[Boromir88]

Group H

Match 1 - Lothlorien vs Minas Morgul
Minas Morgul fans had shown up by the tens of thousands to watch the matches in this group. In fact, had it not been for the strong number of Rohirrim locals to see Shadowfax, or the band of Gondorians to see Boromir II, Lothlorien fans would have definitely been outnumbered. The stadium was split 50/50, which would sure to make an interesting match.

To everybody's surprise Lothlorien started out as the aggressors. Well it was more like Feanor, toying with Minas Morgul. Galadriel refused to lend her star FW any support as he dashed to and fro playing keep away for several minutes. Then something awoke in Boromir II, spiritted on by Feanor's skill, he suddenly charged forward and when Feanor found him with a perfect pass, Boromir made his trademark shout "FOR GONDOR!" as he struck the ball. Earnur was stunned and Boromir rifled it past him. Then he ran over to the section of Gondorians. They pulled out their plastic replicas of Boromir's horn, and began blowing into them. The noise was a loud, constant buzzing that greatly annoyed the Minas Morgul section.

After the goal, Galadriel gave a stern glare to Feanor and Boromir, as if to say "ok, you've had your fun, now come back and defend." Thus, Lothlorien began defending their lead, and they were doing admirably. A mistake by the King of the Dead, led to a quick counter by Lothlorien. Castamir tried to play the ball to the Dead King, but somehow he missed it completely, it's as if the ball went straight through his foot. Feanor picked it up and broke forward with Boromir and Legolas. Boromir got it and tried to rifle another one past Earnur. But this one hit the top post and richoted almost straight down, however Legolas was there to ever so delicately nudge it over the line, giving Lothlorien the 2-0 lead.

Now Galadriel really believed the 2-0 lead would be sufficient and put an end to any counterattacks. While Minas Morgul was holding most of the possession, Lothlorien defenders had a pretty easy time of it, as Minas Morgul couldn't even crack the first line of defense, Feanor. Often times Feanor would steal it away, run around for a few minutes and pass it back to the defenders who also kicked it around for a while. It was a dreadfully boring end to the half.

The 2nd half was pretty much the same story as the end of the 1st. Minas Morgul couldn't keep possession passed Feanor long enough to get off shots, and Lothlorien refused to even attempt to expand their lead. Except for the occassional, solo-elf runs by Feanor where he attempted to take on the entire Minas Morgul defense or make up his own trick shot.

By the 80th minute Firienfeld had about half-emptied when Minas Morgul went into one of their classic late-game, manic periods. Last year they made a habit of being down for most of the match and storming back in the final 10 minutes. Minas Morgul came forwards in full force and it took the Lothlorien defense by surprise. They had a relatively easy day up to that point and, when all the force of Minas Morgul came in that first swift stroke, they overwhelmed the Lothlorien defenders and the Witch-King had an easy, open net, bringing the score 2-1.

However, after that first wave, Lothlorien adjusted and despite Minas Morgul sending even Herumor and Fuinur up to attack, it looked more likely Lothlorien would make it a 2-goal lead again on one of their counters. Feanor had a good chance in the 88th minute, but Earnur managed to come up with a good save. Thus the game ended 2-1, in favor of Lothlorien.

Lothlorien 2-1 Minas Morgul
tot shots 11-10
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*9, 1-0 Boromir (Feanor)
*23, 2-0 Legolas (Boromir)
*81, 2-1 Witch King (Beruthiel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Lothlorien- Haldir
*MMorgul- Castamir, Fuinur

Match 2 - Dunharrow vs Minas Tirith

After Minas Morgul's defeat in the first match, the mood in the stadium was festival and jovial. Obviously the Rohirrim would like their team to come away with 3 points in their match, but the fact that Minas Morgul was at the bottom with 0 was all too sweet.

It was a clean and fairly even and competitive match, but not one would remember as great or exciting. Judging by the play and the statistics of the teams, it would be hard to see either one advance, to be perfectly honest.

Brytta opened the scoring by heading in a corner delivered by Theodred in the 24th minute. Dunharrow pulled back to defend their lead and were able to do so successfully, in part due to some nice saves by Aldor.

Dunharrow began the 2nd ready to just defend and protect but in the 56th minute it cost them when Elfhelm cleaned up the rebound of Tarondor's shot.

As the game drew on it looked to all Minas Morgul fans Dunharrow and Minas Tirith made a secret deal at half time to end the game in a draw, so they could pick up a point and leave Minas Morgul at the bottom. However, they underestimated Dunharrow wanting to truly give their fans something to cheer about and that was a solid win, on the opening day of games, in front of their home crowd.

So in a short period where Dunharrow was actually forcing Minas Tirith to defend, and Minas Tirith looked more anxious to just hold onto the point then try to win the match, Theodred found Thengel completely unmarked and with under 4 minutes remaining in regulation gave his team the lead. Dunharrow was easily able to hold until the ref blew the final whistle.

Now there was a real reason for the Rohirrim to be excited. Their team was hosting, and they were tied with Lothlorien on top of Group H. Minas Morgul's defeat earlier in the day had become only the 'icing on the cake.'

Dunharrow 2-1 Minas Tirith
tot shots 9-12
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*24, 1-0 Brytta (Theodred)
*56, 1-1 Elfhelm (Tarondor)
*86, 2-1 Thengel (Theodred)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Helm, Folca
*Minas Tirith- Denethor II, Firefoot, Eowyn