2026-06-27, 12:01 PM - Word count:
Hello reader! Recently, I remembered that I no longer have the deep bank of Ali Dia to rely on for progressing His Cheeseburger. So here I am forced to write like the dickens in order to make a little dough. I gave some advice to a new user about what to write that would be easy and fun, and then realized that I've never actually followed this advice myself. Therefore, I supposed I probably ought try it out. So without further ado, please enjoy a breakdown of Port Royals first matchday deconstruction of legend-based Athletico Medellin.
The Formation
![[Image: MD1.png?ex=6a40c039&is=6a3f6eb9&hm=28f14...d2770e374d]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1384074569459175474/1518685377093697647/MD1.png?ex=6a40c039&is=6a3f6eb9&hm=28f148657714ba95028e90a1fa559d169f4c6c92e7e953bbc7df2ed2770e374d)
There's nothing like a fresh cup of coffee to really get your day started, and nothing like a 4231 to start a season. In order to take advantage of our quality players, Port Royal assigns roles to try to make sure everyone has a piece of the offensive buildup. AML Thunder is on Attack duty to bring him inside the box, but Munchakoopa is on Support duty. This is so that Velox, operating on Attack, has room in the wide space of the attacking third to make dribbles up the touchline and play crosses in. The CDM Bittner is set to roam in the hopes that they are able to cut out a killer ball to one of the cutting IFs. Shoot, even the GK is set to Sweeper Keeper on Support! All-in-all, this formation is set up to really shine a light on the non-legend players. Well done, @Riipsaw for creatively figuring that out.
The Opposition
![[Image: Screenshot_2026-06-27_at_06.14.45.png?ex...495549a661]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/991187556832129084/1520386918397902909/Screenshot_2026-06-27_at_06.14.45.png?ex=6a410228&is=6a3fb0a8&hm=84a50b77362cd6ac373b5e56d3bea5a0852a11d2aa3053bbbdcc43495549a661)
The all-legend team lines up in a non-traditional 4213. Personally, I've never really found this formation to perform well, particularly in connecting the midfield into the attacking third as well as keeping a high press. There just seems to be a giant lack of bodies and control over the central midfield. The only way I can see this working is with a False 9 striker and a Mezzala center mid. However, these are bots, and bots are dumb lol.
The Match
Kickoff - Port Royal (PR) starts the first half with the ball. The lone striker boots it back to the CDM Bittner who then patiently plays it back to the CB. Rather than attack right into the opposing half, Port Royal opts to wait and let Athletico Medellin (AM) stretch themselves out in a press first, giving them more room to make their progressing passes. For the first 30 seconds, the PR back line plays testing passes to their pivots in the midfield, but AM's mid block engages to force the immediate return. Still, only the AM striker is really engaging in a high press so far. Despite the baiting, AM isn't biting. Well done on sticking to your gameplan while still in the first minute of the match. Eventually, the pressure convinces the PR CB to clear it into the opponent's half, where an AM player heads it down to a teammate. The first possession is lost.
4' - PR wins a throw-in off the left side. A pass down the line opens up the AM midfield for the receiving player to make a nice pass into the central area, where a PR CB controls it with lots of space to make a progressive pass. AML Thomas Thunder makes a cut parallel to the back line into space. The CB sees the run and plays the ball up to Thunder, about 25 yards out. Thunder plays a one touch to the cutting AMR Munchakoopa, who blasts a first time shot over the goal. Unfortunately, Munchakoopa mistimed his run and was whistled offside. AM wins a free kick in their own box.
19' - We pick up again late into the 19th minute. A PR CDM has the ball around the midfield line. AM is holding fast to their low block, as he is not being challenged on the ball at all. The PR LB makes an inside cut, catching his marker off guard. The CDM finds him and he dribbles the ball 10 yards before playing the ball to the AMR Munchakoopa, who has drifted inside to take the space left by the AM CDM rushing out to challenge the dribbler. But the AM LB is marking Munchakoopa closely and challenges him as he receives the ball, ultimately knocking the ball out of Munchakoopa's possession and into the feet of the AM CM...who traps, turns, and boots his chance for a counter to the PR left flag. :shrug: The PR LB runs to catch the clearance before it goes out of play and plays it back into the center as the AM ST arrives to press. Now it looks like the AM side has decided to high press, as even the CDMs have run into the PR half after the clearance. However, as noted above in talking about AM's formation, there is no one in the middle of the field and the CB turns and plays the ball to a PR CDM...who whiffs his first touch. The ball rolls slowly past him and the AM AMR is free to "intercept" the ball and put it in the middle for the CM to bring it up. The AM CM is only at the midfield line decides that this is a good chance for a counter, so plays it quickly back to the AML. The AML one touches it on the ground right in between the PR CBs. The AM ST is sitting on the shoulder of one of the CBs waiting for his opportunity. The PR CB thought he was doing a good job and marking tightly, but now, sees that the ST was simply waiting for the right time to make a run. The AM ST receives the ball by himself in an extremely advantageous area. But the defense is crashing around them, so they try a first time shot 12 yards out that the GK is able to parry above the goal. AM wins a corner on the right.
20' - AM send in an inswinging corner from the right side to the near post, but PR ST Cheeseburger heads it away. An AM player finds the ball and plays it back to the corner taker, but he never got onside after taking the corner. Free kick to PR.
34' - AM has a defensive throw in. They play it safe and toss it back to the LB, who then passes the ball into the open middle of their own half. The ball bobbles between the squished AM midfield before eventually finding its way back to the AM LB. PR is pressing high and causing AM trouble with progression. Eventually, the AM side is tired of trying to break through and boots it across the field where the PR LB fields it. He brings the ball forward into space and hands it off to the pivot Bittner. Pressure forces Bittner to play the ball back to a PR CB. The PR back line pokes up the left side a couple times to no avail, eventually switching flanks to let their star RB Velox have a try. Velox's pace and dribbling give him the advantage and he streaks up the right side with the ball at his feet all the way until 20 yards from the byline. He is cornered and is forced to play the ball off. Thankfully, the roaming playmaker Bittner has followed him into the half space to give Velox an outlet. Bittner receives the ball at the elbow of the box. Velox tries to find open space, but instead acts as a pick to Bittner's defender, allowing him to turn and find Munchakoopa making a parallel run along the 18 yard line. With space quickly being eaten up by swarming defenders, Munchakoopa tries a weak foot shot to the far post. The ball would have been far wide, but a deflection off the back of an AM CB makes the short tantalizingly close. The keeper was beat, but the ball inches past the far goalpost. Right side corner to PR.
35' - The PR RB lines up the corner. PR players crowd 10 yards off the near post, ready to make their runs. The ball floats to the near side of the 6 yard box, but an AM defender heads it away. The recovery player Bittner receives the clearance and walks it towards goal. AM players stay crowded in the 6 yard box marking the PR players that have lingered in dangerous positions...which gives the far side PR recovery player space to make a diagonal run directly at the penalty spot. Bittner sees and lays off a perfect rolling ball for the PR AM to try a first time shot. He has to get the ball through a web of multi-jerseyed traffic...and does exactly that. A shot into the bottom left corner of the goal means the GK can't change his momentum in time. PR scores the opening goal just over a third of the way through the match.
37' - We pick up just a minute later with PR AMR Munchakoopa striding with the ball towards the right side byline. One of the AM CDMs follows him out. Velox sees the open half space on the elbow and rushes. But Munchakoopa doesn't lead him enough. The AM LB catches up to Velox before he receives the pass and pushes the ball back to a defender. Seeing the swarm of dark jerseys around them, the AM player clears the ball. The PR CB receives and plays back up the right side to Velox. Again showcasing his speed, Velox dribbles past the marking AM AML and creates enough space for him to put in a leading cross right in the middle of the box. Cheeseburger leaps up over the defender, but can't keep the headed shot down. Goal kick to AM.
39' - PR has a free kick at their own left elbow. AM is cautiously showing a high press. The PR CB plays the ball to the line where the LB one touches it inside into the free space left by AM's unbalanced formation. CDM receives and plays it on to Velox who has drifted inside to the center of the pitch. The AML moves to challenge, but Velox senses the pressure and slides the ball forward quickly to AMR Munchakoopa. Seeing the space open on the far right flank, Munchakoopa controls, turns wide, and attacks up the right side, inching closer to the touch line. Velox follows the run, occupying the open half space that Munchakoopa left open by straying out wide. Munchakoopa slows and passes back to Velox, who follows the ball's momentum into the middle of the field. He sees the progressing options are marked tightly and so plays the safe ball back to the CDM to reset the AM formation, hoping to find more space between them on the next buildup. The ball recycles all the way back to the CBs, who play back and forth until the AM side inflates to challenge. And as soon as they do, the CB sees the space for Velox to make a cut inside and plays the ball for him to run onto. Velox receives, but is forced to bounce the ball back outside. The attacking PR players all drift towards the center of the 18, leaving poor Velox to fend for himself against two AM defenders. With no help, he turns and is forced to play a long ball back to the CB. But because he hits it with his weak foot, the AM ST is able to challenge the ball. But luckily, the contested ball falls to the feet of Bittner, who turns and tries to take advantage of the quick changes. Bittner plays the ball in quickly to Thunder, who receives the ball well under high pressure at the edge of the 18. Finding an inch of space and his right foot available, he tries a shot, but it sails over the crossbar. Goal kick to AM.
HT - PR is up 1-0 with 8 shots (1 on target), 0.61 xG, and 53% possession. AM has 2 shots, both on target, for 0.21 xG. No subs.
46' - The second half begins. AM plays the ball back to their back line to start their buildup. They bobble the ball around until they find some space on the right side to play into. PR is uncharacteristically playing a loose press, allowing AM time to try to pierce their structured formation. The roaming AM ST sees some space on the right side at the border of their attacking third and runs into it. The RB plays the ball to him, forcing PR to respond. They close down on the lonesome striker, forcing him to play the ball backwards to the AM AMR who is unhelpfully only a few yards away. PR recovers and begins to restructure. AM plays a sideways pass and takes advantage of the flinch they caused for PR and makes a pass up to the ST, who has found some space a little further up the field, behind the PR CDM who stepped up to help with the first piercing pass. But again, because of the defensive shape of the AM formation, the only help the AM ST sees is the CM, who is unhelpfully still in the middle third. The other PR CDM closes in and AM plays it back to the defensive line. They are trying to cut through, and even have had a couple decent passes, but they don't have the help they need to take the next step after cutting through.
51' - One of the PR CBs catches a cleared ball at the midfield line. He looks up the right side of the field where the attacking play had just broken down and decides to begin switching flanks. He passes the ball to CDM Bittner in the middle. The ball goes backwards to the other PR CB and now the formations are reset to the center of the pitch. The ball probes up to the CDM, who turns, senses pressure, but sees an overlapping Velox streaking up the right side into space. He plays a nice ball in front of Velox. Velox brings the ball up to the edge of the 18 yard box before he is challenged. He notices the rare numbers advantage that PR has in front of goal since the AMR Munchakoopa has run inside to give Velox space. He sends in a low cross. Munchakoopa stabs and misses. The AM CB tries to anticipate Munchakoopa's touch and misses the cross, too. Crashing AML Thomas Thunder finds the ball rolling perfectly towards his strong foot 8 yards in front of the goal. Automatic. Goal for PR! 2-0.
53' - PR throw-in on the right side. Velox throws it in and the ball finds its way to Bittner in the middle. He sees open space in front of him and dribbles the ball forward towards the top-center of the 18. The attacking players start their runs. The defenders move with them. And the PR LB dashes up the left flank. Bittner finds him with a lawn of space in front of him. He takes a dribble towards goal before a challenger approaches. Rather than trying pass in front of the goal, The PR LB tries one himself. But the AM GK gets his hand on it and parries it sky high and over the crossbar.
54' - PR has a left side corner. Three attackers are waiting to run at the near post, one is sitting on the penalty spot, and another marks the far post. One of the PR CBs wins the aerial battle, but can't keep the headed shot down. It floats over the crossbar. Goal kick to AM.
55' - PR throw-in on the left side of their attacking third. The only help available is Bittner a few yards back. The PR LB tosses it to Bittner who returns the ball. No AM defender is anywhere close. He takes a touch into space and then sends a floated cross to the far post. The ball curls too much and drifts outside of the 6 yard box. But AMR Munchakoopa adjusts his position in time to win the header. He headed it towards goal at a sharper angle than he wanted to and the ball hits the side netting. Goal kick to AM.
66' - The ball is ricocheted out of the AM box to the feet of a PR CDM. AM relaxes out of its defensive shape and moves forward to challenge the ball. Bittner makes a run forward and receives the ball. He sees Cheeseburger moving towards a run and decides that a floated cross might work. But the cross wasn't far enough ahead of Cheeseburger or behind the back line. The AM CB sends it out with his head. Munchakoopa finds the redirected ball on the right elbow of the 18. The AM LB is right on his back, not allowing him to turn towards goal. Munchakoopa passes the ball back to Velox and then makes a cut inside. Velox sees the idea and plays the 1-2 right back to Munchakoopa, who now has space in front of him, leaving the marking LB in the dust. Munchakoopa tries a shot, but the AM CB stepped up in time to block. It falls right back to Munchakoopa who tries again, but is off balance, sending the ball to the moon. Goal kick to AM.
67' - PR threatens a high press on an AM goal kick, but the GK plays it to a CB anyways. AM breaks the press well and zig zags passes all the way into PR's half. But when the ball finally makes it to the ST, he is forced to dribble or else undo all the work of progression they just made. He overhits the dribble and the PR CB intercepts the dribble. He cycles the ball to the middle of the back line where the PR buildup can begin. PR connects up to the AML, but find their path blocked. The PR attacking fullback boots the ball back to the CB to try the other side. He plays it up to the CDM, they find Bittner still in space on the left with a large hole for the PR LB to run into. PR connects the pass to the LB now striding towards the 18. The AM RB tries to steer him to the flag, but the PR LB cuts inside and puts the AM RB on the outside. At the edge of the 18, he floats a cross to the far post. Cheeseburger is there. He leaps and wins the aerial battle, landing a controlled headed shot towards the far post. He beats the keeper, but the ball bounces off the top of the crossbar and rolls over. Goal kick to AM.
68' - PR again threatens a high press on an AM goal kick. The GK plays it to the CB again anyways. Similarly, they bobble the ball a bit and are able to break the press, making it all the way to their ST. Instead of trying to dribble this time, the ST plays it back to the CDM to keep possession. The CDM pushes the ball forward a few yards to the deep CM, who slides the ball to the opposite flank where there is room. PR adjusts, but are bunched up. AM sees this and looks to take advantage. But before they find a chance, the AM AML is double teamed and stripped of possession. Velox grabs the loose ball and races up the right side. There are not many PR attackers ready and crashing yet, but Velox tries an early cross anyways. He floats it in hopes that it gives PR offensive line enough time to catch up, but the AM CB heads it on where the AM RB finds it. AM buildup begins on the right side, but doesn't make it very far before it is intercepted by the PR LB. He quickly lays the ball off to the creative CDM Bittner who plays the ball up the field to the PR AMC who has made a vertical cut up the side of the 18. He receives it, holds it up, and then plays a slow ball to the PR LB on the elbow. He sends in a floated cross to the fat post where Cheeseburger awaits. He bounds skyward and domes the ball even further skyward. Goal kick to AM.
80' - AM prepares an outswinging corner from the right side. It is sent to the near side, but a crowd of dark shirts claims the position and heads the ball away from danger. A PR CB runs onto the ball and starts the counter attack. He looks up and sees a large lawn of green in front of him and the PR AMC way up ahead. He tries to lead him away from the two AM defenders that stayed back, but a bad pass sees AM recover possession. They try to move the ball quickly forward, hoping to catch PR on their heels after running forward on the counter. But the PR LB and AML Thunder trigger a double team at an opportune time and take possession back. The ball cycles quickly back to the CBs to claim the possession and give PR the best looks of a way forward. Instead of allowing time for the formation to restructure, they immediately begin probing progressive passes, trying to pull the AM defenders forward to give one of the pacey PR wingers a chance for a long ball. Thunder drops deep to receive a probe, dragging the AM RB with him. He slides it into the middle for the visionary Bittner, who sees the open space and the PR LB chomping at the bit to be played in behind. He hits a floated through ball over the top of the helpless, over-committed AM RB to a streaking PR LB. He traps the ball professionally and races up the left side. He drifts inside to cut off the recovering AM RB and then hits a cross right as the AM CB steps up to challenge. The cross deflects off the AM CB and falls fortunately to the feet of the PR AM at the top of the 18. He has a clear shooting lane, but not for long. He tries a first time shot, but launches it far wide of the far post. Goal kick to AM.
83' - PR throw in on the left side just shy of the midfield line. It is played safely to the feet of a dark shirt, who moves the ball back to the central CB. He sees space on the right side, so slides the ball over to RB Velox. While AM is adjusting across the field, he hits the ball forward to Munchakoopa who approaches with the ball up to the right elbow of the box. Velox is trailing, so Munchakoopa cuts inside parallel to the 18 line. He sees the PR AMC open in the middle who could act as a pivot to the crashing AML Thunder and the ST Cheeseburger, so he hits a cross up for him to claim. The AMC knocks the ball forward, but with too much force. The AM GK easily claims the ball. He patiently holds until his side is ready for their buildup, then rolls the ball out to the CB. PR spring their press like they have been doing all game. The ball falls to the AM CDM who has no choice but to try a long ball to one of the wingers. But he misjudges the speed of Velox, who dashes forward and intercepts the long pass. He uses his momentum to bring the ball up the field unmarked. Once the AM LB begins to mark him, he threatens cutting inside whcih makes room for him to bring the ball outside. Because of the chaos, the defense is unsure who to mark. Velox baits a double team, then sends the ball in to the center of the box. The PR AMC leaps up and heads the ball on target...right at the keeper, who catches it easily.
85' - PR throw in on the right side just past the midfield line. The ball is played up the line, but AM is able to swarm and quickly dispossess the PR AM who received the ball. AM cycles the ball around the back square of CBs and CDMs, eventually probing a progressive pass. But PR defense presses and shuts down the probing pass, forcing them to recycle the ball to the AM back line. Their next probe goes up the right side to the AMR, but the physical challenge of PR LB keeps the AM AMR from trapping the ball. PR wins possession and quickly moves the ball up the left attacking side. Thunder races down the left sideline, dragging two defenders with him. He stops, cuts back, and hits a floated cross to the far post, where ST Cheeseburger is waiting. He leaps, wins the header, but sends it over the bar. Goal kick to AM.
89' - PR throw in on the left side in their defensive third. This is not a position to try for a chance at goal, so the throw goes backward to the CB in order to safely retain possession. The ball moves across the middle of the field and then forward to the CDM. AM had been too far adjusted to their right for the throw in, so there was plenty of space on the right side for PR. As AM slides back over to the middle, the PR CDM finds a gap and sends a long ball up to the AMC, who quickly moves it forward to Cheeseburger. He drops to receive, turns the ball out, and plays it off to the advancing LB. As Cheeseburger moves back to his position, the LB gives the ball to their creator Bittner who hits a long ball up for AML Thunder to run onto after beating his marker in a footrace. Unfortunately, the AM defender muscles in front of Thunder before he can get in front and boxes him away from the ball, allowing him to intercept although close to his own byline. As soon as he gets to the ball, he turns and clears to try to get the ball away from a dangerous position. But the PR dark shirts react quickly and win the header, dropping the ball to the feet of Munchakoopa who came to help. Munchakoopa runs with the momentum of the ball across the 18 yard line to the far left side. Rather than try to play Thunder through, he plays it back to the PR LB and tries to get back into position on the right. For a reason I cannot quite comprehend, the PR LB plays a first touch towards the closest defender, then tries a 27 yard weak foot shot through traffic. The ball bounced off a fan in Row W. Goal kick to AM.
90+1' - PR throw in on the left side at the edge of their attacking third. The ball falls easily to the feet of Bittner who swings the ball across the middle to the high block CB. The PR LB who threw the ball in stayed high on the left side and was unnoticed. The CB found him with a long ball back up the left side. Seeing an opportune crash for the attacking players, he launch an early cross to the far post. Munchakoopa was in a great position as he ran and leapt onto the ball. Unfortunately, he sent the ball over the net and out of play. Goal kick to AM.
FT - PR wins 2-0 with 23 shots (4 on target), 2.38 xG, and 44% possession. AM did not manage a single shot in the second half, so they finished the same as HT with 2 shots both on target for 0.21 xG. However, they did boast an impressive 624 passes completed.
![[Image: Screenshot_2026-06-27_at_14.00.05.png?ex...af26e093e6]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/991187556832129084/1520504047373652008/Screenshot_2026-06-27_at_14.00.05.png?ex=6a416f3e&is=6a401dbe&hm=1deb5e481a500efbb521cdf23266ab7fea2dec126dadbdc2b635bbaf26e093e6)
Player of the Match
FM gave the POTM to the PR LB on a 9.2 game rating with 0.2 xG and 1 CCC, but my POTM was PR RB Max Velox with a game rating of 8.6, 0.0 xG, 1 assist, and 3 CCC. Everytime Velox was a part of a highlight, it felt like magic was happening.
I hope you enjoyed reading back over the magical first game for Port Royal. Watch for this Caribbean team at the top of the table!
The Formation
There's nothing like a fresh cup of coffee to really get your day started, and nothing like a 4231 to start a season. In order to take advantage of our quality players, Port Royal assigns roles to try to make sure everyone has a piece of the offensive buildup. AML Thunder is on Attack duty to bring him inside the box, but Munchakoopa is on Support duty. This is so that Velox, operating on Attack, has room in the wide space of the attacking third to make dribbles up the touchline and play crosses in. The CDM Bittner is set to roam in the hopes that they are able to cut out a killer ball to one of the cutting IFs. Shoot, even the GK is set to Sweeper Keeper on Support! All-in-all, this formation is set up to really shine a light on the non-legend players. Well done, @Riipsaw for creatively figuring that out.
The Opposition
The all-legend team lines up in a non-traditional 4213. Personally, I've never really found this formation to perform well, particularly in connecting the midfield into the attacking third as well as keeping a high press. There just seems to be a giant lack of bodies and control over the central midfield. The only way I can see this working is with a False 9 striker and a Mezzala center mid. However, these are bots, and bots are dumb lol.
The Match
Kickoff - Port Royal (PR) starts the first half with the ball. The lone striker boots it back to the CDM Bittner who then patiently plays it back to the CB. Rather than attack right into the opposing half, Port Royal opts to wait and let Athletico Medellin (AM) stretch themselves out in a press first, giving them more room to make their progressing passes. For the first 30 seconds, the PR back line plays testing passes to their pivots in the midfield, but AM's mid block engages to force the immediate return. Still, only the AM striker is really engaging in a high press so far. Despite the baiting, AM isn't biting. Well done on sticking to your gameplan while still in the first minute of the match. Eventually, the pressure convinces the PR CB to clear it into the opponent's half, where an AM player heads it down to a teammate. The first possession is lost.
4' - PR wins a throw-in off the left side. A pass down the line opens up the AM midfield for the receiving player to make a nice pass into the central area, where a PR CB controls it with lots of space to make a progressive pass. AML Thomas Thunder makes a cut parallel to the back line into space. The CB sees the run and plays the ball up to Thunder, about 25 yards out. Thunder plays a one touch to the cutting AMR Munchakoopa, who blasts a first time shot over the goal. Unfortunately, Munchakoopa mistimed his run and was whistled offside. AM wins a free kick in their own box.
19' - We pick up again late into the 19th minute. A PR CDM has the ball around the midfield line. AM is holding fast to their low block, as he is not being challenged on the ball at all. The PR LB makes an inside cut, catching his marker off guard. The CDM finds him and he dribbles the ball 10 yards before playing the ball to the AMR Munchakoopa, who has drifted inside to take the space left by the AM CDM rushing out to challenge the dribbler. But the AM LB is marking Munchakoopa closely and challenges him as he receives the ball, ultimately knocking the ball out of Munchakoopa's possession and into the feet of the AM CM...who traps, turns, and boots his chance for a counter to the PR left flag. :shrug: The PR LB runs to catch the clearance before it goes out of play and plays it back into the center as the AM ST arrives to press. Now it looks like the AM side has decided to high press, as even the CDMs have run into the PR half after the clearance. However, as noted above in talking about AM's formation, there is no one in the middle of the field and the CB turns and plays the ball to a PR CDM...who whiffs his first touch. The ball rolls slowly past him and the AM AMR is free to "intercept" the ball and put it in the middle for the CM to bring it up. The AM CM is only at the midfield line decides that this is a good chance for a counter, so plays it quickly back to the AML. The AML one touches it on the ground right in between the PR CBs. The AM ST is sitting on the shoulder of one of the CBs waiting for his opportunity. The PR CB thought he was doing a good job and marking tightly, but now, sees that the ST was simply waiting for the right time to make a run. The AM ST receives the ball by himself in an extremely advantageous area. But the defense is crashing around them, so they try a first time shot 12 yards out that the GK is able to parry above the goal. AM wins a corner on the right.
20' - AM send in an inswinging corner from the right side to the near post, but PR ST Cheeseburger heads it away. An AM player finds the ball and plays it back to the corner taker, but he never got onside after taking the corner. Free kick to PR.
34' - AM has a defensive throw in. They play it safe and toss it back to the LB, who then passes the ball into the open middle of their own half. The ball bobbles between the squished AM midfield before eventually finding its way back to the AM LB. PR is pressing high and causing AM trouble with progression. Eventually, the AM side is tired of trying to break through and boots it across the field where the PR LB fields it. He brings the ball forward into space and hands it off to the pivot Bittner. Pressure forces Bittner to play the ball back to a PR CB. The PR back line pokes up the left side a couple times to no avail, eventually switching flanks to let their star RB Velox have a try. Velox's pace and dribbling give him the advantage and he streaks up the right side with the ball at his feet all the way until 20 yards from the byline. He is cornered and is forced to play the ball off. Thankfully, the roaming playmaker Bittner has followed him into the half space to give Velox an outlet. Bittner receives the ball at the elbow of the box. Velox tries to find open space, but instead acts as a pick to Bittner's defender, allowing him to turn and find Munchakoopa making a parallel run along the 18 yard line. With space quickly being eaten up by swarming defenders, Munchakoopa tries a weak foot shot to the far post. The ball would have been far wide, but a deflection off the back of an AM CB makes the short tantalizingly close. The keeper was beat, but the ball inches past the far goalpost. Right side corner to PR.
35' - The PR RB lines up the corner. PR players crowd 10 yards off the near post, ready to make their runs. The ball floats to the near side of the 6 yard box, but an AM defender heads it away. The recovery player Bittner receives the clearance and walks it towards goal. AM players stay crowded in the 6 yard box marking the PR players that have lingered in dangerous positions...which gives the far side PR recovery player space to make a diagonal run directly at the penalty spot. Bittner sees and lays off a perfect rolling ball for the PR AM to try a first time shot. He has to get the ball through a web of multi-jerseyed traffic...and does exactly that. A shot into the bottom left corner of the goal means the GK can't change his momentum in time. PR scores the opening goal just over a third of the way through the match.
37' - We pick up just a minute later with PR AMR Munchakoopa striding with the ball towards the right side byline. One of the AM CDMs follows him out. Velox sees the open half space on the elbow and rushes. But Munchakoopa doesn't lead him enough. The AM LB catches up to Velox before he receives the pass and pushes the ball back to a defender. Seeing the swarm of dark jerseys around them, the AM player clears the ball. The PR CB receives and plays back up the right side to Velox. Again showcasing his speed, Velox dribbles past the marking AM AML and creates enough space for him to put in a leading cross right in the middle of the box. Cheeseburger leaps up over the defender, but can't keep the headed shot down. Goal kick to AM.
39' - PR has a free kick at their own left elbow. AM is cautiously showing a high press. The PR CB plays the ball to the line where the LB one touches it inside into the free space left by AM's unbalanced formation. CDM receives and plays it on to Velox who has drifted inside to the center of the pitch. The AML moves to challenge, but Velox senses the pressure and slides the ball forward quickly to AMR Munchakoopa. Seeing the space open on the far right flank, Munchakoopa controls, turns wide, and attacks up the right side, inching closer to the touch line. Velox follows the run, occupying the open half space that Munchakoopa left open by straying out wide. Munchakoopa slows and passes back to Velox, who follows the ball's momentum into the middle of the field. He sees the progressing options are marked tightly and so plays the safe ball back to the CDM to reset the AM formation, hoping to find more space between them on the next buildup. The ball recycles all the way back to the CBs, who play back and forth until the AM side inflates to challenge. And as soon as they do, the CB sees the space for Velox to make a cut inside and plays the ball for him to run onto. Velox receives, but is forced to bounce the ball back outside. The attacking PR players all drift towards the center of the 18, leaving poor Velox to fend for himself against two AM defenders. With no help, he turns and is forced to play a long ball back to the CB. But because he hits it with his weak foot, the AM ST is able to challenge the ball. But luckily, the contested ball falls to the feet of Bittner, who turns and tries to take advantage of the quick changes. Bittner plays the ball in quickly to Thunder, who receives the ball well under high pressure at the edge of the 18. Finding an inch of space and his right foot available, he tries a shot, but it sails over the crossbar. Goal kick to AM.
HT - PR is up 1-0 with 8 shots (1 on target), 0.61 xG, and 53% possession. AM has 2 shots, both on target, for 0.21 xG. No subs.
46' - The second half begins. AM plays the ball back to their back line to start their buildup. They bobble the ball around until they find some space on the right side to play into. PR is uncharacteristically playing a loose press, allowing AM time to try to pierce their structured formation. The roaming AM ST sees some space on the right side at the border of their attacking third and runs into it. The RB plays the ball to him, forcing PR to respond. They close down on the lonesome striker, forcing him to play the ball backwards to the AM AMR who is unhelpfully only a few yards away. PR recovers and begins to restructure. AM plays a sideways pass and takes advantage of the flinch they caused for PR and makes a pass up to the ST, who has found some space a little further up the field, behind the PR CDM who stepped up to help with the first piercing pass. But again, because of the defensive shape of the AM formation, the only help the AM ST sees is the CM, who is unhelpfully still in the middle third. The other PR CDM closes in and AM plays it back to the defensive line. They are trying to cut through, and even have had a couple decent passes, but they don't have the help they need to take the next step after cutting through.
51' - One of the PR CBs catches a cleared ball at the midfield line. He looks up the right side of the field where the attacking play had just broken down and decides to begin switching flanks. He passes the ball to CDM Bittner in the middle. The ball goes backwards to the other PR CB and now the formations are reset to the center of the pitch. The ball probes up to the CDM, who turns, senses pressure, but sees an overlapping Velox streaking up the right side into space. He plays a nice ball in front of Velox. Velox brings the ball up to the edge of the 18 yard box before he is challenged. He notices the rare numbers advantage that PR has in front of goal since the AMR Munchakoopa has run inside to give Velox space. He sends in a low cross. Munchakoopa stabs and misses. The AM CB tries to anticipate Munchakoopa's touch and misses the cross, too. Crashing AML Thomas Thunder finds the ball rolling perfectly towards his strong foot 8 yards in front of the goal. Automatic. Goal for PR! 2-0.
53' - PR throw-in on the right side. Velox throws it in and the ball finds its way to Bittner in the middle. He sees open space in front of him and dribbles the ball forward towards the top-center of the 18. The attacking players start their runs. The defenders move with them. And the PR LB dashes up the left flank. Bittner finds him with a lawn of space in front of him. He takes a dribble towards goal before a challenger approaches. Rather than trying pass in front of the goal, The PR LB tries one himself. But the AM GK gets his hand on it and parries it sky high and over the crossbar.
54' - PR has a left side corner. Three attackers are waiting to run at the near post, one is sitting on the penalty spot, and another marks the far post. One of the PR CBs wins the aerial battle, but can't keep the headed shot down. It floats over the crossbar. Goal kick to AM.
55' - PR throw-in on the left side of their attacking third. The only help available is Bittner a few yards back. The PR LB tosses it to Bittner who returns the ball. No AM defender is anywhere close. He takes a touch into space and then sends a floated cross to the far post. The ball curls too much and drifts outside of the 6 yard box. But AMR Munchakoopa adjusts his position in time to win the header. He headed it towards goal at a sharper angle than he wanted to and the ball hits the side netting. Goal kick to AM.
66' - The ball is ricocheted out of the AM box to the feet of a PR CDM. AM relaxes out of its defensive shape and moves forward to challenge the ball. Bittner makes a run forward and receives the ball. He sees Cheeseburger moving towards a run and decides that a floated cross might work. But the cross wasn't far enough ahead of Cheeseburger or behind the back line. The AM CB sends it out with his head. Munchakoopa finds the redirected ball on the right elbow of the 18. The AM LB is right on his back, not allowing him to turn towards goal. Munchakoopa passes the ball back to Velox and then makes a cut inside. Velox sees the idea and plays the 1-2 right back to Munchakoopa, who now has space in front of him, leaving the marking LB in the dust. Munchakoopa tries a shot, but the AM CB stepped up in time to block. It falls right back to Munchakoopa who tries again, but is off balance, sending the ball to the moon. Goal kick to AM.
67' - PR threatens a high press on an AM goal kick, but the GK plays it to a CB anyways. AM breaks the press well and zig zags passes all the way into PR's half. But when the ball finally makes it to the ST, he is forced to dribble or else undo all the work of progression they just made. He overhits the dribble and the PR CB intercepts the dribble. He cycles the ball to the middle of the back line where the PR buildup can begin. PR connects up to the AML, but find their path blocked. The PR attacking fullback boots the ball back to the CB to try the other side. He plays it up to the CDM, they find Bittner still in space on the left with a large hole for the PR LB to run into. PR connects the pass to the LB now striding towards the 18. The AM RB tries to steer him to the flag, but the PR LB cuts inside and puts the AM RB on the outside. At the edge of the 18, he floats a cross to the far post. Cheeseburger is there. He leaps and wins the aerial battle, landing a controlled headed shot towards the far post. He beats the keeper, but the ball bounces off the top of the crossbar and rolls over. Goal kick to AM.
68' - PR again threatens a high press on an AM goal kick. The GK plays it to the CB again anyways. Similarly, they bobble the ball a bit and are able to break the press, making it all the way to their ST. Instead of trying to dribble this time, the ST plays it back to the CDM to keep possession. The CDM pushes the ball forward a few yards to the deep CM, who slides the ball to the opposite flank where there is room. PR adjusts, but are bunched up. AM sees this and looks to take advantage. But before they find a chance, the AM AML is double teamed and stripped of possession. Velox grabs the loose ball and races up the right side. There are not many PR attackers ready and crashing yet, but Velox tries an early cross anyways. He floats it in hopes that it gives PR offensive line enough time to catch up, but the AM CB heads it on where the AM RB finds it. AM buildup begins on the right side, but doesn't make it very far before it is intercepted by the PR LB. He quickly lays the ball off to the creative CDM Bittner who plays the ball up the field to the PR AMC who has made a vertical cut up the side of the 18. He receives it, holds it up, and then plays a slow ball to the PR LB on the elbow. He sends in a floated cross to the fat post where Cheeseburger awaits. He bounds skyward and domes the ball even further skyward. Goal kick to AM.
80' - AM prepares an outswinging corner from the right side. It is sent to the near side, but a crowd of dark shirts claims the position and heads the ball away from danger. A PR CB runs onto the ball and starts the counter attack. He looks up and sees a large lawn of green in front of him and the PR AMC way up ahead. He tries to lead him away from the two AM defenders that stayed back, but a bad pass sees AM recover possession. They try to move the ball quickly forward, hoping to catch PR on their heels after running forward on the counter. But the PR LB and AML Thunder trigger a double team at an opportune time and take possession back. The ball cycles quickly back to the CBs to claim the possession and give PR the best looks of a way forward. Instead of allowing time for the formation to restructure, they immediately begin probing progressive passes, trying to pull the AM defenders forward to give one of the pacey PR wingers a chance for a long ball. Thunder drops deep to receive a probe, dragging the AM RB with him. He slides it into the middle for the visionary Bittner, who sees the open space and the PR LB chomping at the bit to be played in behind. He hits a floated through ball over the top of the helpless, over-committed AM RB to a streaking PR LB. He traps the ball professionally and races up the left side. He drifts inside to cut off the recovering AM RB and then hits a cross right as the AM CB steps up to challenge. The cross deflects off the AM CB and falls fortunately to the feet of the PR AM at the top of the 18. He has a clear shooting lane, but not for long. He tries a first time shot, but launches it far wide of the far post. Goal kick to AM.
83' - PR throw in on the left side just shy of the midfield line. It is played safely to the feet of a dark shirt, who moves the ball back to the central CB. He sees space on the right side, so slides the ball over to RB Velox. While AM is adjusting across the field, he hits the ball forward to Munchakoopa who approaches with the ball up to the right elbow of the box. Velox is trailing, so Munchakoopa cuts inside parallel to the 18 line. He sees the PR AMC open in the middle who could act as a pivot to the crashing AML Thunder and the ST Cheeseburger, so he hits a cross up for him to claim. The AMC knocks the ball forward, but with too much force. The AM GK easily claims the ball. He patiently holds until his side is ready for their buildup, then rolls the ball out to the CB. PR spring their press like they have been doing all game. The ball falls to the AM CDM who has no choice but to try a long ball to one of the wingers. But he misjudges the speed of Velox, who dashes forward and intercepts the long pass. He uses his momentum to bring the ball up the field unmarked. Once the AM LB begins to mark him, he threatens cutting inside whcih makes room for him to bring the ball outside. Because of the chaos, the defense is unsure who to mark. Velox baits a double team, then sends the ball in to the center of the box. The PR AMC leaps up and heads the ball on target...right at the keeper, who catches it easily.
85' - PR throw in on the right side just past the midfield line. The ball is played up the line, but AM is able to swarm and quickly dispossess the PR AM who received the ball. AM cycles the ball around the back square of CBs and CDMs, eventually probing a progressive pass. But PR defense presses and shuts down the probing pass, forcing them to recycle the ball to the AM back line. Their next probe goes up the right side to the AMR, but the physical challenge of PR LB keeps the AM AMR from trapping the ball. PR wins possession and quickly moves the ball up the left attacking side. Thunder races down the left sideline, dragging two defenders with him. He stops, cuts back, and hits a floated cross to the far post, where ST Cheeseburger is waiting. He leaps, wins the header, but sends it over the bar. Goal kick to AM.
89' - PR throw in on the left side in their defensive third. This is not a position to try for a chance at goal, so the throw goes backward to the CB in order to safely retain possession. The ball moves across the middle of the field and then forward to the CDM. AM had been too far adjusted to their right for the throw in, so there was plenty of space on the right side for PR. As AM slides back over to the middle, the PR CDM finds a gap and sends a long ball up to the AMC, who quickly moves it forward to Cheeseburger. He drops to receive, turns the ball out, and plays it off to the advancing LB. As Cheeseburger moves back to his position, the LB gives the ball to their creator Bittner who hits a long ball up for AML Thunder to run onto after beating his marker in a footrace. Unfortunately, the AM defender muscles in front of Thunder before he can get in front and boxes him away from the ball, allowing him to intercept although close to his own byline. As soon as he gets to the ball, he turns and clears to try to get the ball away from a dangerous position. But the PR dark shirts react quickly and win the header, dropping the ball to the feet of Munchakoopa who came to help. Munchakoopa runs with the momentum of the ball across the 18 yard line to the far left side. Rather than try to play Thunder through, he plays it back to the PR LB and tries to get back into position on the right. For a reason I cannot quite comprehend, the PR LB plays a first touch towards the closest defender, then tries a 27 yard weak foot shot through traffic. The ball bounced off a fan in Row W. Goal kick to AM.
90+1' - PR throw in on the left side at the edge of their attacking third. The ball falls easily to the feet of Bittner who swings the ball across the middle to the high block CB. The PR LB who threw the ball in stayed high on the left side and was unnoticed. The CB found him with a long ball back up the left side. Seeing an opportune crash for the attacking players, he launch an early cross to the far post. Munchakoopa was in a great position as he ran and leapt onto the ball. Unfortunately, he sent the ball over the net and out of play. Goal kick to AM.
FT - PR wins 2-0 with 23 shots (4 on target), 2.38 xG, and 44% possession. AM did not manage a single shot in the second half, so they finished the same as HT with 2 shots both on target for 0.21 xG. However, they did boast an impressive 624 passes completed.
Player of the Match
FM gave the POTM to the PR LB on a 9.2 game rating with 0.2 xG and 1 CCC, but my POTM was PR RB Max Velox with a game rating of 8.6, 0.0 xG, 1 assist, and 3 CCC. Everytime Velox was a part of a highlight, it felt like magic was happening.
I hope you enjoyed reading back over the magical first game for Port Royal. Watch for this Caribbean team at the top of the table!
