Arda Cup Football 2010

[Boromir88]

TTN's Round 3 Friendlies

AKM has put together a thorough assessment of the 32 teams up to this point, and their statistical analysis is without question the best a football fan will find. I would be careful about being mis-led by some of the teams performances in the friendlies thus far, however. For example, I think AKM has over-valued The Wold's defense. They've played Vinyamar and Ithilien so far, let's face it, neither of those have showed any promising capability to score. They end the friendlies against Nargothrond and Misty Mountains. After 2 games, the 4 teams the Wold has/will play in the friendlies has put up a pathetic 2 goals (a combined goal-percentage of 3.3%!!). We won't know how good this Ent-defense truly is until the start of the tournament when they have Gondolin and Gondor in their group. We've all seen Gondolin's scoring ability. Gondor does not have the offensive skill of Gondolin, by any means, but they have a lot of talent up front, and also have been able to score against the two already proven solid defenses in Numenor and Mithrim.

We can get into more examples like this at another time, because the purpose now is to preview the Round 3 friendlies. I am merely sending a word of caution to phantasy owners, before jumping on the Wold's (or any player's) bandwagon look at who they've played first, and then look at who they will play. The Wold may be playing well simply because they match up better against a team like Ithilien, playing a team like Gondolin is a much different and far greater challenge.

Without further ado, let's preview the upcoming friendlies...

Aman vs. Minas Anor

Aman hasn't had too hard of a test yet, and if they want to be taken as serious competitors in the tournament they will have to take care of Minas Anor as they took care of Bywater. Aman's first big test will come in the 4th friendly against Gondolin. Most of their top phantasy scorers are defensive players, which shows this team will rely on defense to win. We know Ar Pharazon's ability, but Finarfin is inconsistant and Orome will have to play a lot better than what he's shown so far.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF-Turgon, GK-Nienna (8)

I would say Minas Anor has just looked lazy so far. Yes they had Mithrim in the first round, but if they gave up 2 goals to Lorien. The offensive power of Group H (Dol Guldur, Havens, Tirion) will eat them alive, if the defense doesn't improve. Against Aman, the best they can hope for is a draw, and that only if Aman decides to play like they did against the Misty Mountains.
*Top phantasy scorer: GK-Ecthelion II (6)

Aman wins 1-0

Barad-dur vs. Dale

Barad-dur has been hit and miss so far, there are some signs of very dangerous team, but also signs that it could fall apart and not make it out of their group. We know their potential at greatness, which Sauron brings with him, but they haven't been playing as a complete team yet. It's almost like Sauron, Gil Galad, and Isildur are the only guys who decide to show up, and the rest just expect them to do it alone. Dale shouldn't put up much of a fight, their real test will come in their next match against Eithel Sirion.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Sauron, MF-Gil Galad (10)

Dale is dangerously close to completely falling apart. The problem isn't going to be Smaug and Thranduil, both will get their fair share of goals. You see they've given up 7 goals, and may immediately blame Brand's goal-keeping (63% save percentage). However, let's take a closer look at the numbers. In 2 games, Brand has seen 36 shots, and 19 of them on target which he had to try to save. Brand has had to make a save on 52% of the shots! You can't expect your Keeper to shut out a game when he sees 18 shots, 9-10 on target every game. One might say "well they did play Gondolin." But even Rohan tore apart Dale's defense. Not to knock Rohan's capable attack but their numbers against the Barrow-Downs were significantly lower (10 shots, 4 on target) compared to the carving they did against Dale (18 shots, 9 on target). I tip my hat to Brand for playing with the most pathetic defense I have ever seen. If they don't fix it fast, this team is toast.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Brand (8)

Barad-dur wins 3-1

Barrow-Downs vs. Gondolin

The Barrow-Downs has played good teams, but not a top-tier team yet, and now they will get one in Gondolin. The biggest problem I'm seeing is their inability to hold a lead. I wouldn't chalk it up to believing once in the lead they feel "we've got this game won," it just looks like there is no consistancy. There are times where the attack looks unstoppable for 10-15 minutes, and then 30-40 minutes where they can't do anything. BD fans are also unsure of what type of Keeper they have in the Warg. He was much improved against Gorgoroth, saving 4 of 5, but they're not far removed from Rohan where he stopped only 2 of 4. If he reverts back to that save percentage, against Gondolin, this will be a massacre.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Wilwa (10)

I do expect Gondolin's offensive explosion to go down slightly, because of the Barrow-Downs' cunning defensive strategy. At times it looked like they had 14-15 players on the field because of how they swarm to the ball, but again the inconsistancy because other times it was like they just left the field in the middle of play to go to the popular bookstore Elrond's & Sons. Ultimately, Gondolin's offensive numbers will likely not drop enough to make this a competive match.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Eol (14)

Gondolin wins 3-0.

Beleriand vs. Rivendell

Beleriand's attack is non-existant, but that typically happens when you want to play a conservative possession game. The defense is pretty good, but I guess the idea of trying to get a 1-0 lead and then Marach locking down, keeping possession is still too risky strategy. Beleriand seems to play for a 0-0 draw, which means not only do they find themselves on the losing end often, but makes them terribly boring.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Halmir (6)

Rivendell's offense is statistically better, but really there is no significant difference. Beleriand's had 5 shots on target, Rivendell 6. Rivendell has created more chances (15) than Beleriand (12), but unable to turn those chances into more goals. It's hard enough for anyone to get 1 goal against Elrond, forget about Beleriand scoring. The question will be, is Rivendell even capable of getting a goal in this match?
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Elrond (8)

Rivendell wins 1-0.

Breeland vs. Havens

Bree will have no trouble scoring in any of their matches. Their problem is plain and simple, Old Man Willow. You will hear Bree fans grumble about Bombadil only playing 10% of the time, or the poor defense, but they've accepted these facts about the team for many years. When it comes down to it, Breelanders don't want a Rivendell team that will try to squeak out a 1-0 victory, they want to see goals. Every year, Bombadil gives that to the fans, and each year they know their defense is under a lot of pressure because of the risky offensive strategy. They live with it, but they're not going to want to live with Old Man Willow on the team much longer. I'll go back to my point about Brand. Both Willow and Brand have given up 7 goals, but Brand has seen more shots and has had to save more shots compared to OMW's atrocious 56% save-percentage.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Bombadil (10)

This will be an interesting match for the Havens, and rather important for their defense. They haven't been tested by a strong attack yet, and Bree will certainly give them one. It's going to be an important test because they will face killer offenses in their group, so if they can do an effective enough job at containing Bree's constant attack, Olwe may just have put together a playoff-caliber team. One thing we do know, they will score against OMW, and we are sure to see a lot of goals in this one.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Earendil (11)

Draw 3-3

Bywater vs. Pelennor

A lot of uncertainty surrounds Bywater so far, and fans don't know whether to be optimistic or start hoping for next year. I think Shadowfax and the 2 Nazgul have solidified the defense. They've only allowed 7 shots on target in 2 games, but Cotton is just as terrible as Bree's Tree, only saving 4. Of course Bywater has played Beleriand and Aman, so far, neither have much of a threatening attack. Let's see how their defense holds against Pelennor. Gandalf will be fine and get his points, but Bandobras has been a contributing goal-scorer in previous tournaments. He's going to have to start stepping up his game.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF-Shadowfax (5)

Pelennor's played well, but since there are question marks to how much effort Utumno put into their match and whether Doriath is really that bad, than Pelennor's impressive performance may be deceptive. Theoden was heroic at GK for Edoras last year, but the old king's skills might be diminishing. I don't think we'll know any more about them after the outcome of this match, because we don't know the type of team there is in Bywater. Pelennor's good morale should be able to carry them past the shaken, and uncertain Bywater.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Legolas (11)

Pelennor wins 2-1

Dol Guldur vs. Gondor

The Witch-King's going to want to lead his troops against his hated enemies, but Dol Guldur's had a bit of a slow start. You might look at their opponents so far, Thangorodrim and Gondolin, and say "those are great teams!" While that is true, I'm not sure the move to a different fortress was the wisest decision for the Wiki. The Wiki has become too arrogant from Minas Morgul's performance last year. He had The Mouth as GK, who is not a great keeper, but was certainly better than Oropher. Also, he had Castamir and his pirates, plus Beruthiel, which created a down-right scary offense. Now Khamul has joined the Wiki, but are opponents going to look at Bolg and Radagast with the same fear they would if it were Castamir and Beruthiel? Probably not.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Khamul (10)

I don't think Gondor's defensive numbers are as bad as AKM would lead you to think. The defense has held up strong to the capable attacks of Numenor and Mithrim. Numenor had 10 shots, 5 on target, Mithrim 12 shots, 5 on target. Gondor has forced most shots off-target, leaving Romendacil to only have to save 10 of the total 22 shots (45%). The weak-link has been Romendacil who is only saving it 60% of the time. He will have to improve on that percentage if Gondor wants to make the jump from playing competitively to winning.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Eldacar (7)

Draw 2-2

Doriath vs. Numenor

Doesn't get any easier for Doriath in the friendlies. Thingol and Haleth are getting off shots, but Doriath's total shots to on target percentage is not terrible, it just makes football enthusiasts sick. 29.4%!! Honestly, there's a better chance the ball winds up in the seats, than in the opposing GK hands (Correct readers, I didn't say "in the back of the goal" for a reason). This must be Thingol's "new" offensive strategy to relieve pressure off Melian? Or maybe he's a nice chap who thinks fans want to leave with a souvenir from him? Best start putting it in the net, Thingol, or giving 'em a signed jersey. You don't want to supply fans with any more easily thrown objects than what they already have avaiable, or you'll find out why soccer balls were banned from use in dodgeball.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Melian (6)

Numenor's winning, but this is something I must agree with AKM about, there's something missing. I don't mean the obvious loss of offensive-talent that happened in the off-season, because the Numenoreans are still going to get a lot of shots and it's not like goals are going to be hard to come by, like with Ithilien. Maybe it's simply Numenor is not dominating like last year? Yes, the tournament hasn't begun yet, maybe they aren't playing at full-ability, but there seems to be no fire. It's not uncommon for a team to be content with their Championship win the previous year, and thus not have the same drive or focus, in the next.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK- Tar Atanamir (10)

Still, Doriath is THAT bad. Numenor wins 1-0.

~~~~

The previews for the other 8 matches will be released later.

[Boromir88]

Eithel Sirion vs. Mithrim

Promises to be an exciting match and I hope these two meet far in the playoffs so we can really see both at their best.

Eithel Sirion has looked strong in their first 2 friendlies, despite playing two weak teams. What's impressed me about both wins is the flexibility, showing they can play shut out football defeating Doriath 2-0, but also score lots of goals when playing a more offensively capable team like Bree (4-2). It was against Bree, but I did not expect to see that type of goal-scoring ability, coming into the match against Mithrim with a solid 20%.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Gwindor (12)

Mithrim's competition so far hasn't been much better than Eithel Sirion's, so just as much as they are a true test for the tower, this will a true test for Mithrim. Huan at GK should be strong, as usual, but it will depend on whether Turin decides if this match means anything. Turin is at his best when there is a lot at stake, and this is how he carried Dor-Lomin to the quarter-finals last year. However, when the match is not all that important, Turin doesn't show up in the stats, which is probably why he only has 1 assist, in the friendlies.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Huan (10)

Eithel Sirion wins 2-1.

Gelion vs. Lorien

For a new team Gelion is raising a few eyebrows, people are seeing the potential of a good team that will not be easy to run-over. So far, however, Gelion hasn't shown they can win, only play even. The defense is well organized, only allowing 9 shots on target in 2 games, and Dior with a solid 78% saves. However, Gelion is relying too much on Beren for the offense. If they can't find someone else to score, Beren isn't a dominant enough goal-scorer to handle the defensive pressure he will be under.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Dior (8)

I must admit at being surprised by Lorien's 2-1 victory over Minas Anor. I could have over-estimated the Stewards' strength this year, or maybe Celeborn has finally decided to run things his way on the offense, no matter how much yelling Galadriel is doing? Celeborn was asked if this would cause tension in their long-standing marriage: "We're Elves, not Men. We passionately fall in love, wed, and fulfill the only reason to get married...have a kid. We've been sleeping in separate tarans for 8,000 years, but she still won't leave me. You think hot shot elves and gruff dwarves are the only ones who try to get with her, and when they fail I say nothing just smirk as if to say, yep...she's with me. I think it's my silver hair, even after all these years she finds it irresistable." Do we have a new look Lorien, or is Galadriel going to tighten her grip even more?
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Galadriel (6)

Draw 1-1.

Gorgoroth vs. Misty Mountains

Does anyone see a blood bath? Everyone notes the violence when sticking Orcs and Dwarves together, it's just as violence when it's Orcs against Orcs.

Gorgoroth has a bit better defensive strategy, as they've shown in both their matches. They still pick up the cards, and make aggressive tackles, but are quicker, have better endurance, and don't get beat often. Not to mention Shelob who has been one of the better GK thus far. Both goals have come from Castamir so far, but I wouldn't worry much about who else can score. If opponents start paying too much attention to shutting down Castamir, one of his grandsons, or the King, could make them pay. Earnur will have to do better though.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Shelob (10)

The Misty Mountains haven't been playing all that awful, but they still just don't look good. This is the type of diversity that kills a team, because they have no strong leader who will bring everyone together. The Wold's diversity works, because even Uruks find it difficult to hate a wise, compassionate, totally huggable tree like Treebeard. It would be like hating your grandpa. The Misty Mountains don't have that type of leader, and therefor it's a team that isn't in sync and just doesn't work. They're playing respectable, but it will fall apart soon enough.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK- The Watcher (6)

Gorgoroth wins 1-0.

Ithilien vs. Thangorodrim

Ithilien's just as anemic on offense as Beleriand, only mustering 5 shots on target in 2 games. They have played Valimar and the Wold, so we'll see if their chances improve against Thangorodrim. Faramir is the only one who can score, but with this talent around him, he's an average FW at best. He's got a strong and accurate boot, but not great speed. He's going to miss his brother, or uncle as another striker, because Faramir's main weapon as his stealthy ability to slip by defenders unnoticed. As the lone FW, lone scoring threat, scoring is going to be impossible to come by. Somewhat of a shame too, because the defense is pretty talented.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Mumak (6)

Thangorodrim will find it more difficult to score, since they haven't played a defense as stout as Ithilien's yet. However, they will have the same strategy...attack, attack, attack. Ithilien may get a goal if Thangorodrim exposes itself to a counter, but their defense will be under a barage of shots. It's not good enough to keep Durin's Bane, who seems well at home now, and Thangorodrim off the score board.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Durin's Bane (16)

Thangorodrim wins 2-0.

Nargothrond vs. The Wold

We've seen Nargothrond's good defense, but so far nothing from the offense. Finrod needs to open up the game, or his team will become just as dull as Beleriand hoping for a 0-0 game. Nargothrond's always had a strong defense, but the loss of Glaurung was a major blow to the team. It's not like they lit up the score, but goals were much easier to come by than they are now. Also, the plain fear in players' eyes when they played Nargothrond, because of Glaurung, is gone. The defense is still good, but there is no one on this team that will put fear into their opponents.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Beor (6)

Hama, and the defense is likely to get another shut out, but it still won't prove anything about their defense other than they can keep anemic offenses off the board. I like what Treebeard has done with the team, and bringing in the winning mind-set from Mirkwood, but even if they win 1-0 again, there will still be lots of uncertainty.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF-Treebeard (14)

Draw 0-0.

Norbury vs. Rohan

This will be Norbury's shot to prove they are better than what we've seen so far. Havens and Thangorodrim were certainly tough matches, but defensively they look only slightly better than Dale. Plus their offense hasn't been any better, as they can only get meaningless goals at the end of matches. If they come out and get a lead early, watch out Norbury will be back, but if they continue to only decide to press forward after the other team has completely pulled back to defend, Norbury's success in the tournament won't be any different than how they're playing right now.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Araphor, FW-Aranarth, GK-Arvedui (4)

Rohan has looked pretty strong so far, but beating Norbury won't prove much. It's a game they are expected to win, and so if they do...congradulations. If they lose, than we begin to question how good they are. It's a pretty bad position to be in, because it's almost like and Ok-lose situation. You either did what you were supposed to, or failed. Rohan's last friendly match against Dol Guldur should be an interesting one, as it's almost like the Round of 16 rematch from last year, but not again.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Eomer (10)

Rohan wins 3-2.

Tirion vs. Vinyamar

Tirion will finally have their first true defensive test, as Vinyamar will be the best defense they will be up against for quite a while. Even the Tirion Terrors will face a mighty challenge against Ulmo and his vassals defense. Aule has yet to surrender a goal, but he's only had to save 4 shots, as they were playing Lorien and Beleriand. Should be a similar story for Aule in this match, have to save 2-3 shots all match which will go easily handled. We won't know if Aule can hold together the defense until group play.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Ingwe (12)

Ulmo will keep it close, but much like several other teams, are finding it very difficult to score. They mustered one against the Havens, but nothing much to brag about since the tall Gondolin lords were up against their weaker cousins. At least defensively they'll prove that even with the addition of Feanor, Tirion's offense can be held in check.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Rog (10)

Tirion wins 1-0.

Utumno vs. Valimar

Wooh, this is probably going to be the most exciting match, and not one based on the final score (as it will probably be very low-scoring) but simply by the level of play.

If anything wakes Melkor out of a slumber, it is going against the Valar in any sport. He didn't seem to mind playing for them last year, but nothing restirs the blood of old feuds like a soccer match. You can bet him and Tulkas will be battling all 90 minutes, and Melkor will be trying to goad him into a rash and stupid foul. If Utumno can score two, the match is more than likely over, and Utumno's critics will be silenced. But scoring 2 on now the Manwe-led Valar defense, phew, that's even beyond Melkor's ability.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF- Telvildo, GK-Ungoliant (8)

If anything gets the Valar to throw away the generosity, and courtesy, they show to other opponents it's the chance to beat a team with Melkor and his enemies. Varda has said she wants to guard Melkor all match, because she thinks she can and has the cooler head over Tulkas. Tulkas tried to appeal to Manwe just by saying: "Melkor's mine." but Manwe sided with his wife. However, don't be surprised if Manwe changes his mind during the match, if Utumno takes the early lead.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF- Manwe, DF- Vana, GK- Namo (8)

Draw 1-1.

[Nogrod]

In one of the most anticipated games of the third round of friendlies, the Barrow-Downs took on their guest - the flaring Gondolin team - at their home venue late on Thursday evening. And what a game it was!

From the very beginning it was clear it was not going to be a walk in the park for the Gondolin team. Quite the contrary. It was not only the home-audience who thought that the Downers’ leading goal in the end of the first period was well earned indeed. The ‘Downs just outwitted, outran and outplayed their opponents with wit and pure willpower on the first period. Maybe the Gondolin team was not ready for the game, didn’t anticipate such an intensive play from the hometeam, or they had had a big party the previous evening, but whatever it was they were on the receiving side for the first 45 minutes.

Gondolin came to the second period with new energy-levels and took the control of the game finally leading to a well deserved equaliser about halfway to the period. After the Gondolin equaliser it seemed for a while both teams were content with the draw and the intensity of the game fell considerably.

But the phantom and Fea had decided otherwise. The AKM had noted that the two had been invisible thus far. Whether that comment had spiced them up or not, they surely weren’t invisible in this game. After a stunning display of cunning and sheer virtuosity the two outplayed the whole Gondolin defence and finally got face to face with Huor. Talk about crowd-pleasers!

The result should give a lot of food for thought to any phantasy-league player indeed.


Barrow-Downs 2-1 Gondolin
tot shots 14-15
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Nogrod (Phantom)
*64, 1-1 Maeglin (Aredhel)
*82, 2-1 Phantom (Fea)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barrow-Downs- Gwath, Wilwa
*Gondolin- Salgant, Fingolfin

In another spectator-friendly game Barad-Dûr Took an early two goal lead and then more or less concentrated on dribbling and nice tricks, giving Smaug a chance to capitalise and bring the Dale team even. Seeing the game was not over yet, Sauron beat his team to claim the victory with some very beautiful football.

To those who had suspected his inspiration to play with Sauron (AKM included) Elendil sent a clear message with his two goals. It seems Barad-Dûr is gearing up – just like a team where Sauron is involved would do.

On other games Aman took a a win over Minas Anor but in no way was it a convincing performance. Aman will most probably qualify from their group but not because of the flare of their game but because of the low quality of their opponents. Minas Anor on the other hand will be in deep trouble in their own group unless a miracle takes place…

The game between Beleriand and Rivendell was plain boring "kicking of the ball" around the field for ninety minutes. With these performances both teams are heading for an early relegation. Sad to say that, but it is true.

Barad-Dûr 4-2 Dale
tot shots 20-9
on target 11-5
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Elendil (Nazgul #6)
*19, 2-0 Fellbeast (Nazgul #7)
*40, 2-1 Smaug (Thranduil)
*53, 2-2 Smaug (Girion)
*65, 3-2 Sauron (Gil-galad)
*81, 4-2 Elendil (Nazgul #7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Anarion, Isildur
*Dale- Nain, Carc, Moneybags

Aman 1-0 Minas Anor
tot shots 10-9
on target 5-3
GOALS:
*67, 1-0 Orome (Earwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Aman- Nahar, Vaire
*Minas Anor- Nazgul #4, Calimehtar, Falastur

Beleriand 0-1 Rivendell
tot shots 7-9
on target 3-4
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Boromir II (Arwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Magor, Mim, Manthor
*Rivendell- Arahael, Celebrian

[the phantom]

The friendly between Mithrim and Eithel Sirion was a good contest, with both sides showing some good skill and teamwork. Mithrim saw more time with the ball on their shoes and got off some fine blasts, but Maglor was just on top of it stopping all but one try. At the other end Eithel made the most of their possessions, with the veterans up front knowing how to avoid a wasted chance and showing nice timing. It looked certain to end as a 1-1 tie, but with under five minutes Maedhros showed up his brothers and the others on the Mithrim defense, taking it in solo and sending it over to Fingon for the easy chip at the end.

Both sides seemed happy with the result, as it was obvious that the opponent had been on their game and yet had not taken the game over. And while they had not played lazy at all, neither team had worn itself down at all. "This was really a great game for everyone involved," said Hurin after the contest. "The teams and fans all get along well, so it was really just a nice chance to get together and make sure we were tournament ready. I hope to see them again in the playoffs!"

Gelion and Lorien had a similar sort of match, only with both defenses looking much more on form than the offenses facing them. In the end it was Galadriel able to stop one more shot than the other keeper, and so giving Lorien the win. "There are always things to fix," commented Galadriel following the match, "But the most important thing is coming out ahead on the scoreboard. If we can do this during the tournament, I'll be happy."

Gorgoroth and Misty Mts played a violent and at times dirty contest where the refs decided part way through just to let things go, as if they had called everything both teams would've been sent off the pitch. Castamir and friends showed a bit more polish on the offensive end than the opposing forwards and midfielders, and that proved to provide the one goal margin. In the aftermath of the bloodbath, head tournament official and referee Boromir the 88th gave a firm warning to both sides. "We let it slide today so as to allow you to get your practice in, but come tournament time we will not be so slow to pull out cards."

Ithilien had no luck following up their previous quality defensive performances, as the dragons and balrog up front for Thangorodrim were simply too much to handle when giving only friendly-level effort. After building their lead Thang surprisingly pulled back and tried some Ithilien-type defense, but found themselves completely unsuited for it and gave up a goal and nearly another before the match ended. "Now I know why we never play that style," laughed Ancalagon afterwards. "We just wanted to try it for fun."

Eithel Sirion 2-1 Mithrim
tot shots 11-14
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*20, 0-1 Turin (Hurin)
*58, 1-1 Gwindor (Hador)
*86, 2-1 Fingon (Maedhros)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eithel Sirion- Gwindor, Gundor
*Mithrim- Gelmir, Aradan

Gelion 0-1 Lorien
tot shots 8-6
on target 3-3
GOALS:
*74, 0-1 Celeborn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gelion- Haldad, Amlach, Caranthir
*Lorien- Finglas, Amdir, Nimrodel

Gorgoroth 2-1 Misty Mts
tot shots 12-9
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*15, 1-0 Earnur (Grishnakh)
*31, 1-1 Azog (Gwaihir)
*44, 2-1 Castamir (Angamaite)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gorgoroth- Grishnakh, Gollum, Gorbag, Earnur, Angamaite
*Misty Mts- Durin, Azog, William, Tom, Great Goblin, Bert

Ithilien 1-3 Thangorodrim
tot shots 5-21
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*22, 0-1 Scatha (DBane)
*40, 0-2 Ulwarth (Ulfang)
*63, 0-3 DBane (Ancalagon)
*79, 1-3 Faramir (Frodo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Ithilien- Damrod, Samwise, Bergil
*Thangorodrim- Ulfast, Uldor, Glaurung

[Boromir88]

Utumno and Valimar was one of the most anticipated matches not only in Round 3, but of the entire friendlies. Would the loss of Melkor lead to an even earlier exit, for Valimar, from the Arda Cup than last year? Were Melkor's soccer skills quickly diminishing as he spends them on his servants? If this match provided accurate answers, than it appears Melkor's gamble will not pay off.

It looked like Utumno's equalizer within the first 10 minutes of the 2nd was going to push them onto a win, because those types of goals can be just as demoralizing as giving up one right before the break. However, Manwe was not shaken, his defense shut down Utumno the rest of the game and Varda made Melkor look like he belonged in the D-league.

The game was coming to a close, and it looked like it would end a 1-1 draw, as most experts predicted. However, to the surprise of everyone watching Eonwe decided his Lord's defensive efforts all match deserved a much greater reward than a mere draw. He received a pass from Manwe and with great haste flew down the left side of the field. The Balrogs, not expecting this type of aggressive move, were taken completely by surprise. Spiritted on by Eonwe, Arien and Tulkas broke towards Utumno's goal with majesty and power. Eonwe hit a rocket that was directed straight at Ungoliant. Fans who saw Eonwe's eyes said it looked like he wanted to blast it straight thru the spider's monstrous form, but Tulkas re-directed the shot with a wicked header. Ungoliant had no chance, it was 2-1 Valimar!

Valimar supporters broke out in grand applause and joyous songs. They have never seen their team, when Manwe was leading, make a play that aggressive, that late in a match before. And the fans wanted to make sure Manwe knew that's the football they wanted to see from Valimar.

Utumno 1-2 Valimar
tot shots 11-11
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*38, 0-1, Arien (Varda)
*53, 1-1, Gothmog (Thuringwethil)
*87, 1-2, Tulkas (Eonwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Utumno- Gothmog, Balrog #2, Balrog #3
*Valimar- Ilmare, Pallando, Yavanna

In other matches of the day Hama's perfect save percentage stays in tact as he stopped all 5 of Nargothrond's shots on goal. Grima gets an early goal in the 2nd to keep Wold undefeated thru 3 friendlies.

Norbury got the first goal of their match against Rohan, near the end of the 1st. However, Rohan's spirited attack awoke in the 2nd, and they were able to handle Norbury with relative ease.

Feanor got his 1st goal of the friendlies to get an equalizer, and Tirion avoided complete embarrassment. Despite only 3 draws so far, Vinyamar is confident they can seriously challenge Aman for 1st in Group A, because of ther suffocating defense.

Nargothrond 0-1 Wold
tot shots 12-6
on target 5-2
GOALS:
*68, 0-1 Grima (Theodred)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Barahir, Baranor
*Wold- Treebeard, Grima

Norbury 1-2 Rohan
tot shots 10-15
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*41, 1-0 Valandil (Araphor)
*66, 1-1 Helm (Eorl)
*84, 1-2 Felarof (Merry)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Norbury- Arveleg, Tarcil
*Rohan- Frumgar, Hallas, Eomer

Tirion 1-1 Vinyamar
tot shots 11-8
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*27, 0-1, Penlod (Idril)
*65, 1-1, Feanor (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Indis, Feanor, Mahtan
*Vinyamar- Osse, Salmar

[skip spence]

The Arda Cup draws closer by the day and last night’s friendlies proved a tasty hor'dourve to whet the appetite ahead of the main meal. One of the major draws of the tournament is Breeland superstar Tom Bombadil, and judging by his performance last night, he will not fail to entertain at the big stage. At kick-off however, Bombadil was once again missing. The River-Woman said he’d gone looking for his cow who’d gone astray, and that was that. Nob took Bombadil’s place in the starting line-up, but without their talismanic striker, Breeland was struggling to keep up with their skillful opponents from the Havens, who went into the halftime break one goal up, and it could easily have been worse for Bree if it wasn’t for a few decent saves from the Old Man Willow. He will take heart from that.

Only minutes ahead of the second half kick-off, Bombadil suddenly returned, and as soon as he came on to the field Breeland looked a whole new team and more fluid in attack than a student's Friday night diet. After only minutes on the field Bombadil himself had equalized with a fine left-footed volley, and soon after that he hit the post after a flamboyant solo run. The undaunted Havens struck back though with a fine Tar Aldarion header, but Breeland continued to surge forward and looked threatening every time they gained possession of the ball. Bombadil was again instrumental as the Breelanders evened the score a second time. Whistling like a zoo-store full of canary-birds, he held up the ball in his own half, fending off several challenges before finding Halbarad in his stride with a sweeping 70-yard ball, and the ranger’s early low cross was directed into the net by Strider. The Havens was to have the last say though as Eärendil took advantage of some sloppy Breeland defending and beat Old Man Willow with a well placed shot. Perhaps the creaky old tree should have done better with that effort.

Results from tonight's friendlies:

Breeland 2-3 Havens
tot shots 16-18
on target 7-9
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Tar Minastir (Cirdan)
*49, 1-1 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*56, 1-2 Tar Aldarion (Uinen)
*67, 2-2 Strider (Halbarad)
*80, 2-3 Earendil
YELLOW CARDS:
*Breeland- Strider, Harry
*Havens- Lindo, Uinen, Eriol

Bywater 2-2 Pelennor
tot shots 14-8
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*32, 1-0 Bandobras (Gandalf)
*48, 2-0 Gildor (Saruman)
*73, 2-1 Imrahil (Eowyn)
*83, 2-2 Gothmog II (Duinhir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Bywater- Saruman, Nazgul #3
*Pelennor- Eowyn, Duinhir, Forlong

Dol Guldur 2-2 Gondor
tot shots 18-14
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*26, 0-1 Mardil (Beruthiel)
*42, 0-2 Hyarmendacil (Mardil)
*70, 1-2 Bolg (Witch King)
*81, 2-2 Beorn (Grimbeorn)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dol Guldur- Grimbeorn, Attercop, Thrain
*Gondor- Ondoher, Fastred, Ostoher

Doriath 0-2 Numenor
tot shots 4-15
on target 1-8
GOALS:
*55, 0-1 Tar Telperien (Tar Miriel)
*63, 0-2 Elros (Tar Palantir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Daeron, Haldir, Haleth, Algund
*Numenor- Ar Adunakhor, Tar Cirytan