[the phantom]

Many were lamenting the fact that Angband and AC Beleriand were forced to play in the first round—particularly fans that were fearful their team would lose. Though nearly all of them expressed confidence in their side in surveys and the like, it was safe to say that half of them were consumed with private doubts. And how could they not be looking at what they were facing?

Angband had the quickness of Oikeroi and Telvildo supporting thundering strikes, intimidating size and aerial speed of Ancalagon, while they defended with the reflexes of Umuiyan, the size and power of a Balrog, and no less than Morgoth himself. On the other side was the quick creativity and ball skills of Eol and Feanor supported by the sons of Finarfin, and their defense featured a Balrog of their own, as well as the swift-hoofed Rochallor and the leadership and valor of Fingolfin.

MESPN head football analyst Philip McPhantom had this to say: “Without even thinking about it I’d pick either of these squads to defeat half of the teams in the playoffs, and there’s no team I wouldn’t give them a good chance against. Both of these two have championship potential, there’s no doubt.”

But one of these squads would have a short stay in the tournament, leaving with disappointed fans and some big bills to pay off. And everyone knew that these two wanted to win very badly, not just for themselves, but to send the other squad packing. What else could anyone expect when it was Morgoth versus Feanor—forever foes on and off the field…

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The area at the southern end of Lake Mithrim was well prepared to host the first round of the playoffs—they’d been preparing since the groups were announced after all. Some thought it was the height of arrogance, but more level heads recognized it as a good bet that had paid off. AC Beleriand was the heavy favorite to win their group, thus there was a good chance they’d be hosting in the first round.

The locals were mostly Elves, and though only some were former followers of Feanor, all were happy to have his team based there, as it brought in money when they used the practice facilities and updated the arena, and of course when they earned home games. The stadium had at one time been more famous—back when Feanor first arrived in Middle Earth he and his sons set up shop there briefly and even won the historic North League a couple times (and the Champion’s League to boot). But eventually they left and though Fingolfin’s Noldor kept things going for a while, in the end all the big stars moved on to other locations—Eithel Sirion, Tol Sirion, Himring, Gondolin, etc., and the stadium fell into disrepair, and eventually parts of it were demolished (empty seats were bad to look at) or converted—the upper west-side was sectioned off by walls and became a theater.

But since AC Beleriand had headquartered themselves at North Mithrim the arena had reclaimed the lost seats the previous season, and in the off-season they restored the top sections of the north and south sides, pushing the capacity close to 60,000. There were already plans in the works to rebuild the eastern end of the stadium in the next offseason, but as it was the stadium resembled a horse-shoe which was mostly open on the east side.

The field itself was a subject of great controversy, as Feanor and his helpers had installed an improved version of the same sort of play surface that he used of old in his underground arena at Foremenos (as many know the surface was eventually outlawed by The Blessed League & thus replaced with a more natural-feeling turf). Many objected to the new surface at Mithrim, saying that football was “meant to be played on grass”. Feanor, however, scoffed at the idea. “It is traditionally played on grass, yes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be played on other surfaces, nor does it mean that grass is inherently superior merely because it was used first. I mean—this isn’t the year zero any more! The field we installed here gives a more consistent and true bounce across the entire field and provides surer and more consistent footing for the players as well.”

The entire field was essentially a thin layer of somewhat rubbery padding over top of perfectly flat and polished stone. Cleats were not worn, as there was nothing to dig into. Instead relatively flat-bottomed shoes were used, and if players were smart they also had material around their elbows and knees to protect against burn-marks from hard skids. And of course it was this exact factor that many objected to—one simply could not slide on the Mithrim field. It had just a bit too much grip for it.

MESPN head football analyst Philip McPhantom had this to say of the surface: “It favors folks with quick feet, plain and simple. You can’t get away with sliding into folks to stop them, but rather a defender just needs to stay upright and try to stay in front of the attacker and deflect any attempt to move or pass past them. Also, accuracy on passes and the like is more obvious as the bounces are quite consistent, and spin on the ball can really make a difference on the hop, thus those with a very deft touch can execute passes here that they couldn’t on another surface. All in all I’d say it would favor AC Beleriand against most competition, but the Werecats of Angband will probably find it to their liking as well. In this matchup the advantage is probably negligible.”

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Folks had turned up in huge numbers to witness the first round clash of the titans, and naturally many had not been able to snag tickets. The stadium support was about 80% for ACBel, but outside the stadium the crowds were roughly even with Angband so close in proximity. The locals weren’t that pleased to see Angband as the opponent as it upped the chances of vandalism, so they were taking precautions with large numbers of neighborhood patrol groups, and in fact some of the residential areas were entirely blocked off, and to enter one had to show proof of residency or have someone with proof of residency stake a guest-claim.

When the sun ducked below the edge of the arena the teams made their way out for their final warm-ups. The stadium was already filled to the brink and folks were even gathered on the tops of high nearby buildings to get a look in at the match. Feanor and ACBel looked quiet and focused, while Angband glared at their opponents and at the crowd constantly and made an occasional violent gesture (either to rile up the opposition or just to pump themselves up). Soon warm-ups were done and the ref was setting the ball, and with a swell of shouting from the crowd the game was under way!

The folks there to see a quality contest were definitely not disappointed. The tricky dribbles of the skill players had the crowd oohing and aahing, but the stout defenses could not be penetrated with just one good move, or even two. Help came to the right places at the right time, and when a defender was temporarily on an island and needed to stop, he somehow always came through well enough to keep the scoreboard untouched.

It was past 20 minutes when a keeper was finally forced to make a save—Carcharoth expertly batted away a one-timer from Aegnor after Feanor deftly passed him open. Fans from both sides applauded, for the ACBel fans were pleased their side was now threatening, while the Angband fans were pleased Carcharoth was on his game (they knew he’d have to make a couple saves to win this).

It appeared as time moved along that ACBel was gaining the upper hand, penetrating deeper into the offensive zone and only barely missing opportunities for attacks on quality crosses and the like. Angband seemed to be on their heels. But the game can change quickly, and so it did on this evening. Angrod found things entirely shut down on his side and he sent a ball back to Fingolfin to reset things and gain some space, but the pass was a little low and left and Ulrad believed he was the intended target as he could not see Fingolfin closing from 20 yards behind him and a bit to his side.

Ulrad took two quick and frantic steps back and left and leaped up to bring the pass down to his feet, as he was afraid if it got past they would lose possession or worse, that it would lead to a dangerous break-away. And in fact his efforts led to exactly what he feared, as the ball got a bit away from him, and Oikeroi pounced on it in a flash and played a brilliant pass forward, slicing across the back and bottom of the ball so that it lofted perfectly over Fingolfin and the Balrog but then bounced fairly sharply sideways before reaching Imlach and Rochallor. It fell directly to where Ancalagon was winging his way upfield, and the dragon in one fluid movement landed already in rotation and boomed a spinning tail-shot from the high point of the bounce.

The defenders had no chance of getting in the way of the high-flying rocket, and it snuck in just below the crossbar on the far right side and Marach’s best leap wasn’t nearly enough to be in time. Angband was on top!

The Angband fans went nuts, and it almost sounded like it was a home game for them. They had seldom been this loud before, and it’s easy to see why they were so excited with the lead against their bitter foes. They had a chance to oust Feanor and Fingolfin in the round of sixteen! The Elves grimaced and some put their hands over their ears, as they simply could not stomach the cruelty of the well-known game-ditty the Orcs launched into, which was first heard in the violent days of the first age…
“Come play our team lads and soon you’ll know harm,
Your posts will seem far apart like Gelmir’s arms,
Your offense soon shackled like Maedhros’ wrist,
All realms we have bested & you’re next on the list,
Gondolin Nargothrond where did you go?
Wiped clean away by superior foe!
…

And that snippet is perhaps the cleanest and least harsh bit of the whole.

Meanwhile it was decision time on the field, and Feanor and Fingolfin were discussing options. Of course ACBel needed a goal more now than ever, but both brothers were hesitant to increase the emphasis on their attack, as Angband preferred the defense-first approach anyway and had quite a good counter-attacking game (well of course with Ancalagon on the field). The risk of suddenly falling behind by two goals was judged to be too great a risk, and thus ACBel maintained course—after all they had appeared to be gaining ground before Angband’s quick strike.

But ACBel soon found they no longer held the upper hand. Their confidence and energy high and focused clearly on the task, Angband’s level of play was definitely higher, and things were quite even, and it was really a toss-up as to which team would score next. At 37 minutes Feanor got his first quality look, as he managed to outmaneuver both Umuiyan and the Balrog and gain a quick snipe, but again Carcharoth was on top of things. At minute 41 it was Angband’s turn, as once again Oikeroi fed it to Ancalagon up high, but this time he was a bit farther out and Marach managed a tough save—the ball curved wickedly at the end and nearly got in.

Finally it was halftime, and the Elves felt a good deal of relief. Morgoth may be a good tactician, but they had faith in Feanor and Fingolfin’s ability to come up with something during the break, whereas they figured the longer Angband had the one-goal lead the more they’d withdraw and defend, and if ACBel was allowed to bring its full offense to bear then surely they’d get the equalizer.

The half opened and Angband attacked with fury, but Feanor and Fingolfin had bet Morgoth would do exactly that and were prepared, and they very nearly got loose on the break going the other direction (Aegnor’s shot was just a bit tall). Upset that his gamble had been sniffed out and snuffed, Morgoth fell back to defend more strictly than in the first half. This too was what ACBel expected, and they wasted no time in applying full pressure, with Fingolfin and the Balrog charging forward in support, and the defenders had to be aware of them and position themselves appropriately between them and the goal, for both of them had strong legs from distance.

Finally at minute 59 ACBel came through with the goods! Fingolfin had it on his toe and while folks were concerned with him Angrod found some space left and forward and Fingolfin found him quickly, and while the pass was on the move so were the other attackers, and Angrod instead of receiving it just deflected it on to Eol who wrong-footed Ulwarth and skidded it low past Carcharoth, and the diving Umuiyan couldn’t catch it in time. The game was beautifully level!

Both sides appeared to get jittery and nervous after that—perhaps not certain what course of action would prove best, or perhaps just petrified by the high stakes. But doubtless nearly everyone was having a bit of trouble holding onto the ball, and passes went a bit awry and decisions weren’t quick. It was obvious many of the players just had too much on the mind—that always leads to slow decision making. Feanor and Ancalagon though seemed unaffected, and both quite obviously wanted their side to just feed them. Both tried, but with possession so spotty the only way to get it to them was long balls, and while both of them managed to haul in a couple they were unable to break through the teeth of the defense.

As the time ticked through the 80s both sides started to pull back, apparently content to reorganize before overtime, and just wanting to make another go of it then. But at 85 minutes Angband went all forward, and initially things looked promising, but suddenly Angrod dashed in front of an Ulfast pass and went the other way with it. Aegnor was with him and Eol and Feanor were out at the sides and Angband rushed to recover. Angrod sent it to Eol, he sent it to Aegnor who immediately tipped it on to Angrod. Angrod had half a step on the Balrog who was trying to harass him (their hands were at war, gripping jerseys and trying to bat the other arm aside). Suddenly due to a bit of a stiff-arm jab he had separation, and he boomed it at the goal!

There was a dark blur and the ball was rebounding back out towards midfield. The terrible speed of Ancalagon in full flight left the ACBel fans groaning—he had winged his way from the other end in time to get in the way! A few immediately shouted that he’d illegally blocked the goal with his wings, but the replays proved those with sharper eyes correct—he had met it cleanly with the side of the spikes that ran up the back of his neck.

But ACBel had come too close to be comfortable, and Morgoth knew he’d been fortunate that Ancalagon had spotted the development early and chosen to rush after it as opposed to waiting to attack again (not to mention he wasn’t too deep into the offensive zone to begin with as he was preparing to make a dash). Morgoth called all the troops back, and in the closing minutes ACBel tried for another chance, and they did force Carcharoth to catch one, but it was too distant and floaty an effort to give him trouble.

As the teams prepared for overtime, the excitement in the stands mounted. Fans could be heard commenting, “This is the clash of heavy-weights we were promised!” But of course given who the foe was they’d rather have the match over and in the win column, but at the same time, perhaps they’d enjoy the win more if it was a nail-biting historic win that catapulted them on to an Arda Cup championship. “If they get through this one then there’s no need for them to lose after!” was heard from supporters of both clubs.

As overtime got started both teams appeared to be feeling the other out, and there was no sudden rush by either side. Most of the commentators believed that Morgoth was fine with things going to a shoot-out, but MESPN’s Ruharg disagreed on the broadcast. “I do think that Carcharoth would have an advantage, but when you stack up the shooters then the option doesn’t look so good. With the accuracy and experience combined with solid shot-power you figure Feanor and Eol will be money. Morgoth and Ancalagon are a very solid 1-2 as well, but I’d give the edge the other way in a shootout. Then for option 3 they could both toss a Balrog out there so that’s a wash, but then there’s number 4, where I’d give an edge to Fingolfin over Telvildo. After that it’d be the sons of Finarfin against the two cats—a close contest but maybe a slight edge for ACBel yet again. And if it happens to go past that Marach has got quite a nice shot, and he’d definitely have the edge against any from Angband. Frankly I think the shootout is too risky. Morgoth will want to end it with a counter or set piece during the 30 minutes.”

And Ruharg must’ve indeed had a flash of insight, for his words rang true. After settling in Angband looked very conservative but then launched a full rush on a possession change at 8 minutes (but they gave it away in short order). Then at 11 minutes Telvildo clearly seemed interested more in earning a corner than working the offense as it was, and in fact he earned it. Morgoth and the Balrog tried to bully their way in and make a clear space for an Ancalagon tail shot, but Fingolfin made a strong move past Oikeroi and with a great leap got in the way of the tail’s backswing, which caused the shot to be missed badly. Fingolfin got quite a nasty cut across his shoulder from Ancalagon’s scales, but at such a tense moment he probably didn’t feel a bit of pain.

Then it was ACBel’s turn to threaten. Umuiyan found himself in close to the goal marking Feanor. Feanor bodied up on him, spreading his arms and keeping Umuiyan firmly on his back by back-pedaling. Umuiyan sensed danger and tried desperately to step around, but just as he made his step left Feanor burst forward away from him. Cursing inwardly Umuiyan took off after him, but the damage was done, as Feanor definitely had separation. And what Umuiyan couldn’t see while he was concerned with Feanor had already happened.

Aegnor had made a nice move towards the box behind Feanor and seeing what was happening he knew Feanor wanted it in front of him, but Aegnor didn’t have the angle to send it himself, so, hoping Eol had spotted it as well Aegnor skipped the ball across to Eol breaking in from the opposite side. And sure enough, Eol immediately headed it to Feanor moving forward. Angrod had the Balrog pulled to the side and Fingolfin was keeping Morgoth too nervous be down in support and Ulwarth was closer to the left post—in that split second as Eol’s pass went at Feanor it was obvious to everyone in the arena that Feanor had a free shot at the goal. For a lesser player a deflection out of midair wouldn’t be a goal in the bag, but Feanor’s touch was just other-worldly. The ball would go precisely where he wanted, end of story.

But no! He went down! Somehow someway he still managed to reposition his body mid-fall and send in a header that Carcharoth barely saved, but everyone knew he’d be getting another shot at the goal anyway. Knowing he was dead in the water, Umuiyan had made a mighty spring forward and managed with an outstretched hand to get a hold of Feanor’s trailing ankle. It was slyly done, and Umuiyan continued his motion through into making it look like he was attempting to plant all four feet for a spring in front of the ball (he was a cat creature after all and did occasionally go to all fours). The ref must’ve been unsure of exactly how Umuiyan had caused Feanor to go down, because he only showed him a yellow.

But it was a penalty awarded to Feanor nonetheless, and the Elves were high-fiving in the stands. Carcharoth was a good keeper, but this was Feanor on a penalty—the guy that could, when showing off in warm-ups, hit a chosen post ten times out of ten. The goal was as good as on the board as far as the Noldor were concerned. Sometimes the worst pain can come from having the highest confidence shattered unexpectedly, and the fans were setting themselves up for horrific disappointment… but it wouldn’t happen on this day. Feanor was flawless, and Carcharoth even guessed correctly but the ball was just too fast and too accurate, and it kissed the bottom of the crossbar as it snuck into the top right corner. ACBel had the lead back!

There was no guessing to be done about the strategy now. ACBel had to lock Angband out of their goal for 16 minutes and it would be over, while Angband would obviously be coming with every gun blazing. Morgoth led the surge forward, but to no avail. Long series of passes and sustained attack wasn’t their game—at least not against a foe such as ACBel, and they kept losing the ball. At one point Feanor sent word through Angrod and Aegnor to the defenders, and the next time the defenders got a hold of it Fingolfin called for it and immediately launched it deep and right. Clearly that’s what Feanor had asked for in his message.

With the defenders up to support the attack it was a mad dash back, and Feanor received it and darted in towards the box. Feanor made Ulwarth look like a statue with a sharp cut then held off the Balrog and darted behind him with a sneaky spin pushing the ball with his heel, and then he took a quick snipe. Morgoth came diving in from behind and just barely managed to send the ball up and off course, and though Feanor slapped his thigh in anger he quickly flashed a grin to the crowd, for he knew he had given Angband something to think about.

And sure enough, the next time Angband turned it over ACBel lofted it down to Feanor again, and though the pass wasn’t on-target enough to get to him (plus there were too many defenders around), Angband had been forced to dash back in panic, showing respect for Feanor’s abilities, and that made them just that much more tired coming forward. Indeed Ulwarth and his kin had sagging shoulders after nearly 120 minutes of chasing the Elves around, and the cats looked a bit frazzled as well. As the seconds ticked away it became obvious that the equalizer just wasn’t going to come. ACBel actually started holding the ball instead of kicking it away, and while their passes were crisp Angband just didn’t have the legs to chase the ball around.

At last overtime was run out and the ACBel players met in the middle of the field and embraced! The crowd was throwing confetti and yelling and laughing, while the Orcs and their friends were scampering out, not so much angry as they were cowed. ACBel had been a step better, and they knew it. A couple Angband players looked as if they’d shake hands briefly with the opponents, but like sheep they turned and followed Morgoth into the locker room. He was furiously glaring at the ground, determined not to observe Feanor in celebration, probably because it would infuriate him beyond all reason.

ACBel was through to the quarterfinals to play Valimar!

Angband 1-2 AC Beleriand (OT)
on target 4-7
tot shots 11-16
GOALS:
*28, 1-0 Ancalagon (Oikeroi)
*59, 1-1 Eol (Angrod)
*13, 1-2 Feanor
YELLOW CARDS:
*ACBel- Aegnor, Ulrad
*Angband- Ulfast, Morgoth, Umuiyan

MESPN Postgame Interview

MESPN: So, Morgoth, what’s the thought at the top of your mind?

Morgoth: We were so close to a title.

MESPN: But you didn’t even make the quarterfinals.

Morgoth: Any squad would have lost today. ACBel playing their best and at home—this was championship caliber, and we almost beat them.

MESPN: So you believe they will go on to take the title?

Morgoth: If they play like this, yes.

MESPN: And you believe you would’ve beat any other team today?

Morgoth: Yes.

MESPN: So despite losing some money this year you probably don’t see a need for big changes then?

Morgoth: No.

MESPN: Do you have any off-season tweaks in mind?

Morgoth: Yes. I have a very minor position swap in mind for two of my players, and I’m fairly certain an old acquaintance is wanting to come help us out next year.

MESPN: Can you give a name?

Morgoth: Well…I know it’s considered bad to sign a player with two left feet, but if they have more than enough right feet to balance it out I’d say it’s okay.

MESPN: Ah—say no more.

Morgoth: Any more questions? It need not be said that I’m not really in the mood for it.

MESPN: No, that’s fine. See you next year.