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the phantom · 07-24-2011, 02:20 PM

(Doriath preview here.)

Doriath vs Valinor

There was quite a bit of surprise when it was announced that the match between Doriath and Valinor would be the first to be played, but it made sense. There was going to be a rocking full house for both contests, and the host committee did not wish to appear prejudiced making the night-loving Werewolves play too early. In addition, Tol In Gaurhoth certainly had the most unruly fans, and the hosts didn’t like the idea of attempting to start another game directly after a Tol In Gaurhoth win (which would mean riotous partying around the stadium or possibly in the stadium or on the actual field), or after a Tol In Gaurhoth loss (which might set off their supporters on a destructive rampage).

In previous years Elwe might have tried something to limit the number Tol In Gaurhoth supporters in his realm, but in the present climate it seemed too risky. There were more than a few rumblings regarding the Valar and the Valinorean host committee's treatment of “outsiders” these past few years, and there were rumors that the Blessed Realm would not be allowed to host any matches next Arda Cup, and Elwe did not want to give up the potential for an economic boost in the future.

And so it was that in the early evening Doriath residents were pouring from their homes and Valinor supporters from their inns, making their way down into beautiful Menegroth Stadium. The locals knew what to expect, but never ceased to be impressed by the workmanship of the Elves and Dwarves of old. Most of the Noldorin supporters of Valinor had also seen the stadium before, having been in attendance at the 2008 Arda Cup final when Formenos took home the title. Not to mention that Formenos had been in group C that year, which was hosted in Doriath as well. And even a few had been around to support Fingolfin and Aredhel’s Gondolin squad last year, which played in the Doriath hosted group G.

Some of Olwe’s supporters were familiar with the place as well, as Alqualonde had also been a group C guest in 2008, but for quite a few of the Vanyar, Teleri, and Ainu, the experience was brand new. The tickets were expensive as always, but free wine-stands and snack-bars are always a part of the package at Menegroth, so guests can easily get their money’s worth. The silver fountains and marble basins set in the floors and jutting from the walls and sitting astride various dividing walls looked magnificent as always, and the many carved figures and pillars designed as trees and branches and woven hangings completed the look.

Due to the distractions of the venue, the pre-game chants were heavily favoring the home side, but as game time approached all of the wandering Valinor fans got themselves to their seats and prepared to make some noise for their team. Doriath and Valinor both received great cheers and polite applause when they made their entrances. There was little in the way of feuds between the two squads, except perhaps Eol having a bit of a problem with Miriel and Nerdanel, the foremothers of Feanor’s sons, but he had not said anything leading up to the match and so most assumed there was nothing there other than shoddy journalists trying to create some bad blood.

And finally after so much anticipation the game was underway- a heavyweight battle between Valinor and Doriath!

The juggernaut offenses were what everyone was watching for, but in the early going both squads proved themselves to be complete teams, closing nicely and always pushing the action away from goal. The dashing speed of the Valinor trio was matched by Melian and Carcharoth, and the giant Elwe kept mighty Arien from having a chance at an aerial assault. And Beren and Mablung were always around to help in any way they could.

On the other side Tulkas marked Turin to keep him at bay, and Indis stayed with his partner Beleg, and Vaire and Nessa positioned themselves perfectly and without tiring as only the Ainu can. It seemed that Melian was keen to have her precise midfield push forward to try and overwhelm Valinor’s defense, but Elwe was frightened by the prospect of sudden counters without anyone to help and convinced Melian to continue playing it straight.

Instead it was Valinor that tried the idea first, exerting great pressure on Doriath. The forest realm broke away for a quick attack three times, but one pass sailed just barely over the end line before Beleg could snatch it, another one was won away by Tulkas, and the last yielded a snipe from Hurin, but Ingwe went down and smothered it.

Despite the threat Tulkas continued urging his squad ahead, and at minute 36 he was rewarded with a great passing series from the girls up front and Olwe, which led to Arien running in and leaving it unexpectedly behind her, drawing the knot of defenders away for just long enough to give Nerdanel an open strike and she sent it precisely through an opening into the net for the opening score of the contest!

Onlookers wondered whether Valinor would attempt to push even more after that in an attempt to really seize the momentum, but Tulkas decided he had better try and defend the lead going into the halftime break. Doriath had put together some dangerous runs while Valinor was attacking and he did not wish to tempt fate any longer, and as their defense had worked fine against Doriath’s strategy in the early going he trusted his decision. And indeed as the teams broke for halftime, Valinor still had their 1-0 lead, and Doriath had only managed a couple low-percentage shots that went up and over Ingwe.

When the game resumed it looked similar, with both sides spreading the field and not exerting too much pressure, but Doriath was definitely dominating possession. Thanks to some nifty solo runs Eol for Doriath and Miriel for Valinor both gained decent looks at the goal, but both keepers rose to the occasion to preserve the score. As the minutes ticked along Tulkas became uncomfortable with how much of the game was being played in their own half of the field with Doriath in possession, and how many corner opportunities they were gaining.

Feeling it was only a matter of time before the equalizer came, Tulkas ordered Valinor to push forward again and gain a two goal cushion on their opposition. They outmanned Doriath in the offensive zone and for a time it looked like they’d get their wish, but Melian and her defense always did enough to toe balls away and deflect shots or force them wide, and Elwe looked pleased, knowing Valinor was now open to the counter again. And finally, at minute sixty, Doriath sprang it. Carcharoth beat Miriel to the ball and touched it to Beren who one-timed it forward to Luthien who booted it low all the way down the left side.

Like magic the ball slowed drastically as it approached the end line right along the penalty box line, allowing Doriath to get it before it went out. Rushing to it was Nessa and Hurin and from the inside Vaire, but Hurin got there first and immediately sent it screaming in towards the keeper. Ingwe went to grab it or at least bat it away, but the ball hooked away from the goal just enough to allow the onrushing Mablung, just half a step in front of his mark, to get it first, and he delivered a flying header right inside the near post and the game was level!

Taking advantage of the celebration delay, Tulkas swiftly consulted his fellows as to what strategy to follow next. Play it straight and go for the win at the end? Dial up the pressure immediately? Try to send it to overtime as is? In the end everyone was worried about another Doriath quick-strike and decided to go back on an even keel and see what Doriath did about it.

For the next several minutes the game was played level, but then Elwe and Melian unexpectedly ordered big time pressure, and Valinor decided to try and weather the storm and provide their forwards with a chance at a clever quick strike. But they never got the chance, as Doriath’s passing was just out of this world, and the pushed and prodded and tested until finally Beleg had a point blank drive. Ingwe managed to get in front of it, but it ricocheted away from him and out to Melian on the penalty spot, and she sent it back to the box line in the air for Beren who booted it out of the air with an athletic spinning kick and sent the ball over top of the defenders but with just enough topspin to come down and ring off the crossbar and down into the goal!

It was a fantastic kick, and the Doraith faithful just went wild! They had never lost confidence in their team, and now they were where they ought to be- in the lead as the clock ticked down.

Knowing they could not afford to give up another goal, Valinor pulled back to defend and collect themselves, and then with about ten minutes left they went forward more aggressively than ever. Arien gained a header but sent it over, and Melian pulled all the midfielders back to help. Miriel and Nerdanel played a brilliant combination to fool the defense and Nerdanel slid one to the post, but Huan made a leap that only the great hound could and tipped it away! And then- disaster.

Yavanna sent a high hanging corner in, and Elwe rose up above the field and headed it mightily back towards midfield. Indis and Vaire were waiting there for Valinor to send anything that direction back forward, but Doriath was gambling one of their defenders would manage to send it out and Beleg, Turin, and Hurin were already rushing out. Before Vaire could touch it, Hurin flashed in front of her and knocked it sideways to Beleg who sent it straight down the middle, perfectly releasing Turin all by himself into the Valinor half of the field! Valinor rushed to catch up, but they were too far behind to help Ingwe, and he just had no chance one on one with the goal-scoring leader and just like that Doriath was up by two goals!

The noise in the Doriath half of the arena was ear-bleeding, and players up and down the field were celebrating- Beleg and Hurin picked up Turin in a jumbled hug, Melian and Elwe embraced, so very proud of the team they’d put together and trained, and Carcharoth and Huan barked and howled in unison! With their defense the opposition was not going to score twice in the final few minutes, and indeed Valinor didn’t score even one desperate goal at the end, and after swiftly exchanging polite words and jerseys with the opposition team Doriath leaped into the stands to celebrate with their fans. They were headed to the grand coliseum of Amon Hen! They were into the semifinals!

Doriath 3-1 Valinor
tot shots 18-17
on target 8-5
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Nerdanel (Arien)
*60, 1-1 Mablung (Hurin)
*72, 2-1 Beren (Melian)
*86, 3-1 Turin (Beleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Elwe
*Valinor- Olwe, Nessa

Following the match the players from Valinor were largely unavailable, understandably heartbroken from the loss, but the captain Tulkas made his required media appearance a few minutes after the game ended.

MESPN: Are you going to captain your own team again next year, or try something different?

Tulkas: Well, nothing is set in stone, but I would lean strongly towards captaining my own side yet again.

MESPN: What sort of team will you be looking to put together next time around?

Tulkas: Honestly, I was quite happy with this team. We had the bad luck of running into the hottest team in the tourney playing in their home stadium in the quarterfinals. I think anything less than that we would've overcome.

MESPN: So, have you already spoken with your players about re-signing?

Tulkas: Not specifically, no, it's too soon to be talking business at this point, but I think there is a basic understanding I have with some of them. I'm certain my beloved Nessa will continue on with me, and we've really hit it off with Arien and I'm fairly certain she's on board with any plans. Not to mention Arien loves having Nerdanel and Miriel feeding her up front, so I'm hopeful that they will be back, and I've spoken to Nerdanel regarding one of her sons being interested in joining her, so, we'll see...

07-24-2011, 02:20 PM	#122
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	Quarterfinals at Doriath (Doriath preview here.) Doriath vs Valinor There was quite a bit of surprise when it was announced that the match between Doriath and Valinor would be the first to be played, but it made sense. There was going to be a rocking full house for both contests, and the host committee did not wish to appear prejudiced making the night-loving Werewolves play too early. In addition, Tol In Gaurhoth certainly had the most unruly fans, and the hosts didn’t like the idea of attempting to start another game directly after a Tol In Gaurhoth win (which would mean riotous partying around the stadium or possibly in the stadium or on the actual field), or after a Tol In Gaurhoth loss (which might set off their supporters on a destructive rampage). In previous years Elwe might have tried something to limit the number Tol In Gaurhoth supporters in his realm, but in the present climate it seemed too risky. There were more than a few rumblings regarding the Valar and the Valinorean host committee's treatment of “outsiders” these past few years, and there were rumors that the Blessed Realm would not be allowed to host any matches next Arda Cup, and Elwe did not want to give up the potential for an economic boost in the future. And so it was that in the early evening Doriath residents were pouring from their homes and Valinor supporters from their inns, making their way down into beautiful Menegroth Stadium. The locals knew what to expect, but never ceased to be impressed by the workmanship of the Elves and Dwarves of old. Most of the Noldorin supporters of Valinor had also seen the stadium before, having been in attendance at the 2008 Arda Cup final when Formenos took home the title. Not to mention that Formenos had been in group C that year, which was hosted in Doriath as well. And even a few had been around to support Fingolfin and Aredhel’s Gondolin squad last year, which played in the Doriath hosted group G. Some of Olwe’s supporters were familiar with the place as well, as Alqualonde had also been a group C guest in 2008, but for quite a few of the Vanyar, Teleri, and Ainu, the experience was brand new. The tickets were expensive as always, but free wine-stands and snack-bars are always a part of the package at Menegroth, so guests can easily get their money’s worth. The silver fountains and marble basins set in the floors and jutting from the walls and sitting astride various dividing walls looked magnificent as always, and the many carved figures and pillars designed as trees and branches and woven hangings completed the look. Due to the distractions of the venue, the pre-game chants were heavily favoring the home side, but as game time approached all of the wandering Valinor fans got themselves to their seats and prepared to make some noise for their team. Doriath and Valinor both received great cheers and polite applause when they made their entrances. There was little in the way of feuds between the two squads, except perhaps Eol having a bit of a problem with Miriel and Nerdanel, the foremothers of Feanor’s sons, but he had not said anything leading up to the match and so most assumed there was nothing there other than shoddy journalists trying to create some bad blood. And finally after so much anticipation the game was underway- a heavyweight battle between Valinor and Doriath! The juggernaut offenses were what everyone was watching for, but in the early going both squads proved themselves to be complete teams, closing nicely and always pushing the action away from goal. The dashing speed of the Valinor trio was matched by Melian and Carcharoth, and the giant Elwe kept mighty Arien from having a chance at an aerial assault. And Beren and Mablung were always around to help in any way they could. On the other side Tulkas marked Turin to keep him at bay, and Indis stayed with his partner Beleg, and Vaire and Nessa positioned themselves perfectly and without tiring as only the Ainu can. It seemed that Melian was keen to have her precise midfield push forward to try and overwhelm Valinor’s defense, but Elwe was frightened by the prospect of sudden counters without anyone to help and convinced Melian to continue playing it straight. Instead it was Valinor that tried the idea first, exerting great pressure on Doriath. The forest realm broke away for a quick attack three times, but one pass sailed just barely over the end line before Beleg could snatch it, another one was won away by Tulkas, and the last yielded a snipe from Hurin, but Ingwe went down and smothered it. Despite the threat Tulkas continued urging his squad ahead, and at minute 36 he was rewarded with a great passing series from the girls up front and Olwe, which led to Arien running in and leaving it unexpectedly behind her, drawing the knot of defenders away for just long enough to give Nerdanel an open strike and she sent it precisely through an opening into the net for the opening score of the contest! Onlookers wondered whether Valinor would attempt to push even more after that in an attempt to really seize the momentum, but Tulkas decided he had better try and defend the lead going into the halftime break. Doriath had put together some dangerous runs while Valinor was attacking and he did not wish to tempt fate any longer, and as their defense had worked fine against Doriath’s strategy in the early going he trusted his decision. And indeed as the teams broke for halftime, Valinor still had their 1-0 lead, and Doriath had only managed a couple low-percentage shots that went up and over Ingwe. When the game resumed it looked similar, with both sides spreading the field and not exerting too much pressure, but Doriath was definitely dominating possession. Thanks to some nifty solo runs Eol for Doriath and Miriel for Valinor both gained decent looks at the goal, but both keepers rose to the occasion to preserve the score. As the minutes ticked along Tulkas became uncomfortable with how much of the game was being played in their own half of the field with Doriath in possession, and how many corner opportunities they were gaining. Feeling it was only a matter of time before the equalizer came, Tulkas ordered Valinor to push forward again and gain a two goal cushion on their opposition. They outmanned Doriath in the offensive zone and for a time it looked like they’d get their wish, but Melian and her defense always did enough to toe balls away and deflect shots or force them wide, and Elwe looked pleased, knowing Valinor was now open to the counter again. And finally, at minute sixty, Doriath sprang it. Carcharoth beat Miriel to the ball and touched it to Beren who one-timed it forward to Luthien who booted it low all the way down the left side. Like magic the ball slowed drastically as it approached the end line right along the penalty box line, allowing Doriath to get it before it went out. Rushing to it was Nessa and Hurin and from the inside Vaire, but Hurin got there first and immediately sent it screaming in towards the keeper. Ingwe went to grab it or at least bat it away, but the ball hooked away from the goal just enough to allow the onrushing Mablung, just half a step in front of his mark, to get it first, and he delivered a flying header right inside the near post and the game was level! Taking advantage of the celebration delay, Tulkas swiftly consulted his fellows as to what strategy to follow next. Play it straight and go for the win at the end? Dial up the pressure immediately? Try to send it to overtime as is? In the end everyone was worried about another Doriath quick-strike and decided to go back on an even keel and see what Doriath did about it. For the next several minutes the game was played level, but then Elwe and Melian unexpectedly ordered big time pressure, and Valinor decided to try and weather the storm and provide their forwards with a chance at a clever quick strike. But they never got the chance, as Doriath’s passing was just out of this world, and the pushed and prodded and tested until finally Beleg had a point blank drive. Ingwe managed to get in front of it, but it ricocheted away from him and out to Melian on the penalty spot, and she sent it back to the box line in the air for Beren who booted it out of the air with an athletic spinning kick and sent the ball over top of the defenders but with just enough topspin to come down and ring off the crossbar and down into the goal! It was a fantastic kick, and the Doraith faithful just went wild! They had never lost confidence in their team, and now they were where they ought to be- in the lead as the clock ticked down. Knowing they could not afford to give up another goal, Valinor pulled back to defend and collect themselves, and then with about ten minutes left they went forward more aggressively than ever. Arien gained a header but sent it over, and Melian pulled all the midfielders back to help. Miriel and Nerdanel played a brilliant combination to fool the defense and Nerdanel slid one to the post, but Huan made a leap that only the great hound could and tipped it away! And then- disaster. Yavanna sent a high hanging corner in, and Elwe rose up above the field and headed it mightily back towards midfield. Indis and Vaire were waiting there for Valinor to send anything that direction back forward, but Doriath was gambling one of their defenders would manage to send it out and Beleg, Turin, and Hurin were already rushing out. Before Vaire could touch it, Hurin flashed in front of her and knocked it sideways to Beleg who sent it straight down the middle, perfectly releasing Turin all by himself into the Valinor half of the field! Valinor rushed to catch up, but they were too far behind to help Ingwe, and he just had no chance one on one with the goal-scoring leader and just like that Doriath was up by two goals! The noise in the Doriath half of the arena was ear-bleeding, and players up and down the field were celebrating- Beleg and Hurin picked up Turin in a jumbled hug, Melian and Elwe embraced, so very proud of the team they’d put together and trained, and Carcharoth and Huan barked and howled in unison! With their defense the opposition was not going to score twice in the final few minutes, and indeed Valinor didn’t score even one desperate goal at the end, and after swiftly exchanging polite words and jerseys with the opposition team Doriath leaped into the stands to celebrate with their fans. They were headed to the grand coliseum of Amon Hen! They were into the semifinals! Doriath 3-1 Valinor tot shots 18-17 on target 8-5 GOALS: 36, 0-1 Nerdanel (Arien) 60, 1-1 Mablung (Hurin) 72, 2-1 Beren (Melian) 86, 3-1 Turin (Beleg) YELLOW CARDS: Doriath- Elwe Valinor- Olwe, Nessa Following the match the players from Valinor were largely unavailable, understandably heartbroken from the loss, but the captain Tulkas made his required media appearance a few minutes after the game ended. MESPN: Are you going to captain your own team again next year, or try something different? Tulkas: Well, nothing is set in stone, but I would lean strongly towards captaining my own side yet again. MESPN: What sort of team will you be looking to put together next time around? Tulkas: Honestly, I was quite happy with this team. We had the bad luck of running into the hottest team in the tourney playing in their home stadium in the quarterfinals. I think anything less than that we would've overcome. MESPN: So, have you already spoken with your players about re-signing? Tulkas: Not specifically, no, it's too soon to be talking business at this point, but I think there is a basic understanding I have with some of them. I'm certain my beloved Nessa will continue on with me, and we've really hit it off with Arien and I'm fairly certain she's on board with any plans. Not to mention Arien loves having Nerdanel and Miriel feeding her up front, so I'm hopeful that they will be back, and I've spoken to Nerdanel regarding one of her sons being interested in joining her, so, we'll see... __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important. Last edited by the phantom; 07-24-2011 at 02:34 PM.