[Boromir88]

It's that time again for TTN's star performances in the 3rd round. Also, we have special stars for the best overall peformances during group play. Since the top single game performers can overlook strong, consistent performances over a span of multiple games, TTN will award special stars as we see fitting.

We will be explaining less the awarded stars in Round 3 (since what we're looking for should be clearer now) and instead explain the awarded special stars more.

Stars (Round 3)

ONE STAR

GK- Huor (Hithlum)
GK- Tulkas (Real Valinor)
GK- Manwe (Valimar)
GK- Orodreth (Nargothrond)
GK- Silent Watcher (Mordor)

DF- Morgoth (Angband)
DF- Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF- Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF- Namo (Valimar)
DF- Caradhras (Misty Mts)

Here we'll just say Caradhras was given a star because of its stout efforts in holding a potent Erebor attack to 1 goal. Misty Mts defensive performance was key to it's surprise 2nd place finish in Group E. (Well a surprise to everyone except TTN who stated Erebor's temper would be their undoing. Although, we had said Thorin would be red-carded in the game, and it ended up being Bolg instead. Can't be 100% all the time.)

MF- Nessa (Real Valinor)
MF- Arassuil (Arnor)
MF- Elros (Armenelos)
MF- Argon (FC Valinor)
MF- Ulfast (Angband)

FW- Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW- Maeglin (Gondolin)
FW- Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
FW- Sauron (Barad-Dur)
FW- Aredhel (Tirion)

Here we'll explain Sauron's goal and overall leadership in the match against FC Valinor is deserving of a star. It kept Barad-Dur in 2nd and eliminated Gondor. Aredhel's inclusion is more for the consistent performance. Her 3 goals in 3 games were arguably the biggest reason Tirion made it back to the playoffs this year.

TWO STAR

GK- Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
GK- Arvedui (Arnor)

DF- Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF- Gwaihir (Misty Mts)

MF- Hador (Hithlum)
MF- Mahtan (Tirion)

FW- Arien (Valimar)
FW- Turin (Hithlum)

THREE STAR

And the best performance of Round 3 goes to...

Tuor, FW from Gondolin.

After deciding Tuor's game opening and then game-winning goal in the 84th minute was a notch above Arien's and Turin's 2 goals each it was a nearly endless debate between Tuor and Gwaihir. I mean there really was no arguable difference between the two. Yes, Tuor scored 2 goals, but that's also the job of the forwards. Gwaihir did it's job by leading the defense, but also a bit more by getting a late game-winning goal. And both games were must win to advance matches for their respective teams. We had to re-vote 4 times, as our Beleriand voters and Middle-earth voters kept creating a dead even split.

In the end, one representative from Middle-earth (who will remain anonymous of course) switched to Tuor.

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Now then the special stars. These are awarded based on the best and most consistent performances from the first 3 games in the tournament.

Best Forward - Scatha (Wilderland). The dragons 4 goals was tops amongst all other forwards. 3 stars.

Best Mid-fielder - Argon (FC Valinor). Several forwards had 3 goals and 1 assist, Argon was the only MF in the group. After Curufin stole the show in the Game 1, Argon really has been FC's best player over the full 3 games. 3 stars.

Best Defender - NilpWolf (TIG). Tied with Tilion and Ingwion with the most fantasy points (16). But TIG has allowed the fewest shots on goal, and only allowed 1 goal. NilpWolf is thus awarded 3 stars. And for arguably being one of the best defenses in group play the other TIG defenders (BoroWolf, GaladWight, Drauglin) are given 2 stars each.

Best Goalie(s) -

Tulkas for the best SV% (90%). 3 stars.

For the most saves (15) while still having a Sv% over 80%...Tar Atanamir is awarded 2 stars.

Not to degrade Arvedui's equal stats to Tar Atanamir, but we went with Tar Atanamir based on a tougher group and thus saving shots off Earendil, Bombadil, and Arien have more weight than...Grimbeorn, Shelob, and Helm.

Finally, the best overall defense - Real Valinor. Allowed only 1 goal in 3 games (same as TIG and FC Valinor). FC Valinor's defensive stats, while being impressive needs to be looked at in the light that they were going against 3 clearly inferior opponents. Real Valinor held Hithlum to just 1 goal and that is a remarkable feat. Then their two shutouts against Doriath and Shire-Bree, while those two teams are not offensive powerhouses...they are certainly no worse than Gondor and Isengard.

Tilion, Ingwion, Nahar, Nienna. 3 stars each.

TTN's Stars after Group Round

6

GK Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
DF NilpWolf (TIG)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)

5

DF Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor)
FW Scatha (Wilderland)

4

GK Arvedui (Arnor)
GK Tulkas (Real Valinor)

3

DF Nienna (Real Valinor)
DF Nahar (Real Valinor)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
FW Sauron (Barad Dur)
FW Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW Tuor (Gondolin)
FW Turin (Hithlum)
FW Legolas (Dwarves Utd)

Then a whole bunch at 2 stars...

(Italics are eliminated players)