprey. Not only that, but I have a bit of an exciting update regarding my own career! But I’ll get to that.

I must admit, this update is a pretty unusual and unexpected one. You would think by now I’d be used to the unexpected with Asprey, but guess again.

The anticipation of our upcoming international tournament, WSFC, has reached almost fever pitch in the World of SSL. Players and fans alike eagerly anticipate the teams’ call up announcements – who will play where, who will be missing out, and which managers will be scrutinised for their choices?

You may recall very early on in my beat writing career that I was of the belief James Asprey “accidentally” stumbled into the SSL and didn’t really know anything about it. Today that judgement resurfaced in spectacular fashion as I took a call from a very excited – proud even – James Asprey.

------

“I’ve been called up!” Asprey exclaimed. I could hear the excitement in his voice, though his call up did not come as a surprise to me after his S22 performances earned him a spot on the Minors Team of the Season.

“Congratulations James, you earned it. The British Isles look a formidable team going into this tournament.”

“Oh…” Asprey responded, his voice trailing off. “But Wales called me up.”

“Er… yes but, Wales is part of the British Isles team so you will be playing for them.”

“No no-” Asprey interjected, his voice on the line sounded quite adamant with the slightest twinge of concern. “-The Welsh national team. Craig assured me, I’m here at Dragon Park in Newport. I’ve come home for the weekend to meet the staff and team, although no one is here yet strangely.”

There was a brief moment of silence while I tried to process what I had just heard – a buffering symbol materialised before my very eyes.

“Craig who, James?”

“Bellamy.” he responded flatly, that twinge of concern more audible this time. My scepticism was chipping away at his confidence.

“Craig Bellamy.” I confirmed. “Craig Bellamy the Welsh national FOOTBALL team coach?”

“Y-yes…” Asprey now sounded far less confident. I could hear him doubting himself through the phone without a word being spoken. “Is it that outlandish he would call me up? I thought I had a good season.”

“It would be rather outlandish for a national team coach to call up a player from an entirely different sport, yes. Are you pulling my leg?”

I was convinced at this point that Asprey was attempting to pull some kind of prank – for what reason I hadn’t yet deciphered, but there was no way this was genuine. Or so I thought.

“Ah… yes. Pulling your leg, you got me-” replied Asprey, a blatant lie if I had ever heard one. “-hey can I call you back in a bit? I need to cancel some bank cards.”

???

Stunned. Before I could even respond the line went dead, and I was left in a fog of confusion and disbelief. Behind his mysterious and secretive ways, I had never once considered there being a gullible idiot inside. The Welsh national team of the SSL, with barely enough players to make a 5-a-side team? Come on Asprey…

It was a couple of hours later before my phone lit up with Asprey’s name again.

“So, I’m on the M4—” Asprey opened as I answered the call. “—heading over to England where I hope I will actually meet a team and coaching staff this time… I owe you a big thank you.”

I could hear the relief in his voice, but also the panic and stress of the last couple of hours still subsiding. “How on earth did this happen, James?”

“Look, I’ll be honest, I’m not the best with technology. Since joining the SSL and rising through the Academy at Port Royal, I get all kinds of calls and emails. Some of them appear so genuine!”

“Doesn’t your agent deal with all that for you? They have to justify earning the obscene amounts they earn somehow.” I enquired, and was met with what was now a familiar pause whenever Asprey is caught by surprise. “Please don’t tell me you have no agent either…”

“Sooo, —” He replied sheepishly, and somehow I knew what was coming next. “—I was thinking, how would you like to be my agent?”

“James, I’m flattered, but I am a writer. You need an actual agent who can deal with contracts and all of that other nonsense.” For a brief moment I felt myself considering the offer, which was more of a surprise than the offer itself.

“No I need someone I can trust, and that leaves only you. You don’t need to worry about contracts either, I’m really happy at Magyar and don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon!” insisted Asprey, his voice betraying the slightest of desperation.

The proposition was an interesting one to say the least. It was certainly not at any point something I had considered for myself – but neither was this beat writer role I was shoehorned into. No, this was definitely not a career change that suited me, I would be an absolute lunatic to even consider the offer.

------

So here I am, an absolute lunatic, at the training grounds for the British Isles WSFC team watching my new employer train with his new teammates for the coming tournament. He looked to be enjoying himself, much like he has done since joining Magyar.

He was particularly happy about having a number of familiar faces in the squad. Trick Johnson (@homercrates) from Shanghai, Jonny Elliott (@everyonesawinnerbaby) from his Port Royal academy days – and of course, the almost constant in his career so far from Port Royal to Magyar and now the British Isles – Sam Albinson (@scoous) . Between training sessions his confidence in the management setup here had been growing too (@ReadySalted) (@Wiggo), even going as far as to dream of winning the tournament. Looking at the talent on the training field here I can see that being a real possibility. Difficult, but certainly possible.

Now I too eagerly await the WSFC, and hope my new boss and his team can go all the way in the tournament. I sense big things coming for both of our careers, and for the first time in a long while – I am excited to see what’s to come.

Thank you once again for reading,
Your absolute lunatic of a footballing agent.

Approved - Much confusion, but glad Asprey found his way eventually!

Beavie

CPT 4:

Allie Bunson has just finished her first world cup, representing team Asia. She is still a true Galarian lass at heart, but sadly there is no team Pokemon world in the World Cup. So Asia to her is more giving thanks to a region she has found as a home in the human world. She popped up in Tokyo and enjoyed the city, so chose to represent that region for the World stage. On top of that, she was drafted by the Asian based organization of the Shanghai Dragons, fittingly the new rivals of Tokyo Sporting Club. Safe to say she'll be in that region long term. She was also able to reunite with her old friend, Snor Lax, and the two happily shared snacks during the tournament. How did it go for Team Asia?

Team Asia was fortunate enough to win their pool in the round robin but fell to a close loss in the elimination rounds. A strong start with a disappointing end. That in a way felt the same for Allie. In the Friendlies she was able to do well in limited minutes with multiple strong interceptions and tackles early on and setting up some dangerous offensive chances for her teammates. But the playing time was less and less an after being subbed off in game one, young Allie Bunson did not see the pitch for the rest of the tournament. She *is* a cozy rabbit so she can keep the bench nice and warm, but the Scorbunny who was eager to play her heart out just didn't see the pitch. She understands with a tournament of this level, talented players may be left out, and she's thankful to have been able to spend some time training with players she wouldn't have normally, making new friends and learning a few more tricks. Would things have gone different with Allie out there? It's just a hypothetical. All she can do put in the work to make her undeniable next time around. But it is not all gloom and doom, for she got a call from one Kermit McFrog with some interesting news. . .

Approved - But... what is the news!?!?!

**Nol15736**

Career PT 4

When the WSFC was rolling up I took a look at the premium defenders on the US squad and thought there wasn't a place for a Chicken like me among those elites. I had resigned myself to being left off the roster and potentially digging into my mothers parents lineage to see if there was somewhere else I could go to spread my wings.

Lo and behold when the rosters were released there I was Chicken McTendie - my name blazoned with the red white and blue on the selected roster. But surely there was a mistake? I was listed as a CDM! Having never played in the midfield before I knew it would be a challenge. I spoke at length with the USA managers and we tried our best to make the pieces fit. USA was predicted to do well and we wanted to help bring success to our coop.

We started out strong by defeating Oceania (the place where I found out my mother was from and almost my WSFC home). But after dropping match 2 to Pyrenees things got a little tougher. A draw against Alpine would see us through, but we lost and unfortunately disaster struck as we were unable to advance out of the group rounds losing a tie breaker in the standings. But I learned a lot while playing next to BigMac Johnson in the middle and while our combo meal didn't work out this time, I think we should both still be around and thriving in 4 seasons when the next one rolls around. And I fully expect USA to be better prepared and ready to fight for potential WSFC glory at that time. Until then this bird flies back to my normal position of CD in Dublin. And I am looking forward to reuniting with my squadmates that I had to play against in the WSFC.

Approved - I believe the USA duo of McTendie and BigMac will make history next time!

**gucci**

CPT 4 Link

With the end of the last season, Sandro tasted silverware for the first time at CDT and found himself raring to go for the South American national team in the WSFC. Coming off a great sophomore season in Ciudad de Mexico, Sandro wanted to turn more heads as he locked down a key role in his national team in just his third season as a professional player. He was starting, and had been deployed in his preferred position of right wingback, and felt he would have an opportunity to make a huge impact in an attacking sense that he hadn’t done much of since his time at the Minor league level. What Sandro couldn’t have accounted for was that he was out of practice.

He’d spent so much time preparing for club football and helping his employers, that he’d neglected certain parts of his game that his country needed from him. His focus had been defending, dribbling, crossing, and passing. Great for playing fullback, but he continued to find himself in shooting positions and hitting weak, ineffective shots that international keepers had little trouble with the entire tournament. What should’ve been a moment of pride became a moment of shame on both a personal and national level. He couldn’t shoot the ball, and his entire continent was suffering from the consequences. It’s a real shame too, because for Sandro, he knows that he can and will be that player they need. He just wishes that he’d been ready when the call came the first time.

Sandro remains steadfastly determined to return to this arena in 4 years, in his prime, and carry his country and continent to success at the highest level. Then he’d like to represent them one last time before hanging up his boots. The next WSFC is his real target though and Sandro plans to make it count.

Approved - I will be rooting for Sandro to score some more goals next go around!

**GHamss**

CPT4 - https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showt...3#pid90363

The media in Japan is buzzing and the world is getting ready for a World Cup. It took some convincing for Snor Lax to make the trek back to his home country for the world cup. Not because Lax doesn’t love his home country but because of a stellar goalkeeper who is currently holding the number one spot in the net.

Being the backup goalkeeper isn’t the dream Snor Lax has had since he was a young lad. He has always dreamed about representing his country and being the star on the pitch. Seeing this new dynamic hit Lax harder than what would have been expected. With the transfer rules, Lax received quite a bit of interest from other regions looking for a starting keeper. These peaked Lax’s interest as he wanted nothing more than to help the team he was playing on win. But one thing kept coming back to Lax… his national pride. It just couldn’t be outdone.

Representing Japan on the Asian team is something Lax has looked forward to since he started playing football. His national pride has grown in recent years as he has spent more of his time playing internationally. Despite the good offers from other regions to play behind good teams, Lax knew deep down that he needed to trust the process and put on that Asian shirt.

Now that Snor Lax is fully committed to playing for Asia, he couldn’t be happier. He accepts his spot as the backup keeper and is looking forward to helping his team from the bench or on the pitch, as needed. Lax isn’t an emotional being, but he is beaming with pride each time he gets to walk onto the pitch with his Asian teammates.

To celebrate, Lax went out and had a delicious Japanese meal. Luckily for him, the Asian Regional team has offered to bring in catering from all across the region to ensure Lax doesn’t go hungry throughout the tournament. He may end up spending more time in the cafeteria than on the pitch!

Approved - I bet next time around Lax will be donning the 1 for Asia!

**Malino8444**

CPT 4

To say that the S23 had been a low point would be an understatement. With Romana and Van Eyndhoven being relegated to the 2nd division. But what's a better way to process losing in football, than playing more football?

That’s right, it was WSFC time! Ryan was happy to see some of his friends at the training camp like Bob Berendsen @McLumberjack and Ozzy Trent Kovacs. @OTK

Ryan was excited to represent his nation, at a young age he already had to choose between Argentina and the Netherlands, but he was happy with his choice and proud to represent the Benelux.

The first 2 games of the tournament went swimmingly, winning 3-0 against East Africa and 4-0 against the British Isles. And full of confidence Ryan went into the final match, which ended in a chaotic 4-4 draw. But they were through! And they would be facing Alpine next, surely the defending champions would keep up their momentum, right? RIGHT?

The final whistle blew in the 120th minute. The game ended 2-2 and it would go to penalties. Ryan was nervous, he knew he wasn’t great at penalties. But he had to go as the 2nd taker.

De Groot 0-1
Habjanic 1-1
Van Eyndhoven 1-2

At least that’s what it should have been
That’s what should have happened

But no, he had to try the panenka, and it went right into the keeper's hands. He could hear one of the commentators laughing already (@gaucho12). He walked back to his teammates, head held down in shame.

Qartista 2-1
Hefeweizen 2-1
Another missed penalty, but this one was not as bad as his.

Voda 2-1
Still hope.

Kovacs 2-2
Lichsteiner 3-2
His Romana teammate slots it in nicely.

Mulder 3-3
Del Pirlo 4-3 (Unc still got it)
That's it, the WSFC for the benelux, done.

The Alpine players run to their fans in celebration.

And Ryan sinks to his knees, He was the one who messed up, and he knows it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

The media has already started making fun of him the moment he arrived back at his hotel. Mr. Panenka, that will probably stick…

A few days later he returns back to Rome for regular pre-season training, his teammates of course also tease him about it, and all Ryan can do is smile through the pain.

Will he be able to come back mentally in time for the 24th season? Only time will tell…

Approved - It was a great game and an unfortunate ending for Benelux, but not Ryan's fault by any stretch.