Hattrick Gameday

U.S. Champions League Knockout Draw

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Round 1 -- Week 14 Season 37 (07.01.2009)

Massive Inferiority Complex : Blackness
This is the Texas Tussle. Both these squads come out of the Texas Confederation Cup, and as luck would have it, they face one another in the first round. May the best Texas team win.

Wilmington Wildcats FC : Carrock Fell
This North vs. South matchup pits the New England Open Cup Champ Wildcats against North Carolina's Carrock Fell. Carrock is eager to have some competition, after a WO-filled group stage. Wilmington may be ready to exact some revenge against the South after finishing second in their group to a Kentucky team.

North Aurora Athletic Club : The Colonels
North Aurora will also be ready to play, after getting through the group stage without firing a shot. The Colonels, pride of Kentucky (and Georgia), will carry the mantle of the Peachtree Cup into the knockout stage. No honor is greater.

DC Untied : Cheshire County United
This is a matchup of MACHO team and a macho champ. Cheshire Co. United was considering throwing their final group match to affect the seeding for the knockout rounds. Little did he know that random rules. This is HT after all. DC Untied finished second in their group, and will need some help to put the reigning USCC champ out of this season's competition.

U.S. Champions League Final Group Standings

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:55:00 +0000

The formatting is a bit hard to read, but you get the picture. The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout rounds. Bit of drama in Group D: the final group match between Andalucia FC and Massive Inferiority Complex decided who would advance between the two teams. MIC took care of bizness to the tune of 8-3.

Group A GP W D L GD PTS
Blackness 3 3 0 0 10-2 9
DC United 3 1 1 1 5-3 4
beerswillers 3 1 1 1 4-2 4
THE BLAST 3 0 0 3 1-13 0

Group B GP W D L GD PTS
Carrock Fell 3 3 0 0 9-0 9
North Aurora AC 3 1 1 1 3-3 4
giants2 3 0 2 1 0-3 2
Park Panthers EFC 3 0 1 2 0-6 1

Group C GP W D L GD PTS
The Colonels 3 2 1 0 7-2 7
Wilm. Wildcats FC 3 2 0 1 10-7 6
Antietam United 3 1 1 1 3-3 4
HailtotheDeacons 3 0 0 3 2-10 0

Group D GP W D L GD PTS
Cheshire Co. Utd 3 3 0 0 11-1 9
Mass. Inf. Complex 3 2 0 1 12-7 6
Andalucía FC 3 1 0 2 8-15 3
Illegal Miners 3 0 0 3 3-11 0

Major League Goals of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:33:00 +0000

A year's subscription to Hattrick Gameday if you can name the goal scorer of the freekick goal in that clip.

(Hint: he's a US NT player)

Stridsten takes hit, hangs up boots

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:06:00 +0000

(Pretzel Palace) - Jimmy Stridsten, a longtime Flying Pretzels goalkeeper, tearfully announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday.

Stridsten was injured in Sunday's match against

Wake Mourners and reportedly has a ruptured spleen and three broken ribs. Doctors estimate the injuries will take at least 7 weeks to heal, but that could be extended due to Stridsten's age.

The Swede came to the Pretzels on Nov. 11, 2004 after spending the early part of his career on three Swedish clubs. Few Pretzelheads will forget the performance he gave in a 9-1 thrashing of league rival Black Reign in 2006.

According to Pretzels management, the 37 year old former keeper said he would consider going into coaching ranks, but was taking some time "to think about things."

Most experts agree Stridsten has world class experience and solid leadership and would make an excellent coach.

Swami Sez: Round 8 Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:53:00 +0000

(ed. note: HT-Swami predictions brought to you by tone84. Excellent work tone!)

With the second half the season getting under way this Sunday, nothing has been decided in HT-USA’s top tier. While it’s basically a two team race for first, the relegation situation is anything but settled. This week provides many interesting matchups:

*Park Panthers vs Spocker* - MATCH OF THE WEEK

At first glance this looks like a dull 3^rd vs 7^th matchup, but if you look closer, only three points separate the two clubs.

The Panthers (2-4-1) have had a tough season as of late. They have yet to win back to back games, but their latest match showed signs of a turnaround. The Panthers had a two goal lead until halfway through the second half when Spocker turned it on and scored three unanswered goals. The Panthers have the offensive power to get it done, but defense looks like it can be broken down by MY youth side (South Peabody F.C. shameless plug).

Spocker (3-3-1) has also had a slow first half but I still believe they will NOT DEMOTE. With an extremely talented midfield controlling the pitch at all times, Spocker is always a threat to wear down any defense. Their defense is also top notch and will definitely give the Panthers’ forwards headaches.

But this week, the Panthers get revenge and make up for their embarrassingly blown lead last week. With the home crowd behind them, they squeak out a 2-1 win and come one step closer to maintaining their spot in the ML.

Wake Mourners – Flying Pretzels

I’m not going to waste much time on this one. The Pretzels (1-6) have all but packed it in for this season. Their marketing department is currently working on holding a special tryout called “Who Wants to Play for the Pretzels, Because We Don’t.” The Mourners (5-0-2), are undefeated this season and are competing for their first ML title. This one’s a wrap. 6-0, Mourners cruise.

RH Crew – Byzantines

This is probably the most interesting matchup of the week. One team is vying for the title, while the other is fighting to stay in the ML. The Crew (6-1) managed to sneak one away from the Byzantines (2-3-2) last week, but the Greeks were down a man after a red card. The Byzantines will play with renewed confidence, but let’s face it, the Crew have been champs before and they know how to respond in crunch time. RH Crew wins at home 2-0.

FC Kaauuli – Rizzo’s Salesmen

This match is another no-brainer. Two-time national champs Kaauuli (3-4) took it to Rizzo’s (2-3-2) last week to the tune of 6-1 and I don’t see much difference in that score this week. Kaauuli has fallen on hard times but still can be a threat any year to the title. Rizzo’s are new kids on the block (sophomore season in the ML) with tremendous upside, but they are still some seasons away from competing for the title. Look for Kaauuli’s star forward Eric Prueschenk to score a hattrick on the way to a 5-0 win over the Salesmen.

-Hattrick Swami

ML-II.1 Challenge Kicks Off

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:02:00 +0000

(Raleigh, NC) The inaugural Major League-II.1 Challenge kickoff match takes place tonight at the venerable home stadium of the Wake Mourners. The Mourners, managed by North Carolinian oprice ,take on D.C.'s Gaithersburg Bhoys F.C., a squad managed by former USAMNT coach ThomasRongen .

The bad blood between these clubs has been simmering, and in the days leading up to this clash, the pot has boiled over. oprice said his players have put a bounty on one of the Bhoys, Woo Yong-Jun.

"Woo-Yung Jun will leave the pitch in a body bag," an unemotional oprice said in a guestbook statement.

The Gaithersburg Gang, for their part, issued a not-so-thinly-veiled threat against the Mourners midfielder, Gareth Mao.

"I just hope Gareth Mao plays instead of sitting on the bench. He don't belong in any chair unless he's paralyzed," Rongen said.

When pressed, Rongen went much further, "Gareth Mao is a poseur. He likes to call himself a withdrawn 'forward,' but the truth is that he's an absolutely pathetic finisher. Woo, on the other hand, could do it all in his day. The first true HT American star with 6 skills. Even at his old age, he laughs at wannabees like "Mao" who adopt fake Chinese names to mask their scoring inadequacies."

Mourners management issued a statement this afternoon in reply. In part, it reads:

"I can't believe that Mr. Rongen is questioning the authenticity of Mao's name when his own name seems like it was conjured up from some Battlestar Gallactica fan-fiction. Woo may date back to the Ming Dynasty, but his long-misplaced skills will not serve him well tonight under the lights at The Morgue."

--oprice, of Major League fame

The match marks the beginning of the first ML-II.1 Challenge, a tournament conceived in Season 35 to match the two of the top series in the USA in a tet-a-tet. Rongen said he recognizes the magnitude of playing in this tourney, not just because it's the first time, but because his squad is playing the Mourners.

"Wake Mourners are the standard against which all great teams in the USA must measure themselves," Rongen said. "When you think Hattrick, you think of a few great names: Bjorn Holmer, Owen Price and Mighty Zug."

So, what kind of formation and lineup can Gaithersburg and Wake fans expect tonight?

Rongen was not forthcoming with his starting 11, but said he's not planning on using USA NT player Glenn Kuykendall , calling him "the USA's best current in-form midfielder."

"In non-league fixtures, I like to give some of my up-and-coming players a chance. We're known for our great youth system here in Gaithersburg," Rongen said.

oprice, as well, played his tactical plans close to the vest, but said Mao would play a major role.

"It's not widely reported, but, in Chinese, Gareth roughly translates to "blue-eyed assassin," oprice said. "Keep your eyes peeled for the sort of free-flowing attacking football that hasn't been seen in ages."

Check out the match Wednesday night at 7pm ET:

Wake Mourners - Gaithersburg Bhoys F.C.

EXTRATIME:

HG: What does playing against the Mourners/Bhoys mean to you?
TR: It means everything! It's like Boca Juniors v. River Plate, or Barcelona v. Real Madrid. El Superclasico!
OP: It means a chance to prove ourselves against the best team from the Best Series in the USA™ and a manager who finished among the top 5 vote-getters in the South African NT elections.

HG: What is the strongest part of your team?
TR: In the past, the strongest part of my team has been versatility, because I had depth at every position, and lots of passing, so I could flip from MF-heavy to CA to AIM/AOW formations. Now I've trimmed things down a little and rely more on a fixed lineup.
OP: Our management is probably our strong suit. As we all know, winning begins at the top and our owner/GM is in the Al Davis/Peter Angelos/Jerry Jones mold.

HG: Where are you weak?
TR: Pretty much everywhere. The most I've ever been able to bench was about 15 pounds on each side. Now I can just do the bar about one rep before I'm too exhausted to continue. But my thighs are probably even weaker than that. Are you familiar with Peter Crouch? Yeah, we're talking that skinny.
OP: Our chief weakness is likely our lack of modesty and humility. When you've achieved as much success as we've enjoyed it's not easy to convince our guys that we really need to get amped up for that crucial road match against a team like Rizzo's Salesmen. OOooooo yikes!

HG: What's your favorite color?
TR: Aqua, purple and gold, just like the colors of Niagara Rapids FC.
OP: Silver or bronze -- thanks to all of our Major League and US Open Cup silver and bronze trophies that were brought to my attention by the official logo of Niagara Rapids FC.

HG: Word association: "The situation"
TR: "OK, here's the situation, my parents went away on a week's vacation..." That song tormented my 8th grade spring.
OP: OMG. I'm being totally honest when I say that I [thought] the same thing...Uncanny.

Peachtree Cup gets underway

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:08:00 +0000

The 10th edition of the Peachtree Cup, Georgia's regional championship, gets underway tonight. Always an entertaining tournament, the field consists of 16 top teams from the Georgia and Atlanta regions.

Here are the first round matchups:

Group A / round 1_
Dynamo Atlanta (229701) : Hotspur USA (225769) ((187832871))
Knuckleheads (223506) : ATL Storm (70581) ((187850932))

Group B / round 1_
JT's Ballaz (227257) : Atlanta Arsenal (225705) ((187850902))
My Yute Dem FC (222942) : Milton United FC (70397) ((187886960))

Group C / round 1_
Nakamura's Raiders (225786) : The Colonels (224230) ((187819756))
FC Big Chicken (223375) : S.M.F.C. (222153) ((187816238))

Group D / round 1_
Drunken Bastards (226574) : Buckhead Bullets (223648) ((187869604))
The Brocialists (222729) : Boiled Peanuts SC (72149) ((187888529))

ML - Round 6 Fixtures

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:51:00 +0000

	FC Kaauuli - Byzantines
	Wake Mourners - Rizzo's Sales
	RH Crew - Spocker
	Park Panthers EFC - Flying Pretzels

The Match of the Week honors go to the Panthers - Pretzels game, with the winner improving their chances of getting to a qualification match rather than auto relegation.

Here's a look at the top scorers list going into the week 6 matches:

	Player	Team	Goals
1.	Jeffrey Ainsworth	RH Crew	6
2.	Andor Sárossy	Spocker	5
3.	Elliott Grier	Wake Mourners	5
4.	Rigoberto Barrero	Flying Pretzels	5
5.	Berndt Oberger	Park Panthers EFC	4
6.	Gareth Mao	Wake Mourners	4
7.	Eric Prueschenk	FC Kaauuli	4
8.	Mazin Kindi	RH Crew	3
9.	Orestes Monteros	Park Panthers EFC	3
10.	Szymek Kukulak	Wake Mourners	3

ML News - Transfers

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:39:00 +0000

Coupla roster moves in the Major League this week, as teams jockey for position:

IN:
Park Panthers EFC
Paolo Memoli
Rizzo's Salesmen
André Leitão
Diederik Schrijvers

OUT:
FC Kaauuli
Miguel Dillon
Byzantines
Rich Hyman
Rizzo's Salesmen
Melker Holtenér
Diederik Schrijvers

Schrijvers apparently didn't get on with the other Salesmen. Something about coffee being for closers.

In other news, FC Kaauuli is apparently re-evaluating their season goals. High hopes for the Hattrick Masters and the Open Cup have quickly turned south.

Cup Crashes

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:58:00 +0000

The #1 ranked team in the U.S., Wake Mourners, fell to Division 5 team, 777 United in the 6th round of the U.S. Open Cup tonight. See the action here: 777 United - Wake Mourners

In other news, another Major League squad, Rizzo's Salesmen, currently sitting 5th in the ML table, lost to Division 5 side Oftek. See the result here: Qftek - Rizzo's Salesmen.

Salesmen players recent performances have left Rizzo management considering changing the sport they play. Perhaps baseball. In St. Louis.

Major League - Round 5 Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Here are this week's Major League matches:

	Spocker - Byzantines
	Rizzo's Salesmen - Park Panthers EFC
	Wake Mourners - FC Kaauuli
	Flying Pretzels - RH Crew

Some intrigue this week:
FC Kaauuli faces current table-toppers Wake Mourners in what is easily the match of the week. Look for FCK to continue their winning ways in this week's upset.

The Salesmen-Panthers matchup is also interesting as both mid-table clubs seek to find an edge on their rivals.

In other news:
FC Kaauuli decided to sign aging midfielder Desmond Dennis to replace injured aging midfielder Ernest Hanley. Dennis did not disappoint, playing a solid match midweek in Kaauuli's cup win over Pachuca.

Kaauuli finally gets a win

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:53:00 +0000

1-0-3...3pts...-10 goal differential.

That stat line looks like it should belong to one of the newly promoted teams to the USA's Major League.

But it doesn't.

It belongs to none other than the two-time defending champion FC Kaauuli, who finally managed to get some points this weekend in a 5-4 win over Spocker.

Strange season so far.

ML newboys Byzantines and Park Panthers EFC still sit third and fourth in the standings. Byzantines management said in a press release:

"With a definitive 3-1 win over the Flying Pretzels, the Greeks cemented their hold onto 3rd place in the ML. A good thing too as the team has a rough stretch ahead with 3 of the next 4 on the road.

Coach Till was, for once, available for comment and noted: "A win in one of those games is going to be key for our season." In other news, the sky is still blue."

But, the colors at the top of the Major League are certainly different.

South Africa atop U.S. WCQ group

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:38:00 +0000

With six points, South Africa is first in the USA's World Cup Qualifying Group after two matches. The South Africans are level on points with the USA and Luxembourg, but have a commanding 20-0 goal differential. Sure, those goals came from a pair of 10-spots against Tunisia and Cambodia, but the flurry has set the bar high for the men wearing the red, white and blue.

You can see the latest U.S. match here: USA - Peru.

Major Surprises in the Major League

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Some thoughts on the season in the Major League so far:

FC Kaauuli is in last place. Not something forseen by this publication. In a hastily called news conference after the team's third straight loss, team manager Kaauulquappe said he's questioning the club's priorities.

"The other teams seem a lot more hungry for success. I am sick and tired of sitting here with zero points and a -10 goal differential,while management is hanging in the back room counting their millions," the gaffer said. "If the club decides not to bring in some much needed talent, I'll have to think about my future as coach here."

Stay tuned...

Byzantines are surprising everyone with their play, drawing their first two matches and winning their third.

The Byzantines' Captain Aaron Wilbur said that while he's happy with the way the team is playing, he realizes they've had some luck.

"To some extent, its the nature of the sport. Since each goal is so important, one mischance can ruin an otherwise well played game. Still, this has to hurt for [Rizzo's Salesmen]," he said.

The Salesmen retorted: "[That match] was humorous."

In another surprise, Major League newboys Park Panthers EFC have played themselves into 4th place, with a win, draw and a loss.

Panthers keeper Freddy Wheat said the team's success is due to how comfortable the players are with one another.

"We are not the typical Hattrick team. I played in all six divisions of the USA as a starter for the Panthers," Wheat said. "There are 8 more Major League starters who joined the club as 17 years old in Division 5. The goal was always to keep the team as cheap as possible."

PAGE SIX:

Panthers coach Orestes Monteros spotted at a gentleman's club before the

RH Crew - Park Panthers EFC

match in week 2. A team spokesman said he was working on "match strategy." The game ended 7-3 Crew.

Brief Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Loyal followers of HT Gameday, do not dispair.

After celebrating the nation's birthday and going on many a business trip, HT Gameday will return this weekend.

Major League Newboys clash in Round 1

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Salesmen eat Pretzels at home

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Spocker vs Mourners - Round 1

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:23:00 +0000

FC Kaauuli shocked in home opener

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:13:00 +0000

FC Kaauuli set to defend ML title

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:16:00 +0000

(HG) – Season 36 kicks off right where it left off last season. Last season’s first and second place teams, respectively FC Kaauuli and RH Crew, will face off in week one to establish early dominance in the U.S. top flight. Just a point separated these two squads over the course of last season, and this campaign should be just as close.

As is HT tradition, the rest of the matches follow in finishing order, 3v4, 5v6, and since there was no turnover after qualification matches, these teams are intimately familiar with one another.

Wake Mourners have posted a flag outside their clubhouse showing their team’s support for U.S. manager Polar in the election for National Team manager. No comment on their upcoming match with Spocker, however. To see how the election is shaping up in the eyes of some vote, go here.

No doubt , Flying Pretzels will be eager to see how their new defensive forward Anders Sunderberg plays against tougher competition. A great game against D6 Wasaby is one thing, but playing against the tough Salesmen at home is quite another.

Major League newboys Park Panthers and Byzantines get their first opportunity to show who has the edge amongst the newly-promoted teams.

Byzantines captain Aaron Wilbur said reaching the Major League has been a long time goal for him and his club.

"It’s a great feeling to have achieved it after so many seasons trying to recapture the II.2 crown,” Wilbur said. “Few teams ever have the honor of playing at the highest level: it means a lot.”

Round One Matches

Wake Mourners - Spocker
Park Panthers EFC- Byzantines

FC Kaauuli - RH Crew

Rizzo's Salesmen - Flying Pretzels

Dr. X’s season prediction:

Spocker
FC Kaauuli
RH Crew
Wake Mourners
Byzantines
Flying Pretzels
Park Panthers EFC
Rizzo’s Salesmen

Dr. X tells Hattrick Gameday his formula for prediction is a time-honored quadratic-based equation that considers factors such as overall team form, chemistry and logo rating. Feel free to comment on his rankings, and provide your own below!

Major League – Who’s In, Who’s Out:

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:32:00 +0000

Spocker was the far and away biggest spender in the offseason transfer window, buying four new players, spending $7.9 million in the process to pick up forwards Andor Sárossy and Osman Cezzar.

Titleholders FC Kaauuli spent the offseason opening the team wallet, also bringing in four new players. New Belgian goalkeeper Tieme van den Boom will likely serve in goal while starting keeper Jeffry Burris heals from injury.

Flying Pretzels bought Anders Sunderberg, a Swedish defensive forward, who performed admirably in his first match for the Pretzels, a round 1 Cup win. In an odd move, the Pretzels quickly bought then sold David Novoa, over the offseason, sending the aging forward to his native Spain.

Wake Mourners sent several young players onto the transfer market, and brought in another, Spanish wingback Ildelfonso Santizo. Santizo will likely only see limited action in the league this season.

And Major League newboys Park Panthers EFC and Byzantines both sold two players a piece, perhaps seeking funds for future purchases to keep them in the top flight.

Rizzo’s Salesmen and RH Crew had a quiet off seasons, transferring just one player each.

Complete Major League Transfer List:

FC Kaauuli

6/13/2008 Bought Tieme van den Boom from GORRA NEGRA FC 2 982 000 US$

6/11/2008 Bought Justin Brown from jin jan eah 781 000 US$

6/8/2008 Bought Filippo Artmann from F.C. Camposcino 10 000 US$

6/4/2008 Bought Kurni Hiir from FC Kadakamari 1 887 000 US$

RH Crew

6/15/2008 Sold Cris Durbin to Bukovina Ch 2 979 000 US$

Wake Mourners

6/9/2008 Sold Ricky Dewitt to el REal del Mon 6 000 US$

6/9/2008 Sold Ido Hasar to Hapoel ELi 612 000 US$ 1 980

6/4/2008 Bought Ildelfonso Santizo from mackaspor 105 000 US$

6/2/2008 Sold Christopher Mouse to KCGalaxy 1 000 000 US$ 1 150

Spocker

6/18/2008 Bought Sune Hörnerberg from FC KJOWENHAVN 1 000 US$

6/18/2008 Bought Nils Michel from Dijital Vibe 1 000 US$

6/12/2008 Bought Andor Sárossy from Cavallino Rampa 4 000 000 US$

6/8/2008 Sold Camilo Bátiz to WATC 336 000 US

6/7/2008 Bought Osman Cezzar from Harpolinger FC 3 963 260 US$

Rizzo's Salesmen

6/11/2008 Sold Darryl Childs to vianenses 2 000 US$

Flying Pretzels

6/15/2008 Sold Gerwald Buikstra to Midnight Magic 2 856 000 US$

6/13/2008 Bought Anders Sunderberg from IFK Ninweborg 3 944 000 US$

6/12/2008 Sold David Novoa to Habelas Hailas 1 428 000 US$

6/8/2008 Bought David Novoa from GANXTA 1 500 000 US$

6/4/2008 Sold Óscar Vargas to rowan 53 1 000 US$

Park Panthers EFC

6/8/2008 Sold Moisés Larrañaga to Ramenje 76 000 US$

6/5/2008 Sold Eddie Wiseman to Mutties Lieblin 22 000 US$

Byzantines

6/20/2008 Sold Ambroży Gałaś to Ichiban F.C 730 000 US$

6/13/2008 Sold Vardis Ntaikos to El_Albo 1 500 000 US$

Polar solidifies lead in NT poll; p_c a surprising third

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:26:00 +0000

Current combined results of several federation polls asking who voters are supporting for U.S. National Team manager:

Updated 6:33pm EDT Saturday

Polar 63%
GM-brxnivy 15%
patriot_conan 12%
Denerific 4%
enigmamz 3%
prime21time 3%

Margin of error +/-4%

Czech Republic - World Champions!

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:04:00 +0000

The Czech Republic won its first ever World Championship on Sunday with a 2-1 win over the Ukraine. It was a classic dominant midfield and attack versus defensive counterattacking specialist, and the midfield/attack won the day. (Go figure)

Read the match here: Česká republika - Ukraina

It was an uneventful match in the first half with a couple of chances for each team, neither amounting to much. The Czech's best opportunity came early in the match, when Zděnek Vašek received a cross in the box, but could not finish for a goal. Ukraine's talented defenders created a counterattack later in the half, but this time Vasyl Zabolotny's shot went awry.

It wasn't until the second half that the Czechs broke the deadlock. In the 62nd minute, Werner Mazal showed his fine finishing skill for the 1-0 goal. Then, seven minutes later, Karel Janíček made his 151st cap for the national team count, with a quick move to put his team ahead 2-0. But the trophy wasn't theirs yet. The Ukrainians struck back seven minutes from time on a long counterattack that was finished nicely by Andriy Chernyuk.

That goal wouldn't spark a comeback for Chernyuk's blue and yellow mates, and when the fulltime whistle blew, the Czech Republic supporters were singing the national anthem amid cheers and applause for their national team, finally earning the title of world champion.

U.S. Champions' Cup - Final Results

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

The finals were played on Wednesday, and they were quite close!

ANCHOR champion mocktire jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half, and it looked all but over. But give credit to New England's champion Que Pasa F.C., they battled back and kept the result in doubt until the very end. Well played indeed!

Watch the match: mocktire - Que Pasa F.C.

In the U.S. Cup Championship, MLS Cup champ DC Untied did their best to preserve the dignity of the United States. To no avail. U.K. champ Hyland's 11 prevailed, and for the first time ever, a U.S.C.C. trophy is heading overseas.

Watch the match: Hyland's 11 - DC Untied

Major League- II.1 Challenge Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Hattrick Gameday) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:54:00 +0000

Originally posted by oprice of Major League fame

One (1) season from now the USA Hattrick community will be treated to the inaugural ML-II.1 Challenge. This series-on-series contest shall determine, once and for all, which series is the freshest in HT USA. The matches will take place over the final friendly date in Season 36 and matchups will be chosen to ensure as much fan interest and television revenue as possible.

Therefore, the commissioners of the two series are announcing that they have chosen to leave it up to you, the fans, to determine the matchups for the inaugural ML-II.1 Challenge. Cast your votes here. Would you like to see a Pythons-Pretzels rematch or pair Rizzo against youth league rival Polar Bears?!?!

Representing the Major League:

FC Kaauuli

RH Crew
Wake Mourners

Flying Pretzels¹

Representing II.1:
Pythons

Polar_Bears

Gaithersburg Bhoys
Spamalots
BillyYogaSupreme

crunchers

The Frisky Meerkats
Eleventeen

¹ ML-worthiness still pending at press time.

EDITOR NOTE: If anyone has a fancy non-copyrighted ML or II.1 logo to spruce up this post, please let me know. get your creative juices flowing for II.1!