[Boromir88]

*Note: The match reports for the tournament will be far more narrational and in-depth. You'll pretty much get every goal scored and all the juicy, fun stories through the duration of the game.

For the friendlies, expect shorter, and more general summaries like how the teams played against eachother, what parts of their team were they working on, and of course some of the players who performed the best (or not so well).

Friendlies - Round 1

Anduin vs. Misty Mts

This was a pretty standard friendly as both teams tested out some of their new pieces, and also because these two are in the same group. Misty Mts were clearly holding back on their defensive aggression (3 yellows is low for them!)While Anduin did push the attack, and score 2 goals, you'd have to say the Misty Mts let Anduin take their cracks on goal so they could measure the new keeper, Caradhras.

The Misty Mts offense looks to be clicking well already. They only pushed forward after falling behind both times, and had a relatively easy time generating offense whenever they wanted. Proven by Durin's Bane and Saruman's ability to equalize scoring within 10 minutes, after falling behind both times.

Anduin 2-2 Misty Mts
tot shots 14-9
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*25, 1-0 Telumehtar (Durin)
*29, 1-1 DBane (Saruman)
*63, 2-1 Beorn (Leod)
*70, 2-2 Saruman (Azog)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Durin, Orophin, Frumgar
*Misty Mts- Great Goblin, Azog, Watcher

Angband vs. Minas Morgul

Minas Morgul played the more attacking game, but to no avail as they could not capitilize the attacking football with goals. Melkor had his defense playing at a high level, surprising to see in a friendly match, and the Witch-King was unwilling to commit greater effort to get better shots at this stage of the tournament. Despite playing the more aggressive game, Minas Morgul had a difficult time finding the proper space or time in the congested Angband box. Most of team Morgul's shots were forced off target and those that were at goal, the quality goal keeper Ungoliant had no trouble swallowing up. When Angband did have possession they revolved the attack around their star-FW Ancalagon. He was a tank in the center-FW position, getting 2 goals and causing big match up problems for the Minas Morgul defenders.

Angband 3-0 Minas Morgul
tot shots 11-13
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*14, 1-0 Ancalagon (Tilion)
*36, 2-0 Thuringwethil (Telvildo)
*62, 3-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Balrog #2, Ulfang
*Minas Morgul- Herumor, Angamaite, Witch King

Eriador vs. Numenor

Neither team played this match with much spirit or emphasis. Even though Bert did get sent off it was a rather poor decision by the ref, if I say so myself. The refs, and to no fault of their own, have always kept a careful eye on the trolls. Although, Bert's 2nd yellow, it probably would have been better if the ref just kept it in his pocket, to let the teams finish off the remaining minutes at full strength. There was nothing particularly sinister with Bert's attempt to push Tar Surion off the ball.

Numenor was the sharper team, as to be expected since the Numenoreans like to involve all 11 of their players in a single concerted team effort. Their style translates to friendly wins, without having to spend a great amount of energy to do so. Arvedui's teams have a tendancy to relax more than most do at this stage, and then raise their game on the big primetime occassions. The trolls definitely looked confused and out of their element, trying to adjust to Arvedui's orders to tone down their normal bruising defensive style.

Eriador 1-2 Numenor
tot shots 11-9
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Tar Ancalimon (Tar Miriel)
*26, 0-2 Tar Surion (Vardamir)
*65, 1-2 Barrow-Wight (Araphor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Bert, Halbarad
*Numenor- Tar Elendil, Tar Cirytan
RED CARDS:
*Eriador- Bert (84, second yellow)

Gondor vs. Minas Tirith

As it was believed when this match was announced, it would be a "friendly" in all meanings of the word. Both teams played extremely polite, having long time friends on the opposing team. The first half the attending crowd was disappointed, as the game looked like something you'd have in your backyard, at a party, with friends. Arwen and Eowyn were assigned to guard eachother, but they were more often seen casually jogging next to eachother gabbing. About hair products? Moisturizing lotion? Griping about their husbands? Who knows what?

The politeness remained in the 2nd half, but it was far more competitve and pleasing to watch. The crowd was able to witness 4 goals and some good football as the teams decided it was a good idea to get their passing and timing in sync. And when the game was tied, both teams upped their effort to try to gain a lead. Eldacar in particular looked on top form, being involved in all 3 of Gondor's goals, with 2 goals and 1 assist. The squads exited the pitch together, pleased with their play, offering tips and will wishes to their future successes in the tournament.

Gondor 3-2 Minas Tirith
tot shots 15-14
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Eomer (Imrahil)
*56, 1-1 Eldacar (Turambar)
*68, 2-1 Arwen (Eldacar)
*77, 2-2 Tarondor (Elfhelm)
*87, 3-2 Eldacar (Eorl)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Narmacil
*Minas Tirith- Eowyn, Denethor II