Games 535-542 (The III.rd Games of the Vexilliad Lynne/Myo Beach 301) - Second Round Matches:

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the 301 VexGames in Lamb's Cove:

Game 535: Draconia - Caledon (8-22-301):

The Technical Information:

Final score: DRACONIA 7 - CALEDON 3
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 17,700
Referee: Hajib El-Nussini (DJR)
Goals: Calder (CAL, 7.), Offram (DRA, 31.), Previnsky (DRA, 34., penalty), Cameron (CAL, 59.), Rehnsky (DRA, 62.), Offram (DRA, 68.), McCormick (CAL, 75.), Reversi
(DRA, 85.), Wentworth (DRA, 90.), Reversi (DRA, 93.)
Yellow cards: Moorwood (DRA, 7.), McGill (CAL, 22.), McKenzie (CAL, 31.), Fablizi (DRA, 39.), Abercromie (DRA, 66.), Heimanzos (DRA, 75.), McLeod (CAL, 85.), Gordon (CAL, 88.),
Red cards: McGill (CAL, 71.)
Substitutions: Reversi for McNoughty (DRA, 45.), Coulthard for Barclay (CAL, 62.), Hart for Young (CAL, 75.)

TEN GOALS... WHAT A MATCH!

Plenty of action in this very physical match, an incredible ten goals kept the spectators on the edge of their seats!  Caledon took the early lead and looked
like the team to beat for the first half hour, but lost momentum shortly thereafter.  When Draconia went ahead with a penalty in the 34. minute, the match
was firmly in their hand.  The Claymores would make a heroic comeback in the early second half, pulling the match even once more, but they eventually ran out of
steam, especially after being reduced to ten men with McGill sent off for his second yellow.  McCormick's goal for the 3-4 in the 75. minute once again got the
Caledonian hopes up, but Draconia wouldn't have any more of it, and clearly controlled the late goings, even scoring two late goals when the Claymores had
lost all hope to make it 7-3... what a score!
 

The Technical Information:

Final score: WESTERMARC 4 - UNITED TERRITORIES 2
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 22,100
Referee: Nic Sturell (ALT)
Goals: Choproy (WMC, 27.), Ziglazhok (WMC, 38.), Macghileagh (UNT, 67.), Fang (WMC, 69.), Thayill (UNT, 80.), Ng (WMC, 86.)
Yellow cards: Koon (WMC, 33.), Whitby (UNT, 62.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Ng for Nikkei (WMC, 45.), Rzuhai for Deveng (WMC, 45.), Hicks for Boyle (UNT, 45.), Lampwick for Appleyard (UNT, 74.)

WESTERMARC A FORCE AGAIN?

The Serpents once more played a good match, at least temporarily silencing their critics.  The Lions were obviously trying to get an early lead in this match, but
"Tree" Singhraj would have nothing of it.  The huge defensive coordinator directed his men beautifully to keep the goal clean.  Lightning fast counters for
Westermarc resulted in two goals for them in the first half, both a direct result of Nikkei's fabulous speed.  Nikkei in fact ran so much, he was substituted at
halftime, spent!  The Territories came back strong after the first half, as Westermarc was trying to go into protection mode.  Macghileagh, Whitby & Co.
however forced them to play a faster game, and put considerable pressure on Singhraj and his henchmen.  Westermarc looked in trouble when they had to receive
the 1-2, with UNT pushing hard for the equalizer, but they lucked into a fast counter after an offsides goal kick, and gained a shocking goal in a blitz-attack
down the middle, which set back the Lions' efforts considerably.  Even though they once again connected to 2-3, they would not catch the Chakrazipangis, as Ng would
eliminate all doubt in the 86. minute, giving Westermarc the comfortable cushion they really needed against their feisty opponents!

The Technical Information:

Final score: WESTRIA 3 - SOMERY 4, IN OVERTIME
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 22,200
Referee: Biko Ulunde (NIO)
Goals: Eweigh (SOM, 22.), Mulvern (SOM, 32.), Theunissen (WES, 44.), Galaga (WES, 60.), Salamanta (WES, 71.), Kirther (SOM, 86.), Keart (SOM, 111.)
Yellow cards: Wednesleigh (SOM, 17.), Marginot (WES, 32.), Mard (SOM, 41.), Fögelsangg (WES, 66.), Scowell (SOM, 69.), Dülingen (WES, 86.), Treue (SOM, 117.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Kirther for Fiddler (SOM, 50.), Galaga for Guydenvaldt (WES, 52.), Yoghurt for Nadeschney (WES, 78.), Keart for Fawrbryn (SOM, 106.)

WESTRIA IS NOT UNBEATABLE, SAYS SOMERY!!

Now, here was a surprise!  After Whitlam's shocking exit against Solanchatka, this VexGames tournament now has its second Vexillium Cup Champion-caliber victim in
the Westria Diamonds, who were beaten by the brave and unintimidated Somery team!  The astonishing final result was already foreshadowed early in the match, when
Westria did not seem to take the match by the horns as they usually do... Somery meanwhile showed no fear, played the world champions like any other team, and
managed to go up 2-0 against their supposedly superior opponents!  After the second goal, the Diamonds seemed to finally snap out of it, and began to play like
we are used to from them.  An important goal before the break got them well on their way, and within 26 minutes in the second half, they had turned around the
match to what seemed at that point to turn into another one of their customary victories.  But Somery had other things on their mind!  The underdogs still would
not be intimidated by the well-oiled machinery of the Westrians, and managed the all-important equalizer from a free kick by Kirther, who is increasingly
distinguishing himself as one of the brightest stars on the Somery team.  The 3-3 thus saved them into overtime!  Westria did not attack too convincingly in
overtime play, instead seemed cautious and indecisive, apparently a little put off by having to go into overtime in the first place in a match which they believed
had already been won!  Somery then had the better fortunes in the extension, goalie Farleigh Hawyer one of the heroes in the late going, and Parrish Keart
getting the decisive edge with fresh legs in the 106. minute, giving Somery a fantastic win over the stunned Westrians, who once again come up short of winning
the Gold medal, the only major prize they have yet to win!  Only this time, they are not even close!  Somery will now move on to meet Draconia in the first
quarterfinal - that should be interesting!

The Technical Information:

Final score: NAMURIA 4 - ALBION-MERITE 0
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 20,600
Referee: Gus Nalinzal (KAL)
Goals: Aldai (NAM, 17.), Muthras (NAM, 24.), Ebropa (NAM, 40.), Ebropa (NAM, 76.)
Yellow cards: Noghk (NAM, 31.), Obyrne (ALB, 35.), Aldaral (NAM, 56.), Putnam (ALB, 68.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Makela for Floyd (ALB, 45.), Lenderval for Atkinson (ALB, 45.), Nuramur for Jaar (NAM, 55.), Bestromur for Maharai (NAM, 67.)

NAMURIA'S DAY ALL THE WAY, ALBION-MERITE'S NOT!

Albion-Merite looked so strong in their first-round win over San Patricio, and after Namuria's struggling 1-0 overtime win over Deucoland, many thought that the
Imperial Eagles would stand a good chance against their name-cousins, the Golden Eagles!  However, today nothing would seem to work for Albion-Merite, while
Namuria seemed not to be able to do anyting wrong.  In a remarkable reversal of fortunes from their first-round matches, Namuria seemed calm and composed,
calculated, and physically strong, while Albion-Merite never found its groove.  Namuria thus scored three in the first half, and coolly held off their opponents
in the second half for an impressive, albeit not totally deserved 4-0 win - what a disappointment for Albion-Merite, who had prepared for this event perhaps harder
than anybody else.  It just wasn't their day at all today.  Namuria moves on to meet Westermarc in the quarterfinals!

The Technical Information:

Final score: LEXICON ISLANDS 0 - LENDOSA 3
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 17,300
Referee: Ian Dornoch (CAL)
Goals: Lacasanan (LEN, 30.), Santanda (LEN, 67.), J. Cassarica (LEN, 70.)
Yellow cards: Hernandez (LEN, 21.), Lexico (LEX, 44.), Flisher (LEX, 67.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Raxxon for Eckin (LEX, 56.), Liller for Hampel (LEX, 79.), Vabestolio for Lacasanan (LEN, 79.)

LENDOSA TAKES A CLEAR WIN!

Lendosa were the pick of the litter, as they win a dastardly disappointing match for the Lexicans, who had come as the favorites to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Vikings never looked their best today, however, and Lendosa was much improved since their narrow 1-0 over the feisty Ras Lanarch.  Lendosa's flanks were
particularly dangerous today, as all three of their goals came through combinations off the sides, and in fact all three were scored by head - something
for the usually rock-solid Kilaffis and his companions to brood over until their next match!
 

The Technical Information:

Final score: SOLANCHATKA 4 - MORANIA 5, IN OVERTIME
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 22,400
Referee: Greg Stoneley (WHI)
Goals: Trevisano (MOA, 3.), Traidrignon (SCK, 34.), Duran (SCK, 56.), Selior (MOA, 59.), Traidrignon (SCK, 79.), Selior (MOA, 82.), Zappatista (MOA, 88.), Duran
(SCK, 93.), Trevisano (MOA, 114.)
Yellow cards: none
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Driaddir for Ravel (SCK, 95.)

MORANIA PLEASES ITS TRAVELING FANS, WINS IN OVERTIME!

The thousands of Moranian fans who made the trip over the border were once again not disappointed, even though for the second time in a row, they had to endure a
nailbiter overtime thriller!  Moranian already had looked like the winner of this match, up a goal in the 92. minute, Solanchatka literally in their very last drive
unleashed a desperation shot as Duran took his chances from about the 35 meter mark... the Moranian goalie was clearly caught off-guard too far from goal,
perhaps expecting the final whistle to come any time... instead, the ball sailed unreachably over his head, and Solanchatka's hopes were kept alive as the Moranian
fans were kept sitting on nails.  However, the miracle comeback win would eventually not come for Solanchatka, their hopes dashed by Trevisano in the 114.
minute, amidst the fanatic cheers of the Moranian fans, who eventually finally would get to celebrate for real!

The Technical Information:

Final score: BOWDANI 5 - CABOTENIASA 4
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 20,800
Referee: Delmarnuava (ACH)
Goals: Salengar (BOW, 17.), Punneratau (BOW, 40.), Agora (CAB, 49.), Sällinnen (CAB, 51.), Ioe (BOW, 66.), Sällinnen (CAB, 69.), Ioe (BOW, 77.), Chenton (BOW,
85.), Fjortskank (CAB, 90.)
Yellow cards: Marn (BOW, 12.), A. Moran (BOW, 32.), Saari (CAB, 40.), J. Moran (BOW, 60.), Nom (CAB, 77.), Dandoon (BOW, 83.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Chenton for Marn (BOW, 69.), Bogh for Linitencatoriel (CAB, 79.)

BOWDANI WINS THE SMALIK SHOWDOWN OF NEIGHBORS - BARELY!
 
In yet another high-scoring but extremely close match, Caboteniasa provided the refreshing challenge to their traditionally superior Bowdanian rivals in the
showdown of the Smalik teams:  Caboteniasa seemed to stage a comeback of their own after falling behind 0-2.  Caboteniasa literally owned the early second half, but
after an interesting exchange of goals between Sällinnen and Ioe, Bowdani would eventually gain the upper hand to pull ahead by two.  Caboteniasa tried once more
to close the gap, which they did through a beautiful bomb from Fjortskank, but they had no time left, and Bowdani was able to salvage the close 5-4 win!  They
will face Lendosa in the quarterfinals.

The Technical Information:

Final score: EASTERN DELGAMIA 3 - CHRISTIANA 4
Played in: Scandlon Field, Wyannoch University, Lamb's Cove
Attendance: 22,100
Referee: Podoh G'Runalga (KON)
Goals: Ie (EDE, 39.), Abeiradela (EDE, 53.), Yale (CHR, 60.), Dragunhe (EDE, 70.), Monaigh (CHR, 75.), Hollingsworth (CHR, 85.), Harrison (CHR, 92.)
Yellow cards: O'Kenny (CHR, 11.), Reuneidos (EDE, 29.), Boubem (EDE, 50.), Decker (CHR, 56.), Martinson (CHR, 70.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Testodasertan for Beijocudabaca (EDE, 45.), Hollingsworth for Walcott (CHR, 68.)

HEROIC COMEBACK FOR CHRISTIANA!

After their fabulous 5-0 win over Sanx, the "new" Christiana team today confirmed that they might be hurting from the loss of their comrades, but they are
nevertheless standing strong!  Against an opponent from the calibre of Eastern Delgamia, since the elimination of Westria and Whitlam tipped as the top-favorites
for the GOLD, the new Knights showed guts and determination outright astonishing for such a young team, and especially for one in their tragic circumstances!

Things looked glum for Christiana, as they despite a strong start ended up going down 0-2 against Eastern Delgamia, and then again 1-3 after Dragunhe scored in the
70. minute.  But the Knights dug deep and somehow came up with the goods... the two surviving striker superstars, Monaigh and Harrison led the final push effort,
with great support from their young upper-comers.  Yale, Thayer, Driscoll and Westphal show a lot of promise in the midfield, and Hollingsworth contributed a
goal as well - it must have been destiny, because Harrison's match-winning goal came just seconds before the final whistle in the 92. minute of injury time - what
a thrilling victory for Christiana, not a dry eye in the stadium... or in millions of living rooms accross Vexillium, either!!