The Legend of Drunken Crusaders

[Franklinnoble]

Franklin Brown was not amused. Three weeks of league play since his purchase of the Placerville Drunken Crusaders had amounted to three straight (and, rather embarassing) losses.

What made things worse was that, as an owner, he really had no idea what he was doing. He hadn't even played soccer since breaking his arm while goaltending - in the second grade. Lineups, formations, player assignments, talent evaluation, and every other aspect of team management was absolutely lost on him. He was a quintessential idiot owner.

After nearly a month of helpless (and expensive) flailing about, he sought the counsel of other owners - men he could trust, as they were not in his league, and had no real interest in seeing him fail anyway. Widespread, sweeping changes were made. Lots of money was spent. Most important was the hiring of coach Jay Youngblood, a solid coach with a reputation for going all out, and bearing a pleasant, balanced, and upright personality. Several new players were hired, including a passable keeper by the name of Juan Holloway. Most of the free-agent spending was directed towards inner midfielders and defenders - an area that had been pointed out as a glaring weakness on the squad.

The immediate result was victory in the Crusaders next friendly. Not the sort of thing that drives the fans into a frezy, but it was the first win of any sort for Placerville's finest, and provided a glimmer of hope for the future.

Sadly, the next league game was a 3-0 dissapointment. As the Crusaders face an uncertain future, with no wins in four league games, and an upcoming contest against the second-best team in the league, Franklin must now decide what is best for the long-term future of the squad. The economic situation is grim - $137,000 in debt, with weekly expenses of over $90k to support the player wages, staff and youth squad. Next week's match is at home, and a decision must be made pending the outcome. Will victory, and a decent home crowd, generate enough revenue and justify hopes that perhaps the season is not lost? Or will the Crusaders face defeat, a disappointing week of ticket sales, and be forced to sell off what talent they have to avoid bankruptcy, risk demotion to a lower division, but build on their youth potential for the future?

[Franklinnoble]

Franklin boarded the plane to Portland with Coach Youngblood. Money was tight, so the Crusaders had taken advantage of Southwest's $39 fare special. It was a short flight from Sacramento, but along the way the two men chatted.

"So, what's the plan for today's friendly, Jay?"

"Well, boss, we're trying out the 3-5-2 for the first time, so it might be a little crazy. We're also going to give that new keeper we pulled from the youth squad a shot to see how he does."

"Carroll? Is he any good?"

"Not really... he looks pretty week in practice, but he needs the work, and he might improve. His form's not bad."

"What about these guys we're playing? They any good?"

"Honestly, I don't really know. I haven't scouted them much. They're last in their league, but so are we, so..."

"So we'll find out which one of us sucks the least..."

"Pretty much"

The aircraft's approach into Portland brought a merciful end to the discussion.

[Franklinnoble]

"You know, I almost wish it hadn't gone that well." Coach Jay Youngblood reflected upon the Crusaders' 7-0 win in Portland the day before.

Owner Franklin Brown nodded. "Do you think we got enough practice with the new alignment to use it this weekend?"

"We don't have much choice. Our midfield is too soft without it. If we can keep it close, we have a shot, but Bobcat United is the #2 team in the league right now."

"Well, if we don't make some forward progress around here soon, we won't be able to afford to play out the season with this team - even after selling off a few players, we're just barely in the black. We'll be in debt after this weekend for sure - and that's with the match being played here at home."

Jay nodded. "Just hang in there, boss. We're getting better every week now."

[Franklinnoble]

The mighty Drunken Crusaders won their first league match ever, 2-1 over Bobcat United. Improvements to the roster, a solid new coach, and better overall management have given their loyal supporters (affectionately dubbed "The Drunken Fanatics") a glimmer of hope that their beloved team will not be automatically demoted to a lower division at the end of the season.