ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th.

Take us to the Black Gate

As news spread and excitement grew for the 2012 Arda Cup, fans, reporters, and analysts alike scrambled to get the most up-to-date info on their favorite teams and players. Since this year's Cup (and future years) promises new dynamics and a multitude of changes, no one fully knows what to expect. Team owners don't even seem to know what to expect, but indeed they will have their own designs to win the 2012 Arda Cup.

One thing everyone does count on is Sauron being one of the creative innovators, and leaders to the new system of owners and salary caps. So, it came as no surprise once officials announced the start of tournament, Sauron jumped out to grab a primetime slot and hold a press conference in front of the Black Gate. Here, he will address and welcome the media, which has gathered reporters across the world, hoping to get the first word of Arda Cup - 2012.

The Black Gate opened and out came a dark figure, upon a dark, ghastly horse with a burning red fire in its eyes. To the dismay of the media throng, it was not Sauron himself, but his emissary, The Mouth!

The Mouth: My Master regrets being unable to attend this conference, but as you must understand he has matters that require his full attention at the moment. With free agency period just opening up, and my Master being invested in several teams, he will be diligently working over these many weeks to putting his teams together. However, He has appointed me, the humble servant, always worthy of His trust, as Press Secretary. I can not answer any specifics regarding policy, but I do speak for Him.

Gorthakh from the Eastern Prophet: For the layman fans out there, maybe you can explain what all this talk of owners, investors, contracts and caps mean?

The Mouth: Due to financial struggles from many clubs it was decided something needed to be done to bring costs of owning and running teams down. The purpose of a salary cap is to keep teams relatively even on the competitive field and keep player salaries down to a manageable level. Also, what's been changed this year is teams have investors. Consider it as a pool of groups, or individuals, putting their money together to be owners, or part-owners, of a team. It's a cost-sharing effect, where different groups of people pooling resources together can share the financial burdens of owning a club.

Gorthakh: And what are Sauron's investments?

The Mouth: My master operates Barad-dur's Gold and Silver Jewelers, which has major ownership over both Mordor teams. His realtor firm based in Tol-in-Gaurhoth claims minor shares for the teams Anfauglith and Tol-in-Gaurhoth. The Dark Lord's partnered with Morgoth to run Anfauglith, and with the cast of weirdos inhabitting someplace known as the Barrow-downs.com to run Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Don't ask me further questions about the strange individuals known as Barrow-Downers. My master is interested in this alternative reality called "Interwebs" but I don't understand it, or how the finances work. 'Net-bucks? Sounds like Republic credits.

Maggot from Gorgoroth Plain Dealer: With Sauron being involved in so many teams, wouldn't there be a conflict of interest if two teams he's part-owner of, play eachother?

The Mouth: Actually this is another area where we must praise the Cup Committee for getting correct. Too often in years past games appeared to have backdoor deals and closed-door arrangements. This was all too often the case with the Valar teams, and "goodie" teams. However, the new design makes fixing matches a rather dumb strategy. From the investors standpont, the better your teams play, the further they progress, the more money for investors. From a player's standpoint the better you play, the better offers you receive. So, from both perspectives, manipulating games to help a different team makes little to no sense.

Maggot: Mayhaps you're right, mayhaps you're not. But what I mean is, you've said Sauron is partial owner in 4 different teams. Say if Anfauglith plays Barad-dur, who would Sauron prefer to win? And why should Mordorians care at all about Anfauglith? We want a championship won by our home team of Mordor. It would appear, Sauron desires trophies, but it don't matter which team of his gets one.

The Mouth: I have been assured by my Master that while he of course wants all of his teams to do well, his number one priority is making Mordor a champion again. That is why he has far more invested in the two Mordor teams, than the others.

Egasluin from the Valinorean Chronicle: Switching gears to another topic. What is Sauron's official position on the ban on games being played in Valinor this year? A person with his deep pockets surely had to wield a lot of influence.

The Mouth: I do not appreciate your tone, nor your implication. Fortunately, for you, we conduct business here differently than those snobby friends of yours from across the sea. The Dark Lord's position is, quite frankly, he doesn't care what the Valar do. His focus is on managing his own affairs. We do accept in years past, hosting games in Mordor was a major problem for tourists, and had our own bans. These problems in Mordor have been remedied since my Master's return to restore order and co-operation. If a host can not insure safety and passage to all ticket-holders, than they should not be permitted to host games. It is that simple. To ignore the list of crimes committed on Valar soil would be the ultimate form of hypocrisy from Cup officials. So, we support the ban for no games being played in Valinor this year, but my Master had nothing to do with that decision. His only involvement in what took place last year was giving the dwarven-rings that had not been destroyed by dragon-fire, back to the dwarves as an act of charity.

Iorlas from The Rising Anor - Magazine: You stated Sauron's primary goal was to make Mordor a champion in football. Can you explain what moves he is looking to make in signing players? And what the strategy is to best compete under the new gameplay system?

The Mouth: As I said at the beginning I can not discuss specific policy, with you, at this time. However, I can say, my Master is looking forward to competing under these new rules and believes since really no one knows what to expect, than everyone is starting on a clean slate. He encourages all Mordor supporters to be patient as he will work tirelessly to build an exciting, profitable, and championship contending team.

Iorlas: Surely you can give us some rumors to players you're looking at to come play under the red banner and the Eye?

The Mouth: Again, not at this time.

The Mouth mounted his terrible steed, and galloped back into the land of Mordor, with the large Black Gate shrieking shut. And thus ended the first, official, 2012 Arda Cup Press Conference. (Remember, brought to you by none other than TTN! )

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It is not only the tournament that underwent a subtle but important change.

Just last month, the broadcasting giant Tar-Eldar Network Television (TENT) acquired ArdaCup.com, finally putting the outfit that has struggled over the years on a stable financial footing.

According to a statement released by Malantur, spokesquendi of TENT:

'For some time we have been exploring ways to provide our Eldarin viewers with the best palantir experience they could get from the Arda Cup, given its immense popularity among the Noldor and the Teleri, as well the growing interest of the Vanyar in the sport. Last year we have been impressed by the comprehensive coverage done by ArdaCup.com, so we have made contact with their office after the tournament. Now we are glad to announce that Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com has agreed to cover jointly the upcoming Arda Cup, especially the games of High-Elven teams, for our viewers in Eldamar and Tol Eressëa.'

Asked about the decision regarding the ban of games in Valinor, Malantur replied:

'It is regrettable, but this makes our job of covering the games for our viewers more important than ever.'

ArdaCup.com has issued the following statement:

'Even with our budget last year, forced to hire astrologers, mathematicians, coin-flippers, and amateur sportswriters, we still did good, including that almost-perfect prediction of the first round of the knockout stages. With the money we'll be having this year, all the taverns we'll pass by on our way to the games will be out ale by the time we're thr--oof!'

The person issuing that statement has been clubbed in the head, and the one holding the club was quoted as saying, 'Please, forget what he said.'

(Agence Felagundion Presse)

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

LOTHLORIEN- There have been precious few official quotes from the offices of Celeborn and Galadriel lately, and it has caused quite a stir in their realm. What sort of team are they working on fielding this year? Everyone wants to know.

But people are forgetting the Golden Wood Group. After all, the Lord and Lady are primary members of the group, and so its actions can be assumed as statements from the rulers.

And in my opinion, the verdict is- Lothlorien will NOT have a team this year.

Not that it is outside of the realm of possibility- but the fact is the Golden Wood Group is confirmed to have invested in a Wilderland team as well as team Anduin, and with the money that has moved it would be a stretch to attempt to majority own a team in Lothlorien on top of it all.

After the general good feelings that existed between last season’s Anduin players and investors, it was expected that they would field a team yet again. “The potential of a team Anduin is simply too great to pass up,” said a Golden Wood spokeself. “The range for drawing talent is superior to any individual realm in the region.”

Celeborn has made a couple brief remarks in support of team Anduin, and word is circulating that he’ll be suiting up for them. Galadriel, on the other hand, has been seeing a lot of her old friends from Doriath lately. When asked if she would be travelling west to play, however, she insisted that she’d be staying closer to home.

Will she also be with Anduin? We’re uncertain at this time, but we can say definitively that the Woodsmen across the river will fare the same as the Golden Wood Group this year, as they too have invested in both team Wilderland and team Anduin- though of course not as heavily, as they simply don’t have as much power.

At this time Golden Wood looks to be the primary power behind Anduin, but Osgiliath Financial and Rohirrim Ltd. look like they’ll have a significant role as well. As far as the Wilderland squad, Golden Wood Group will be playing second fiddle to the Elves of Mirkwood. They’ll be on more even footing with the Woodmen and, rumor is, Orome. What the Vala is doing investing so far from home is anyone's guess.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

RIVENDELL- As the days pass it is becoming increasingly clear that, shockingly, Elrond will play no part in the team based in Rivendell.

Rumors of alliances based around the newly renovated stadium at Weathertop have been circulating since last season’s playoffs, and after the first few days under the new Arda Cup contract it became clear that Elrond’s primary ownership and playing interests were with that squad.

All signs pointed towards Elrond also wanting to exercise some amount of control over the team in Rivendell, but the other primary investors were evidently bitter about his decision not to sign with his own realm, and they decided to make Rivendell more of a team of the people.

But fans of the house of Elrond need not worry- the children of Elrond have been very vocal about their participation this season, and have all but guaranteed that they’ll be backing and playing for team Imladris. In addition, they’ve been giving winks about signing quality talent to replace their father. “He’s not the only member of his generation that can play,” said Arwen.

Also interesting is Elrohir’s remark yesterday that the “stars shine brighter in Rivendell”, and how that had attracted someone that would help the team immensely. “The deal’s not done and official, so I don’t want to give it away just yet.”

On the issue of Elrond’s squad, it seems that the talk last year wasn’t just talk, as he has been seen emerging from meetings with representatives of Norbury Sport and Angmar Athletic. “We Dunedain have always had a special relationship with our great great uncle,” said Arahael earlier this week. When asked about the inclusion of Angmar and the potential for strife, the chieftain waved it off. “That’s water under the bridge. We’re united now- united in our drive to win.”

Perhaps the most momentous event happened this morning, when Gil-galad and company showed up at the Weathertop stadium offices. When asked about his involvement, Gil-galad said: “Well, I can’t say I’m certain of where I’ll be signing. There’s still paperwork and salary caps to consider. But me and my people are almost certainly in on investing with the team here. This thing has promise.”

While much of northern Eriador is on board, the influential Annuminas Ltd. has its own plans according to various members we've spoken with, including Arvedui, Araphor, and Argeleb. "We're going for a more closely knit and unified squad," said Argeleb. "There will only be one or two 'outsiders' on our team, but even they know our style and have paired with us successfully in the past."

So it appears that Eriador will have four squads (including Shire-Bree United, which other networks have exclusive coverage of). All four seem extremely optimistic about their chances, which perhaps is evidence that the tournament reorganization was successful in bringing increased competitive balance.

[Nogrod]

The men of Númenor consider themselves a rare if not unique people – and they are right in a sense. They share the original capacities of the first men; endurance, strength, stamina, character and size, but unlike their ancestors, they are also refined, literate, sophisticated, proud and well, just cool. And they know that the mankind has fallen after the fall of Númenor: after the Second Age the world has been waning and so has the race of men producing ever lesser and lesser men. The exceptional majesty king Elessar showed in the third age in comparison to other men of his age made the old kings and queens of Númenor shake their heads and sigh after the glory of their times totally lost in this world. To Númenorians Elessar’s character looks as commanding as a wannabe teenage-knight’s stature who had to pray the stars to enter the Númenorean cavalry’s lowest ranks in their time.

That of course is their opinion. An opinion of a proud people, but not without a string of truth in it.

Númenor was the powerhouse of football during the first Arda Cups 08-09, getting into the bronze match on -08 and winning the title on -09 with a dream team rarely seen. After that is has been less graceful for the Númenorians, even if most nations and teams would be proud of the record of getting into the quarterfinals on two years in a row. But to Númenorians that has not been good enough. The Númenorians care for the win, and only for the win.

There was an interesting article in the Armenelos Post last week, where the editors noted that the only win in the Arca Cup to a Númenorean team (team Armenelos) came on a year when Elros was not himself in the team (-09). And in the fourth place winning side from -08 Elros was a goalkeeper – since replaced by much sharper Tar-Atanamir who has been consistently one of the best goalies in all tournaments after that. So how about it was time to show the door to the otherwise highly esteemed king and let the sporting success prevail once more?

This understandably caused a huge stir on the island of divided loyalties. Even if the strong ties of blood and pride bring the númenorians together, the issue of loyalties and the shared history of the tears shed takes them apart from each other at the same time. And the suggestion of sacking Elros wasn’t going to go down well with the “elf-friends” – while it was strongly applauded in the ranks of the “King’s Men”.

Soon it became obvious that the row was getting out of the hand as street-fights and open brawls in other public places were reported in ever shortening intervals. It was then that the great press conference was held at Armenelos yesterday.

And AKM was there, naturally.



The Númenorian investment group, Meneltarma Capital was represented by it’s co-chairs Ar-Pharazôn and Tar Atanamir. Elros was there as well as was the great Tar Minastir.


Ar-Pharazôn: On behalf of Meneltarma Capital I bid you welcome to this short press conference. We wish to assure you all Númenoreans, that there is no ill will or strife between our best players or uncertainty with our financial interests. But because of financial limitations we have made some decisions that may not please all of you, but which were forced on us.

Tar Atanamir: Yes. But we’re still building back the legendary team Armenelos for this year, more or less in the shape it was on 08-09. Sure we’re not allowing Sauron to step into the soil of this island anymore and king Elros has begged to be relieved…

Elros: That’s true. I have some plans of my own. And I assure you the article on Armenelos Post had nothing to do with it… And I’m actually staying as a minority shareholder of the Menetarma Capital. So I will support the decisions it makes and will stand behind the Númenorian excellence in football.

Tar Minastir: You know my credentials my fellow countrymen. I’m not going to play for team Armenelos this year either, and I know it is a big disappointement to many. But you can cheer for me and my good friends; the old war-horse Tar Ciryatan, Tar Meneldur the astronomer and his foresighted son Tar Aldarion on another team we have a nice holding as an investment group as well.

Ar-Pharazôn: Yes indeed. With the decision of the Meneltarma Capital we have decided to divide the talent of our island funding a few players to join a team of seafarers in the making under the captaincy of none else than Ulmo himself. So all the money by you small investors will be channelled to the greater glory of Númenor, just in two different ways, with team Armenelos and the Sea-team, whatever their name will be in the end.

Tar Atanamir: I am proud to say that even with these traito… erm… trades to Ulmo’s team, team Armenelos will refuse to go down to any team in this year’s cup.

Ar-Pharazôn: But we also wish you all to support both teams with Númenorean talent in them. We’re all of the same family. Aren’t we Elros?

Elros: For the honour of Númenor!

Everyone (suddenly standing): For the honour of Númenor!

Romenna Herald: Tar Minastir is undoubtedly one of our shiniest players, and he is taking that much of grace with him to Ulmo, and even Elros is not playing for us? Do we have any Good players left in our team of the island?

Ar-Pharazôn: Those reneg… eh… renaissance talents sure are a loss, but Tar Telperiën will lead our defence once again and the Lord of the West, Ar Adunakhôr, will help score the goals.

Tar Atanamir: And you forget the brilliance of Tar Ancalimon, Tar Calmacil and Ar Gimilzôr who formed the backbone of our midfield on 08-09. They’re back in those positions to make us run the game once more – like we used to.

The AKM: But who will feed you Mr. Pharazôn and your mate Adunakhôr? Sauron was the organizer and the passing machine on the legendary -09 team, and Elros did that job last year with Westernesse team. Who will fill that gap? Surely your team is great: an Arda-class goalkeeper, solid defence, holding midfield and great strikers, but you need someone to organise the game and feed you guys in the front to score, don’t you? Who’s taking that?

Ar-Pharazôn: A Númenorian will always rise to the occasion. Don’t you outlanders worry about that.



The AKM will leave its educated readers the drawing of conclusions from that press-meeting as it doesn’t want to endanger it’s good relations with the Númenorian hegemony. But whatever the inner rifts between the islanders, they have the talent and the capital to run far in the tournament this year as well. That is one thing there will be no doubt about.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Free Agency Fury is underway!

With the announcement all previous contracts were banished to the void, by Eru, owners and investors scrambled to sign players once free agency opened. TTN is covering many teams in our regional sphere including: The Mordor teams (Barad-dur and Mordor), the Gondor teams (Minas Tirith and Gondor), the teams of weirdos (Tol in Gaurhoth and The Downer), and two others Anfauglith (associated with Sauron's Tol-in-Gaurhoth Realty) and Shire-Bree United (which has ties to Gondor's Union of Honest Workers).

RUMOR CENTRAL - for the latest rumors and news buzzing around our team coverage, read below. We stress, these are rumors, for actual confirmed signings see our "Free Agent Signings" section.

Anfauglith: It's is Melkor's Evil House group which owns the majority of team Anfauglith. However, Sauron from his TIG base has also invested a small amount into the team. This leaves us wondering how will the former Master-Servant pair, now co-owners work out? Sauron is known to have deep pockets, but at least with Anfauglith, appears to be holding back from over-spending. If Evil House takes a financial hit, will Sauron swoop in to buy up more shares of team Anfauglith? That has many wondering.

Barad-dur: And Mordorians are wondering just what Sauron is doing with his home-base teams. Not much word has gotten out of the Black Land after the press conference and the Gate was shut. There was news The Mouth was quickly signed, but it appears so far, at least in the land of Mordor, Sauron is keeping isolated. Reaching out only to the talent within Mordor, and not making a big splash by bringing in outside talent. There is of course plenty of time left, and there are rumors, but no confirmation yet on which team (Barad-dur, Mordor, TIG, or Anfauglith) Sauron will be suiting up for this year.

Mordor: Barad-dur is exclusively owned by Sauron, but Sauron also still has majority ownership over the other Mordor team. However, to the management of team, most speculate has been left to the Nazgul, since Minas Morgul investors (The Black Sorcery Guild) also hold significant ownership of the team. Plus, buying in with smaller investments is the North Umbar Trading Company and Harad Inc. Sauron still figures to be the final "yes man" in team Mordor's decisions, especially since we expect the Black Sorcery Guild to virtually go along with Sauron on all decisions.

Gondor: Gondor is an interesting situation, since most Arda Cup teams are owned by large corporations or firms, however Gondor has sprung up as one of the few publicly owned teams. With the citizenry and subjects all over the realm pooling finances to buy into team Gondor. We do not know how this strategy will fair, when compared to the wealthier clubs, but under the old rules this sort of situation could never have happened. With the Gondorian subjects being disappointed in Gondor's tournament performances, we expect a resurgance of pride and duty for Gondor, as they try to bring back the best talent from this vast, and great, realm of Men.

Minas Tirith: Unlike Gondor, Minas Tirith is owned exclusively by the Guild of Stewards. It is not unusual to see Ecthelion II, Denethor II, and Faramir in the same area, but Minas Tirithians were further emboldened with a Boromir II sighting. Will the family of Stewards be brought together under the same banner again?

Shire-Bree United: This is perhaps the most diversely invested team in all of Arda. It appears everyone who has ever been enamoured by the way the hobbits play on the pitch has bought into SB-United. We expect this diverse field of investors from: Bree, The Shire, Hobbiton, Gondor, The Barrow-Downs, Norbury, Aragorn, and Bombadil to reflect the diversity of the players they sign too. In fact, SB-United perhaps had the biggest splash of all our teams so far when Aragorn announced almost immediately he has signed to play on the team. Respected Hobbit, Samwise Gamgee welcomed the signing saying: "We wanted to have an early impact and let our fans know we are serious about building a championship team. Last year, our War of the Ring alliance fell flat, to put it kindly. A player of Aragorn's ability, isn't only quality on the field, but off as well. He is one of the greatest ambassadors to the game, and we hope will attract other big-name free agents to Shire-Bree United."

Tol-in-Gaurhoth: This is an interesting team as well, since The Barrow-Downs group owns the majority of TIG. It is a strange group, that we at TTN don't know much about, other then it's an internet-based group, run by wights, werewolves, penguin-lovers, quality beef-enthusiasts and other odd beings. They apparently get together to discuss literary tastes, and other random topics. Whatever/whomever they are, historically the TIG team has always been a strong competitor. Bouncing back last year, after a few down years, to make it all the way to the finals only to lose to Doriath. Team mainstays like phantomwolf and Nogwolf pledge that 2nd is not nearly good enough. And in the most peculiar move, Sauron has also lent his financial support to the team. Many are now wondering if Sauron himself will return to his '08 team and be the key they need to finally make TIG an Arda Cup winning champion. How much interest does Sauron have in the fortunes of TIG? No one seems to know, and only time has the answer.

The Downer: Perhaps even stranger than TIG, is the team that appeared last year The Downer. The Downer's style of play confused many Arda teams last year. It's primarily owned by Newspaper mogul Hookbill (however, The Barrow-Downs Community is also invested). We are still not sure what to expect, other than The Downer will likely have a dirt cheap payroll, because officials feel Hookbill is perhaps fudging his financial records, or honestly just making up numbers for his fledgling newspaper. The Barrow-downs brings in some financial stability, however it's clear their primary interests are in Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS - These are the up-to-date confirmed signings since free agency opened up last week. Obviously some teams have either been more active, or just more successful signing on players than others. Next to the player is also the salary (dollar amount in millions)

Anfauglith:

Barad-dur: The Mouth (9)

Mordor: Gorbag (3), Shagrat (4)

Gondor:

Minas Tirith: Ecthelion II (8), Denethor II (8), Faramir (8)

Shire-Bree United: Strider (11)

Tol-in-Gaurhoth:

The Downer: Hookbill (5), Alien (1)

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for exclusive features on Melkor-Sauron and Anfauglith, Tol-in-Gaurhoth and The Downer teams, plus much more news from our regional teams.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The Weekly Wrap
by Elenrod Finrodion

It's still months away before the biggest stage in all of football, the 2012 Arda Cup, opens, and so the eyes of most of the footballing world is on the Elvish Premier League, the biggest national league in all of Arda (and covered exclusively by TENT).

Eldar United, the most storied franchise of that league, whose dynastic reign, though challenged, has lasted for most of the decade, whose roster has been filled with the who's who of Elvish football, is in danger of not finishing on top of the standings for the first time since Fëanor Financial, Ltd, acquired the team almost ten years ago.

And it is only fitting that the one who rose up to seize the pole position was the only team to have defeated them this season.

Eldamar, the team owned by Fingolfin Funds, had fought out a 1-1 draw with Eldar United on the second match day of the current season, and then, in the second-to-the-last match day just yesterday, got away with a 2-1 victory over Fëanor's squad.

And what a game it was. The scorer's table got busy after only three minutes of playing time, when Eldamar striker Penlod stole an errant pass by Elf U defender Caranthir and sprinted away before sending the ball past fellow Gondolindrim Rog and into the net.

Afterwards an enraged Fëanor took it upon himself to score the equaliser. This turned out to be a bad decision, as he was shadowed by Fingolfin himself. Furthermore, he seemed to have forgotten that he had top-class scorers Aredhel and Míriel on his team. The Eldamar captain challenged his older half-brother without fouling him, forcing him into taking a lot of off-target shots. And those shots that did manage to find their mark were snuffed with ease by the Eldamar goalkeeper Finarfin.

Just before the half Fingolfin stole the ball from a now-apoplectic Fëanor and booted it deep into the Elf U half, where a rushing Gwindor managed to take the pass barely onside before sending a rocket from the top of the box.

After the halftime break, a noticeably calmer Fëanor entered the pitch, listening intently to his mother before taking his position on the pitch. Their captain's change in attitude manifested in Eldar United's performance, playing a smoother attacking game that featured dangerous crosses into the box, dazzling solo runs, and accurate missiles from outside the penalty area. It was nothing short of miraculous that Eldamar's defence managed to deny them time and again, even managing to mount their own counterattacks that also came close at times. But their denial wouldn't last forever--almost twenty minutes into the half an Eöl corner kick resulted in an Aredhel header that caught the Eldamar defence looking the wrong way.

But that would turn out to be the final score line of the match. Fingolfin's squad challenged possession of the ball more, blunting the Elf U attack and producing chances of their own. Eventually, the final whistle sounded, and Eldamar players were hugging each other on the pitch before carrying their captain Fingolfin off on their shoulders.

Eldamar now has a two-point advantage over Eldar United in the standings, with a game against relegation-bound Avari on the last match day. Only a troll would be foolish enough to bet against Eldamar winning the Premier League title, even if Eldar United wins over their last opponent Greenwood Archers.

Fëanor, predictably, didn't show up for the postgame interview, but his teammate Eöl was there to represent the team. Fingolfin was there as well to represent Eldamar.

Ard-Galen Herald: That was an impressive performance on the pitch, Fingolfin, limiting Fëanor to only three shots on target and no goals. How do you feel about what you've done?

Fingolfin: You all know how much I look up to my half-brother. He's always been consistently a player of the highest level, both in the league and in the Arda Cup. Having to defend him was a task scarcely less arduous than fighting Morgoth, but I'm glad that I was up to it.

Hísilómë Bulletin: It's all but sure now that you've secured your first Elvish title. So let's discuss your plans for the upcoming Arda Cup.

Fingolfin: When I missed the finals for the first time last year, after winning it all with Gondolin in '10, I was very disappointed with myself. You could say that we were in a tough group, and fought a tough first round opponent. But that's no excuse for a quality team. They're supposed to win, no matter the odds against them.

Hísilómë Bulletin: Is it true that, despite being approached by your children and kinsmen and mortal allies, you turned them all down? Do you have any plans to form a team this year?

Fingolfin: I gave it much thought, but I decided that this time around, I'll leave the leadership role to someone else, so I can give it my all on the pitch.

Hísilómë Bulletin: But you're Fingolfin. Almost everyone else looks up to you. Who could lead someone as respected as you? Are you planning to join a Valarin team, then?

Fingolfin: I am not yet at liberty to discuss which side I have signed with for the Arda Cup.

Despite much prodding Fingolfin refused to answer questions regarding his Arda Cup affiliation. So the focus was shifted to Eöl.

Nan Elmoth Times: How do you feel about your first Premier League loss in three years?

Eöl: We gave it our all, but we still lost. It happens. Being second always gives people the drive to try and overthrow the champions, so us on top should always be ready to defend our title.

Nan Elmoth Times: How did you feel about Fëanor's play during the first half.

Eöl: He's a very passionate player, with all the pros and cons that go with it. But you can see the results. He's led us to the top of the standings for eight straight years, and he's won an Arda Cup, as well as all those scoring titles. I'd rather have him passionate about the game than not care about it at all. But I won't deny that at times he makes me feel uncomfortable, but he always presses us to be the best we can. Our stay on the top was all because he was there to push us.

Nan Elmoth Times: So you're happy playing with him?

Eöl: Yes.

Nan Elmoth Times: So you're not against playing with him in the Arda Cup?

Eöl: Yes. In fact, I am happy to reveal that I have signed with his team for fifteen million dollars.

Fingolfin: *casts a sideward glance at Eöl before muttering* How come I got one million less?

Beleriand Inquirer: What was it, Fingolfin?

Fingolfin: Nothing.

Morgoth has also been sighted in the arena during the match, but attempts to interview him have been turned away by his troll bodyguards.