<![CDATA[Simulation Soccer League

<![CDATA[Simulation Soccer League - Articles]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 03:53:21 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Rova's season so far]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10799 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:39:18 +0100 DarkViper2]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10799
Rova had a bye in MD1, so their first game wasn't until the SSL Cup Qualifying Round where they faced Xelajú Cósmico FC, talk about getting a bit of an unlucky draw because XCFC is competing in major D2. I was hoping the Rova could at least be competitive and try to get the upset. XCFC won the game 3-0 and Rova just couldn't get into the game. They were out shot 9-23 and only 2 of Rova's shots were on target. It does suck to get knocked out of the SSL Cup early, it's at least a learning experience for next season

Rova's first match outside of the SSL Cup occurred on ND 2 of the regular season where they faced off against North Shore United. Rova fought hard in the first half and trailed 1-0 at the half. 6 minutes into the 2nd half, rookie CAM Scott Newman scored his first career goal with Rova and it was a big one too because it was the equalizer. Unfortunately, North Shore scored 2 unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead. While Rova got Pauile Wag to record an own goal in the 88th minute, it wasn't enough as Rova lost 2-3 to start the season. Rova was out shot 22-17, so they were in it most of the way

Rova's next match was against Kaapstad FC and oh boy this was a nail biter for Rova. They fell behind 1-0 early thanks to a goal from Dante Von Wolfe and that was the score at the half. Rova trailed most of the 2nd half until the 90+4' mark in the 2nd half. The official blew the whistle for a penalty on Kaapstad and a VAR check up held the penalty. Hans Grundar had a chance to be the hero in Rova's 11th hour and he delivered. Duncan Walrusson went right and Grudnar went left, scoring the late equalizer. Rova was out shot 18-8 in this one and came away with a highway robbery of a point in this one

For MD4, Rova faced off against Montréal Untied and lost 2-0. Montréal scored first in the 25th minute off a penalty and added one more in the 68th minute. This one stings a lot because Rova had chances to score, but got FM'd as 2 of their goals that were scored were removed and they hit the post at times. This is a game that should've been a draw at least because of the misses chances. The stats do reflect how Rova played in this one as they were out shot 16-12

Rova's most recent match was against Rapid Magyar SC. Rova was able to keep up most of the first half and they cracked late in the 1st half. A goal from Dr. Squid off a set peice in the 39th minute and another goal from Greg Evil in the 45th minute means that Rova find themselves trailing 2-0 at the half. 4 games into the season and Rova has yet to either be tied or lead at the half. Rova did have chances to score but couldn't find the back of the net. Rova played much better in the 2nd half and put Magyar under some serious pressure. Rova got on the board in the 76th minute with Damian DeSoto deflecting Jack Pow's shot into the net for an own goal and 5 minutes later, Pow tied the game up. Rova had chances to get the win win late, but Corey Stevens kept making huge saves to keep the score at 2-2. I'm sure Rova's a little mad knowing that they could've snatch the win late to steal 3 points and that would've moved them up to 6th in the table

I would love to see Rova get some wins in the final 10 games and move out of the potential relegation spots. As things stand they would automatically be relegated to D2]]>
Rova had a bye in MD1, so their first game wasn't until the SSL Cup Qualifying Round where they faced Xelajú Cósmico FC, talk about getting a bit of an unlucky draw because XCFC is competing in major D2. I was hoping the Rova could at least be competitive and try to get the upset. XCFC won the game 3-0 and Rova just couldn't get into the game. They were out shot 9-23 and only 2 of Rova's shots were on target. It does suck to get knocked out of the SSL Cup early, it's at least a learning experience for next season

Rova's first match outside of the SSL Cup occurred on ND 2 of the regular season where they faced off against North Shore United. Rova fought hard in the first half and trailed 1-0 at the half. 6 minutes into the 2nd half, rookie CAM Scott Newman scored his first career goal with Rova and it was a big one too because it was the equalizer. Unfortunately, North Shore scored 2 unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead. While Rova got Pauile Wag to record an own goal in the 88th minute, it wasn't enough as Rova lost 2-3 to start the season. Rova was out shot 22-17, so they were in it most of the way

Rova's next match was against Kaapstad FC and oh boy this was a nail biter for Rova. They fell behind 1-0 early thanks to a goal from Dante Von Wolfe and that was the score at the half. Rova trailed most of the 2nd half until the 90+4' mark in the 2nd half. The official blew the whistle for a penalty on Kaapstad and a VAR check up held the penalty. Hans Grundar had a chance to be the hero in Rova's 11th hour and he delivered. Duncan Walrusson went right and Grudnar went left, scoring the late equalizer. Rova was out shot 18-8 in this one and came away with a highway robbery of a point in this one

For MD4, Rova faced off against Montréal Untied and lost 2-0. Montréal scored first in the 25th minute off a penalty and added one more in the 68th minute. This one stings a lot because Rova had chances to score, but got FM'd as 2 of their goals that were scored were removed and they hit the post at times. This is a game that should've been a draw at least because of the misses chances. The stats do reflect how Rova played in this one as they were out shot 16-12

Rova's most recent match was against Rapid Magyar SC. Rova was able to keep up most of the first half and they cracked late in the 1st half. A goal from Dr. Squid off a set peice in the 39th minute and another goal from Greg Evil in the 45th minute means that Rova find themselves trailing 2-0 at the half. 4 games into the season and Rova has yet to either be tied or lead at the half. Rova did have chances to score but couldn't find the back of the net. Rova played much better in the 2nd half and put Magyar under some serious pressure. Rova got on the board in the 76th minute with Damian DeSoto deflecting Jack Pow's shot into the net for an own goal and 5 minutes later, Pow tied the game up. Rova had chances to get the win win late, but Corey Stevens kept making huge saves to keep the score at 2-2. I'm sure Rova's a little mad knowing that they could've snatch the win late to steal 3 points and that would've moved them up to 6th in the table

I would love to see Rova get some wins in the final 10 games and move out of the potential relegation spots. As things stand they would automatically be relegated to D2]]> <![CDATA[Ekon's Idols (Part 6)]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10763 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:17:08 +0100 rrf_1]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10763

Carmen Estrella
“Dr. Estrella” – Born in Trujillo, Peru
My geology professor at Universidad de Granada

My favorite professor at university was Dr. Estrella. Recently relocated to Granada at the time, she was a visiting professor teaching a special elective in field geology, and I was quick to enroll. Dr. Estrella really strengthened my enthusiasm for the subject and facilitated several class trips across Spain, the destinations including the sedimentary cliffs of the Basque coast, the karst rock formations in Andalusia, and the volcanic-cratered terrain on Lanzarote not far from my hometown. Her specialization was geomorphology, a study of why landscapes look the way they do with a particular fascination with volcanic eruptions, landslides, erosion, uplift, and tectonic collisions that create and destroy land in dramatic fashion. Earth’s most violent forces often create its most beautiful landscapes, and I really felt Dr. Estrella was that mantra’s closest subscriber.

She was one of those professors that was abundantly reasonable and hated traditional measures of academic success. She just wanted the classroom to engage with the topic without the burden of grades looming over the lesson. Of course she took the coursework seriously, but she didn’t make GPA the emotional focal point of university. As I progress along my professional football career, I become more and more convinced that approaching sports with this same emphasis on passion over metrics leads to more success in the long run. Growth in anything involves asking the questions, not answering them.

When I decided to take football more seriously in the middle of my geology program, Dr. Estrella was very encouraging, which differed substantially from the response of my other professors who saw sport solely as a distraction from my studies. Dr. Estrella was raised in Peru and taught there for 20 years, but early in her teaching career she took a pause of her own to pursue a passion in traditional dance performance. I think she saw my opportunity in football with similar excitement, making sure I didn’t get too sole-focused on one endeavor. “You don't owe the world only one version of yourself” was the advice she gave me, and it has stuck with me ever since. Even if football didn’t work out (which fortunately it has), Dr. Estrella also helped me realize that the pursuit of sport itself matters, not to be successful and famous, but to experience a challenge of a new disposition. For her, northern Peruvian dance in the coastal region around Trujillo emphasizes physical discipline, improvisation, and nonverbal communication, and it was a real obstacle improving in these skills, she told me. Along the way, she also practiced accepting criticism and handling failure in a healthy way. These experiences carried into life beyond her temporary dance career, and in a similar sense, I’ll be better off for trying to make it as a football player even If Cairo City decides to release me (after, admittedly, a rocky S27 start).

Off the field and outside of the classroom, I have maintained a strong relationship with Dr. Estrella over the years. She holds complicated feelings with relocating to Granada, often missing the traditions and landscapes of home, and we found kinship in that shared experience, even more now as I find myself in the fourth major relocation of my life. She also strongly believes that scientists have an obligation to communicate their discoveries to ordinary people rather than only to other professionals, and she understands that being smart doesn’t preclude you from being humble. When I started my nonprofit in educational outreach, she became a quick partner. Dr. Estrella may have taught me geology, but more importantly she taught me how to have coexisting passions that work for each other, not against each other.]]>

Carmen Estrella
“Dr. Estrella” – Born in Trujillo, Peru
My geology professor at Universidad de Granada

My favorite professor at university was Dr. Estrella. Recently relocated to Granada at the time, she was a visiting professor teaching a special elective in field geology, and I was quick to enroll. Dr. Estrella really strengthened my enthusiasm for the subject and facilitated several class trips across Spain, the destinations including the sedimentary cliffs of the Basque coast, the karst rock formations in Andalusia, and the volcanic-cratered terrain on Lanzarote not far from my hometown. Her specialization was geomorphology, a study of why landscapes look the way they do with a particular fascination with volcanic eruptions, landslides, erosion, uplift, and tectonic collisions that create and destroy land in dramatic fashion. Earth’s most violent forces often create its most beautiful landscapes, and I really felt Dr. Estrella was that mantra’s closest subscriber.

She was one of those professors that was abundantly reasonable and hated traditional measures of academic success. She just wanted the classroom to engage with the topic without the burden of grades looming over the lesson. Of course she took the coursework seriously, but she didn’t make GPA the emotional focal point of university. As I progress along my professional football career, I become more and more convinced that approaching sports with this same emphasis on passion over metrics leads to more success in the long run. Growth in anything involves asking the questions, not answering them.

When I decided to take football more seriously in the middle of my geology program, Dr. Estrella was very encouraging, which differed substantially from the response of my other professors who saw sport solely as a distraction from my studies. Dr. Estrella was raised in Peru and taught there for 20 years, but early in her teaching career she took a pause of her own to pursue a passion in traditional dance performance. I think she saw my opportunity in football with similar excitement, making sure I didn’t get too sole-focused on one endeavor. “You don't owe the world only one version of yourself” was the advice she gave me, and it has stuck with me ever since. Even if football didn’t work out (which fortunately it has), Dr. Estrella also helped me realize that the pursuit of sport itself matters, not to be successful and famous, but to experience a challenge of a new disposition. For her, northern Peruvian dance in the coastal region around Trujillo emphasizes physical discipline, improvisation, and nonverbal communication, and it was a real obstacle improving in these skills, she told me. Along the way, she also practiced accepting criticism and handling failure in a healthy way. These experiences carried into life beyond her temporary dance career, and in a similar sense, I’ll be better off for trying to make it as a football player even If Cairo City decides to release me (after, admittedly, a rocky S27 start).

Off the field and outside of the classroom, I have maintained a strong relationship with Dr. Estrella over the years. She holds complicated feelings with relocating to Granada, often missing the traditions and landscapes of home, and we found kinship in that shared experience, even more now as I find myself in the fourth major relocation of my life. She also strongly believes that scientists have an obligation to communicate their discoveries to ordinary people rather than only to other professionals, and she understands that being smart doesn’t preclude you from being humble. When I started my nonprofit in educational outreach, she became a quick partner. Dr. Estrella may have taught me geology, but more importantly she taught me how to have coexisting passions that work for each other, not against each other.]]> <![CDATA[Port Royal FC vs Victoria Falls Eagles]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10798 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:25:54 +0100 Squid]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10798
The first bit of the game is fairly uneventful, until the 14th minute where the ball finds it's way into the box to Anthony Privett, who taps it back to LEGEND Clamence, who is able to pick the far side and thread that one in for Victoria Falls. 1-0 lead for the Eagles just 14 minutes in.

In the 27th minute there is a bit of a midfield build up and LEGEND Mayhem is able to start up the counterattack, before dishing it to Stephen Eustaquisquid in the final third who is able to find new striker Super Luigi with a clean touch to bury what seems to be the tying goal. But no! The referee reviews the goal and it seems Luigi is just too eager and goes offside, the score remains 1-0 for Victoria Falls.

But the Port Royal faithful don't have to wait long for an answer to the VAR, as off a set piece Brickwall Buse takes the ball wide and dishes a superb cross to Rylee Knock who heads it past Victoria Falls's keeper to tie the game at 1-1. Buse was able to beat his man and dish an amazing pass to tie the game for Port Royal.

The first half of the game finishes tied at 1-1, with Port Royal leading in shots 7-3, shots on target 3-2, and possession with 65%. So far the newest striker Luigi has made himself known with a disallowed goal and being able to draw the defense out, we will see how the second half plays out.

In the 56th minute, Port Royal is able to win a corner and Tasso whips it into the box but it isn't a clean pass. The ball bounces back to Tasso and he dishes it to Knock just outside the box, who finds LEGEND Tenderloin just outside the 18 yard box who bangs an uncontested long shot and beats the keeper clean. 2-1 for Port Royal in the 57th minute.

It won't be easy for Port Royal though, as in the 83rd minute Victoria Falls's Khattib sends it low near side to Char Zard who hits a quick shot at Port Royal's keeper who makes the save, but it quickly rebounds out to Clamence all alone on the other side of the net who makes no mistake in burying an easy tap in. It is looking like a draw is coming as it now sits tied 2-2 after 84 minutes.

Port Royal is desperate for the win though, and in the 88th minute begins a fast build up and begins pressing towards the opposite end. Super Luigi comes back to half as Stephen Eustaquisquid presses hard to drive the defense back, Luigi dishes it wide to an open Angry Lizard Jr. before making a hard run and cut against the defense. A beautiful lob through ball by Lizard Jr finds Super Luigi all alone against the keeper! And he makes absolutely no mistake as he bangs in his first Academy league goal after being denied by VAR earlier in his debut game. An absolutely brilliant leadup is able to catch Victoria Falls off guard in the final few minutes to grab a much needed win for Port Royal as they inch within one point of Victoria Falls for second place in the league.

This has been your SSL Tonight host Chick Bongo, reviewing Matchday 6's Port Royal and Victoria Falls game. Remember, keep your ice cold and dogs hot, and I'll see you next time on SSL Tonight.]]>
The first bit of the game is fairly uneventful, until the 14th minute where the ball finds it's way into the box to Anthony Privett, who taps it back to LEGEND Clamence, who is able to pick the far side and thread that one in for Victoria Falls. 1-0 lead for the Eagles just 14 minutes in.

In the 27th minute there is a bit of a midfield build up and LEGEND Mayhem is able to start up the counterattack, before dishing it to Stephen Eustaquisquid in the final third who is able to find new striker Super Luigi with a clean touch to bury what seems to be the tying goal. But no! The referee reviews the goal and it seems Luigi is just too eager and goes offside, the score remains 1-0 for Victoria Falls.

But the Port Royal faithful don't have to wait long for an answer to the VAR, as off a set piece Brickwall Buse takes the ball wide and dishes a superb cross to Rylee Knock who heads it past Victoria Falls's keeper to tie the game at 1-1. Buse was able to beat his man and dish an amazing pass to tie the game for Port Royal.

The first half of the game finishes tied at 1-1, with Port Royal leading in shots 7-3, shots on target 3-2, and possession with 65%. So far the newest striker Luigi has made himself known with a disallowed goal and being able to draw the defense out, we will see how the second half plays out.

In the 56th minute, Port Royal is able to win a corner and Tasso whips it into the box but it isn't a clean pass. The ball bounces back to Tasso and he dishes it to Knock just outside the box, who finds LEGEND Tenderloin just outside the 18 yard box who bangs an uncontested long shot and beats the keeper clean. 2-1 for Port Royal in the 57th minute.

It won't be easy for Port Royal though, as in the 83rd minute Victoria Falls's Khattib sends it low near side to Char Zard who hits a quick shot at Port Royal's keeper who makes the save, but it quickly rebounds out to Clamence all alone on the other side of the net who makes no mistake in burying an easy tap in. It is looking like a draw is coming as it now sits tied 2-2 after 84 minutes.

Port Royal is desperate for the win though, and in the 88th minute begins a fast build up and begins pressing towards the opposite end. Super Luigi comes back to half as Stephen Eustaquisquid presses hard to drive the defense back, Luigi dishes it wide to an open Angry Lizard Jr. before making a hard run and cut against the defense. A beautiful lob through ball by Lizard Jr finds Super Luigi all alone against the keeper! And he makes absolutely no mistake as he bangs in his first Academy league goal after being denied by VAR earlier in his debut game. An absolutely brilliant leadup is able to catch Victoria Falls off guard in the final few minutes to grab a much needed win for Port Royal as they inch within one point of Victoria Falls for second place in the league.

This has been your SSL Tonight host Chick Bongo, reviewing Matchday 6's Port Royal and Victoria Falls game. Remember, keep your ice cold and dogs hot, and I'll see you next time on SSL Tonight.]]> <![CDATA[Post Match Interview Bergmann Montreal - Rova]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10793 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:48:42 +0100 Bergmau]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10793
Bergmann: It felt like a great game, both individually and as a team. We played some good football, as the cherry on top I got my first asist of the season. Solid teamwork and great individual performances, today really had it all for us.

Interviewer: Looking at the current standings, you are in second. How do you see the rest of your season go?

Bergmann: It's still early but our only loss of the season came against Paris who are expected to win this league. No shame in loosing against them. We sit in a comfortable spot, but we can't allow ourselves to become lazy and switch off. Until the final whistle in the last game is blown we need to be at 110%. All of us. If we manage to do that, we can achieve an impressive placement and prove to all those that doubted us before the season, that they were wrong. That's our goal, to show everyone what we are capable of, prove that last season wasn't a fluke but the new Montreal.

Interviewer: Your next games are against North Shore United and Kaapstad, are you going to get another 6 points?

Bergmann: Obviously that's the goal, but a lot of football is still to be played in both matches. As I said, we need to be focused on each game, so we will take it one after the other.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time.]]>
Bergmann: It felt like a great game, both individually and as a team. We played some good football, as the cherry on top I got my first asist of the season. Solid teamwork and great individual performances, today really had it all for us.

Interviewer: Looking at the current standings, you are in second. How do you see the rest of your season go?

Bergmann: It's still early but our only loss of the season came against Paris who are expected to win this league. No shame in loosing against them. We sit in a comfortable spot, but we can't allow ourselves to become lazy and switch off. Until the final whistle in the last game is blown we need to be at 110%. All of us. If we manage to do that, we can achieve an impressive placement and prove to all those that doubted us before the season, that they were wrong. That's our goal, to show everyone what we are capable of, prove that last season wasn't a fluke but the new Montreal.

Interviewer: Your next games are against North Shore United and Kaapstad, are you going to get another 6 points?

Bergmann: Obviously that's the goal, but a lot of football is still to be played in both matches. As I said, we need to be focused on each game, so we will take it one after the other.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time.]]> <![CDATA[Academy Task 5: S28 Draft Class Analysis]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10792 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:28:18 +0100 iltornante]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10792
First thing to note about this season's draft class is that it's fairly well balanced in terms of position, albeit a little attack-heavy. But it will be difficult to see teams complete significant refreshes from the draft pool due to the size of the class. This means teams will be a lot more strategic in their selections, as each major league team will only pick twice as it stands. As a result, I would expect to see a lot of teams prioritising player attitudes. Draft the kid who trains well and appears to be rapidly improving. The position is likely to be less important at this stage in a player's career. However, position is not completely irrelevant. Particularly for specialised positions like goalkeepers. This season there are two goalkeepers available in the draft, one of whom looks likely to have peaked already. That's effectively one goalkeeper, for the entire league. Whoever needs a new 'keeper to step up in a few years might try to snatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, therefore.

Among the standout trainees in this draft are a pair of strikers (a relatively difficult position to compete in, due to a lot of teams only using a single striker in the modern game), alongside a pair of centre midfielders (a difficult position to master), and a right wingback (a relatively niche role that is gaining more popularity in the modern game, but requires a specific skill set). These players will likely be among the earliest off the board purely because they represent high value to a team, whether they choose to keep them or not.

Left winger Rylee Knock is an interesting one because wingers are generally very valuable players in terms of offensive threat, and most successful teams will have at least one very strong performer on the wing. However, there are two strong left wing options in this draft, and the sole right winger is actually left footed. This will provide an interesting situation for a team who does want a left winger, as they can probably afford to take a different player early, despite Knock's obvious quality, knowing there will still likely be another potential left wing option available later. This doesn't even account for players who name the wings among their secondary positions, either...

Defenders are often undervalued in football in general, and this draft has relatively few options defensively, which could help to push their value upward. The strongest defender in the draft is probably Pau Budget, and it would be very surprising to see another defender go before him -- right wingback Alyssa Barnes notwithstanding; are wingbacks really defenders? -- though Ollie Turner isn't far off Budget in my view, and both could go early if multiple teams decide they want to draft their future defensive lynchpin this year. Defensive midfielders are similarly undervalued a lot of the time, but no team in any league in the modern game has ever won a championship without a top quality player in that role. With that in mind, Omar Khattib could be in demand, given his heavy investment in improvement already.

This analysis also ignores other factors like the backgrounds of these players. For example, striker Franco Maestro has the same agent as Alessandro Del Pirlo, and may therefore have stronger appeal. Defensive midfielder Micool CXXXII is from a long line of athletes in multiple sports. These kinds of factor are likely to sway teams into drafting certain players early, regardless of team need. On the flipside, there are many "unknowns" in the draft with promise, such as American fullback Anthony Privett or Burkinabe winger Emmanuel Bocandé. Neither appears to have much by way of background in the sport, but based on their steady progress and enthusiastic approach to training, a team might take a relatively early punt on one of them in the hopes of a big payoff.

In summary, it should be interesting to see where this season's trainees end up. It's too soon to say any of these players will be world class, but the potential is there for several.]]>
First thing to note about this season's draft class is that it's fairly well balanced in terms of position, albeit a little attack-heavy. But it will be difficult to see teams complete significant refreshes from the draft pool due to the size of the class. This means teams will be a lot more strategic in their selections, as each major league team will only pick twice as it stands. As a result, I would expect to see a lot of teams prioritising player attitudes. Draft the kid who trains well and appears to be rapidly improving. The position is likely to be less important at this stage in a player's career. However, position is not completely irrelevant. Particularly for specialised positions like goalkeepers. This season there are two goalkeepers available in the draft, one of whom looks likely to have peaked already. That's effectively one goalkeeper, for the entire league. Whoever needs a new 'keeper to step up in a few years might try to snatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, therefore.

Among the standout trainees in this draft are a pair of strikers (a relatively difficult position to compete in, due to a lot of teams only using a single striker in the modern game), alongside a pair of centre midfielders (a difficult position to master), and a right wingback (a relatively niche role that is gaining more popularity in the modern game, but requires a specific skill set). These players will likely be among the earliest off the board purely because they represent high value to a team, whether they choose to keep them or not.

Left winger Rylee Knock is an interesting one because wingers are generally very valuable players in terms of offensive threat, and most successful teams will have at least one very strong performer on the wing. However, there are two strong left wing options in this draft, and the sole right winger is actually left footed. This will provide an interesting situation for a team who does want a left winger, as they can probably afford to take a different player early, despite Knock's obvious quality, knowing there will still likely be another potential left wing option available later. This doesn't even account for players who name the wings among their secondary positions, either...

Defenders are often undervalued in football in general, and this draft has relatively few options defensively, which could help to push their value upward. The strongest defender in the draft is probably Pau Budget, and it would be very surprising to see another defender go before him -- right wingback Alyssa Barnes notwithstanding; are wingbacks really defenders? -- though Ollie Turner isn't far off Budget in my view, and both could go early if multiple teams decide they want to draft their future defensive lynchpin this year. Defensive midfielders are similarly undervalued a lot of the time, but no team in any league in the modern game has ever won a championship without a top quality player in that role. With that in mind, Omar Khattib could be in demand, given his heavy investment in improvement already.

This analysis also ignores other factors like the backgrounds of these players. For example, striker Franco Maestro has the same agent as Alessandro Del Pirlo, and may therefore have stronger appeal. Defensive midfielder Micool CXXXII is from a long line of athletes in multiple sports. These kinds of factor are likely to sway teams into drafting certain players early, regardless of team need. On the flipside, there are many "unknowns" in the draft with promise, such as American fullback Anthony Privett or Burkinabe winger Emmanuel Bocandé. Neither appears to have much by way of background in the sport, but based on their steady progress and enthusiastic approach to training, a team might take a relatively early punt on one of them in the hopes of a big payoff.

In summary, it should be interesting to see where this season's trainees end up. It's too soon to say any of these players will be world class, but the potential is there for several.]]> <![CDATA[NSU Week in Review: Vacation Edition]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10789 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:45:24 +0100 SoySavant]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10789 <![CDATA[The Rookie Star]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10788 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:53:47 +0100 khens4]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10788 <![CDATA[Seoul MFC vs Inter London: Review]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10787 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:22:35 +0100 Zephyrus1128]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10787 <![CDATA[Fuecoco Thoughts.]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10786 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:14:43 +0100 JKortesi81]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10786 There is nothing in this world that sucks more than being relegated to the loser league. Alejandro Fuecoco spent most of this offseason sulking. His career was just hitting its peak, but he finds himself hanging out in League Two for the SSL Majors. You can’t win the championship in League Two. If you have a good season there, it may as well have an asterisk because the first thing someone will say is “Yeah, but the competition sucks there.”. As a player, there’s no winning in this situation, especially after you tasted the joy of being promoted and battling for the league title. All of a sudden a season doesn’t go your way and you’re back where you never thought you’d be.
And then, Fuecoco had a revelation. “What if we don’t make it back?”. Fuecoco froze. He had just been assuming that CFC would trounce League Two and be promoted again. But he also assumed he’d never be back in Two to begin with. The sulking stopped. The training intensified. As horrible as he felt one season back in League Two would be for his apex, anything more than that would be devastating. He came into this season hyping his teammates up and having a focus to get promoted again.
It’s been five games so far. CFC hasn’t lost yet. They’re 3-2-0. They lead the League and are a favorite to move back up. Fuecoco hasn’t been doing much though. He only has one assist so far, which isn’t quite what he was hoping for. But as long as the team is winning, Fuecoco will keep doing what is asked of him, and the goals will come. (279)]]> There is nothing in this world that sucks more than being relegated to the loser league. Alejandro Fuecoco spent most of this offseason sulking. His career was just hitting its peak, but he finds himself hanging out in League Two for the SSL Majors. You can’t win the championship in League Two. If you have a good season there, it may as well have an asterisk because the first thing someone will say is “Yeah, but the competition sucks there.”. As a player, there’s no winning in this situation, especially after you tasted the joy of being promoted and battling for the league title. All of a sudden a season doesn’t go your way and you’re back where you never thought you’d be.
And then, Fuecoco had a revelation. “What if we don’t make it back?”. Fuecoco froze. He had just been assuming that CFC would trounce League Two and be promoted again. But he also assumed he’d never be back in Two to begin with. The sulking stopped. The training intensified. As horrible as he felt one season back in League Two would be for his apex, anything more than that would be devastating. He came into this season hyping his teammates up and having a focus to get promoted again.
It’s been five games so far. CFC hasn’t lost yet. They’re 3-2-0. They lead the League and are a favorite to move back up. Fuecoco hasn’t been doing much though. He only has one assist so far, which isn’t quite what he was hoping for. But as long as the team is winning, Fuecoco will keep doing what is asked of him, and the goals will come. (279)]]> <![CDATA[Josh Harper’s Best Performance]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10785 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 03:43:21 +0100 JCPro]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10785
After the match, he started heading towards the locker room, when an interviewer stopped him to ask about his thoughts on the game. The interviewer’s first question was about how he felt the team performed, Josh Harper responded by telling them he felt that the team worked hard out there but just wasn't able to clutch out a draw. Then he got asked about his individual performance as he was almost the player of the game. Josh said he was proud of how he played, but felt like his stamina failed him allowing them to score their 2nd goal.]]>
After the match, he started heading towards the locker room, when an interviewer stopped him to ask about his thoughts on the game. The interviewer’s first question was about how he felt the team performed, Josh Harper responded by telling them he felt that the team worked hard out there but just wasn't able to clutch out a draw. Then he got asked about his individual performance as he was almost the player of the game. Josh said he was proud of how he played, but felt like his stamina failed him allowing them to score their 2nd goal.]]> <![CDATA[Cairo and Stone's start to the season... PT]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10784 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 03:17:27 +0100 Frostbite]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10784 <![CDATA[All over the Place]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10783 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 03:03:01 +0100 jacobcarson877]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10783 <![CDATA[Jakarta Academy off to a hot start]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10782 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:22:22 +0100 Symmetrik]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10782
With a lot of hot prospects shining, this team is working like a well oiled machine to take their lead over the rest of the league. Electabuzz-Zooboomafoo leads the league with 5 goals, and Inex Jr. and Carter Black have 4 each. Inex Jr also has 3 assists, as does defender Alyssa Barnes. Edwin van der Sloth and Micool CXXXII are also big contributors to the team, as they join the previously mentioned 4 players in the top 8 of average rating. 6 Jakarta players are in the top 8 average, with 4 of them averaging 8 or more.

Speaking of Barnes, the young wing back has been flying around the pitch, leading the lead in distance covered, running 56.1 kilometres through 4 games. She also had a 2 assist game with a player of the match performance in her very first game. She is one of the best crossers in the league right now, with 34.62% successful crosses, the only players with a better success rate have much smaller sample size (Barnes with 26 cross attempts, compared to 18 for Vegetable Lasagna and 6 for Katherine Valar among those with a better success rate). Not to forget her defensive contribution, she's also tied for the league lead in interceptions with 13. She is just outside the top 10 in clearances with 9, and 5 fouls against her is tied for 8th, doing a lot to draw opponents into bad decisions.

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With a lot of hot prospects shining, this team is working like a well oiled machine to take their lead over the rest of the league. Electabuzz-Zooboomafoo leads the league with 5 goals, and Inex Jr. and Carter Black have 4 each. Inex Jr also has 3 assists, as does defender Alyssa Barnes. Edwin van der Sloth and Micool CXXXII are also big contributors to the team, as they join the previously mentioned 4 players in the top 8 of average rating. 6 Jakarta players are in the top 8 average, with 4 of them averaging 8 or more.

Speaking of Barnes, the young wing back has been flying around the pitch, leading the lead in distance covered, running 56.1 kilometres through 4 games. She also had a 2 assist game with a player of the match performance in her very first game. She is one of the best crossers in the league right now, with 34.62% successful crosses, the only players with a better success rate have much smaller sample size (Barnes with 26 cross attempts, compared to 18 for Vegetable Lasagna and 6 for Katherine Valar among those with a better success rate). Not to forget her defensive contribution, she's also tied for the league lead in interceptions with 13. She is just outside the top 10 in clearances with 9, and 5 fouls against her is tied for 8th, doing a lot to draw opponents into bad decisions.

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270 words

]]> <![CDATA[Velox's first weeks update]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10781 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 01:27:38 +0100 Sizz]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10781
One thing that has been quite interesting is the article regarding traits. I'm not sure what the de facto thoughts are regarding traits and how they correspond to performance at low tpe levels but I found it an interesting read regardless. It certainly helped me think about what traits I wanted to have and/or buy moving forward. I have an idea of how I would like to build my player and that article has definitely given me room for thought about what traits seem to worth spending my hard earned cash on. I am definitely looking forward to seeing future editions of that article as I feel there's probably 5-6 traits that coincide with my build plan.

I ended up doing a reallocation of tpe, positions and traits based on positional needs for CD Alfama's lineup. I also bought a third trait to help with what I'd like to see Max do on the pitch. I guess only time will tell if that money or reallocation of tpe and positions would have been better spent elsewhere. Regardless, as this is my first player here I just wanted to have fun with it so we'll see how it goes moving forward.

Here's to a fun season!]]>
One thing that has been quite interesting is the article regarding traits. I'm not sure what the de facto thoughts are regarding traits and how they correspond to performance at low tpe levels but I found it an interesting read regardless. It certainly helped me think about what traits I wanted to have and/or buy moving forward. I have an idea of how I would like to build my player and that article has definitely given me room for thought about what traits seem to worth spending my hard earned cash on. I am definitely looking forward to seeing future editions of that article as I feel there's probably 5-6 traits that coincide with my build plan.

I ended up doing a reallocation of tpe, positions and traits based on positional needs for CD Alfama's lineup. I also bought a third trait to help with what I'd like to see Max do on the pitch. I guess only time will tell if that money or reallocation of tpe and positions would have been better spent elsewhere. Regardless, as this is my first player here I just wanted to have fun with it so we'll see how it goes moving forward.

Here's to a fun season!]]> <![CDATA[Weekly PT #251- One Week Difference?]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10780 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 01:25:41 +0100 Starscream]]> https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showthread.php?tid=10780