[Hattrick] Calibiri - Season 19

[daedalus]

I, uhh, wanted to see if I could join the Hattie dynasties party. This is my, ahem, first time . . . so, please be gentle. [Suggestions and corrections definitely welcomed, however.]

This will be my feeble attempt to capture the trials and tribulations of the Calibiri of Hattrick Serie IV.46 into writing. And, more importantly, to force me to keep a more decent record for myself.

. . .

This is the story of thirty strangers, picked to be a part of a team to find out what happens when soccer players stop being polite and start getting real.

[daedalus]

Although we enjoyed solid success with our 4-4-2 formation last season, we have made the decision to move to a 3-5-2 to emphasize our strength in the midfield.

As it should be, introduction will start with our coach, 46 year old, Steve Stepp. Although his coaching skill is not quite adequate, Steve is willing to work for minimum pay and, with our financial situations, that is a GoodThing[tm]. Steve's capable leadership is an asset during games.

Manning the posts for the Calibiri is 28 year old Rufus Santana. Brought in last offseason for his capable goaltending skill, Santana chored up the Calibiri's defense last season and justified his $148 000 price tag.

In front of Santana, anchoring the middle of the defensive trio is 22 year old Juan Carlos Mieres. Brought in for his capable defensive skill, Mieres had some trouble with his endurance to start of his Calibiri career leading to some last minute goals surrendered. With some hard work in the past season, JC should now be able to finish the game strongly.

Flanking Mieres on the left is an original Calibiri, 23 year old Robert Duvall. An above average defender and a capable winger, Duvall provides us with some options on the outside. Although a capable playmaker, his limited passing skill makes Duvall most suited to the wingback position. Robert and I have had some discussion recently about the possibility of him becoming more involve with the offense to take advantage of his playmaking skill. Thanks to his recent work with our conditioning coach, that possibility is not as far-fetched as it once was.

Flanking Mieres on the opposite side is another original Calibiri, 29 year old Sam Jones. Started his career as a capable winger but, with the emergence of the young wingers, moved back to wingback where his solid defensive skill allowed him to shine. Sam and I have had a few close door meetings recently where he has asked me to explore the possibility of him moving to a bigger organization. Being at his peak, he feels a new challenge will allow him to continue progressing. We will look into that in the near future for him.

The anchor of the midfield is 23 year old Chad Cisneros, another original Calibiri. A capable defender, Chad gets the most notice for his excellent playmaking and above average passing skill. Chad was our first and remains our biggest star.

Cisneros' partner in crime in the midfield is 24 year old Jason McMullen, also an original Calibiri. Not known for his defensive skill, Jason's above average playmaking and passing skills is a definite asset in our attempt to control the midfield.

On the right wing, 21 year old Canadian Aleksandar Kezman has stepped in and made the position his own since being brought in as a trainee two seasons ago for a mere sum of $7 000. An above average passer who can capably cross the ball, Alex has become a valuable part of the offense in spite of his weak playmaking skill. We have brought in specialists to hopefully rectify that problem this season.

On the oppsite side, 19 year old Korey Renteria hopes to make season 19 his first as a full-time starter. Korey would become the first product of our Youth Development Program to join the first team. Although a weak playmaker and a slightly below average passer, Korey is capable with the cross and should provide some offense in this upcoming season.

The job of the third inner middle infielder is penciled in for 19 year old Colt McDonough. Promoted from our Youth Development Program midway through season 18, McDonough is still a slightly below average passer and playmaker. However, amongst the midfield trainees, he seems to be the most ready to step in and contribute.

Up front is our offensive mainstay Lindsey Galvan, another of our original Calibiri. A skilled passer and a very good set piece taker, Lindsey is considered slightly below average as a finisher. Regardless, he has finished in double figures in league goals the past two seasons, finishing 2nd in season 17 and 5th in season 18 in the serie.

Joining Galvan up front is 20 year old România striker, Cãtãlin Veres. Thought not as skilled with the ball, Cãt's ability to finish and unpredictability makes him a good partner for Lindsey. Recent work with a conditioning coach will hopefully make him an even greater threat this upcoming season.

[daedalus]

Season 19 opens with a visit to Las Vegas for a meeting with the newly minted Las Vegas Eagles of Serie VI.541 in a US Open Cup game.

Due to an all-day shower, 3793 paying spectators got to see a match on a pitch-turned-bog at Las Vegas Arena.

Eagles had chosen a strategic 4-4-2 formation. The following players had been chosen: Ingram - Hahn, Bartlett, Diggs, Chambers - Waggoner, Mcalister, Murray, Peters - Heller, Hamilton.

Calibiri had chosen a strategic 3-5-2 formation. The following players had been chosen: Santana - Duvall, Mieres, Magana - Kezman, Mcmullen, Cisneros, Mcdonough, Renteria - Galvan, Veres.

Calibiri took the lead in the games 18th minute with 0 - 1 after some elegant plays down the middle. Cãtãlin Veres was the scorer.

After 19 minutes a combination in the middle resulted in a through ball for Lindsey Galvan who increased Calibiri´s lead to 0 - 2.

The visitors Lindsey Galvan took advantage of an error due to a misunderstanding between the home side´s goalie and full backs in the 34:th minute. 0 - 3 for Calibiri.

The structure of the game started to change as Calibiri decided to pull back and meet their opponents in the defensive zone.

36 minutes into the game Colt Mcdonough had to leave the pitch due to a knee injury. In came Manuel Nuez.

The teams went for a half-time break at 0 - 3. Calibiri, bringing the final ball possession rate to 84 percent, dominated the battle.

After the ball got lifted in from the left Cãtãlin Veres was on his own in the home side´s penalty area 47 minutes into the game, and should have scored, but missed, probably due to lack of concentration.

Almost all the way down to the corner flag Aleksandar Kezman somhow managed to get a perfect pass into the middle, impossible to miss for Cãtãlin Veres who struck for 0 - 4.

Arden Magana increased the visitors lead by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the right. 0 - 5.

The away team´s Cãtãlin Veres took advantage of a mistake to the home side´s right in the 68:th minute increasing Calibiri´s lead to 0 - 6.

This third goal made a hat trick for Cãtãlin Veres.

Eagles' Brent McAlister got himself booked after a foul.

Calibiri held the ball, with a clear 87 percent possession rate.

The most dominating Eagles player was without a doubt Michael Chambers. However, Brent McAlister made a disastrous appearance.

Calibiri´s best player was Jason McMullen. Arden Magana on the other hand, had a terrible day.

The match ends 0 - 6.

. . .

With the Eagles being a new team, veteran fullback Sam Jones was slated to work with the trainer to get ready for the regular season with young fullback Garrett Odell deputising. Unfortunately, a last minute case of food poisoining (read: idiot manager puts in the wrong name) meant fellow Youth Trainee Arden Magana received a last-minute chance to step in. Though Arden stepped in bravely, he did not show enough to Wally Pipp'ed either Jones or Odell.

Young midfield trainee Colt McDonough was slated to start season 19 as the third midfielder, in front of the defensive trio, after spending last season becoming familiar with the team. Unfortunately, he suffered a strained calf in this game and will be expected to miss 2 to 3 weeks as a result. Fellow trainee Manuel Nuez stepped in competently and will be filling in until McDonough returns. Only time will tell if he can do what Magana failed to do and manage to Wally Pipp McDonough.

[daedalus]

Players Introduction:

Promoted from our Youth Development Program late last season, 20 year old Garrett Odell is lauded for his technical competency. Although still slightly below par both defensively and out on the wing and needing quite a bit of work on his conditioning, he has shown flashes of brilliance and the signs of developing into an competent fullback. There is hope that he may yet develop enough playmaking skill to eventually be able to step in opposite Robert Duvall to provide similar offensive contribution.

Though not as strong as Odell defensively, 20 year old Arden Magana is more accomplished on the wing. Unfortunately, his lack of playmaking skills and instinct does not permit Magana to move up to the winger slot. Unless obvious improvements can be detected soon, Magana may be allowed to persuit other opportunities that may come along for him.

Recently promoted from the Youth Development Program, 19 year old Manual Nuez is showing all the sign of developing into a competent inner midfielder. Manual had been competing with Colt McDonough for the chance to fill the third inner midfield slot, with McDonough having received the edge from being more familiar with the scheme. Already a capable passer, Manual needs some work on his playmaking skill and defensive awareness yet. Considered to be dangerous in the air, Manual could become a threat in set piece situations, if he and Lindsey Galvan can get their timing together.

[daedalus]

At Ebbets Field West, 13500 punters turned up, and despite threatening clouds at the horizon, no rain came.

Calibiri tactics involved an interesting 3-5-2 combination. Lineup: Santana - Duvall, Horner, Irving - Kezman, McMullen, Cisneros, Nuez, Renteria - Galvan, Veres.

Alexandria had chosen a strategic 3-5-2 formation. They fielded: Miles - McCarter, Corcoran, Velasco - Holland, Wood, Cuevas, Lemon, Oliver - Hendricks, Ferguson.

Alexandria took the lead in the games 4:th minute with 0 - 1 after some elegant plays down the middle. Elias Hendricks was the scorer.

In the games 17:th minute Calibiri´s Manuel Nuez fell dramatically just outside the penalty area. However, the referee booked Manuel Nuez for taking a dive.

Calibiri´s Jason McMullen made an attempt at equalising in the 17:th minute, coming in from the right, but the ball hit the post, the defense clearing the rebound.

A surprising free kick routine in the 26:th minute nearly resulted in another goal for the visitors, but the ball went just a little wide, leaving the strikers offside.

28 minutes into the game Aleksandar Kezman was really close to evening the score out with a dangerous long range shot, but the ball went just wide of the bar.

An indecisive goaltender looked on as a free kick by Alexandria´s Elias Hendricks put the visitors up 0 - 2 after 29 minutes.

The structure of the game started to change as Alexandria decided to pull back and meet their opponents in the defensive zone.

The teams went for a half-time break at 0 - 2. This part of the game had been a standoff between the teams.

47 minutes into the game Calibiri broke through on the left wing and Cãtãlin Veres managed to reduce the lead to 1 - 2.

The referee showed Alexandrias Rupert Wood the yellow card after a particularly nasty challenge.

Aleksandar Kezman was just a finger´s breadth away from an equaliser for Calibiri, but Jon Miles managed to ward the closing shot off for a corner.

Chad Cisneros of Calibiri received a yellow card in the 61st minute for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

With a shot floated in from just outside the penalty area in the 63rd minute, Chad Cisneros of Calibiri evened the score to 2 - 2.

Cãtãlin Veres gave his Calibiri the lead with 3 - 2, as he successfully challenged both the guests central defenders, then placed the ball unreachably at the goaltenders right post.

In the 85:th minute of the match the visitors central line of defence had to look on as Jason McMullen dashed through, knocking home 4 - 2 for Calibiri.

The fortyfive minutes were dominated by Calibiri, with an impressive 58 percent possession of the ball.

The most dominating Calibiri player was without a doubt Korey Renteria. Manuel Nuez on the other hand, had a terrible day.

The most dominating Alexandria player was without a doubt Rupert Wood. However, Anthony Ferguson made a disastrous appearance.

The match ends 4 - 2.

. . .

This game looks like a justification of the extended stamina training last season and this past offseason. The win was very satisfying but being completely shutdown in the first half is a definite cause for worry.

Korey Renteria is justifying the decision for him to be promoted to the first team. JC Mieres had pick up a minor knock during Thursday's practice (read: his form is below par at the moment) and Ed Horner had to step in. Sam Jones' work with the trainer did not progress as well as hoped and Jared Irving deputised for him. Both did outstanding jobs and contributed heavily to the win.

[daedalus]

Player Introduction:

Brought in 2 seasons ago, 20 year old defender Ed Horner started beside JC Mieres last year. A capable defender who can run all day, Ed is quite competent in set piece situations. With the move to the 3-5-2 formation this year however, Ed has been asked to take a backseat briefly. He has asked to be allowed to explore other options if he will not be starting on a regular basis.

27 year old Jared Irving is another of our original Calibiri and was our starting left winger last season. A capable winger and a skilled defender, Jared did the job admirably last season. However, with his playmaking still slightly below par, a move back to fullback might be a benefit. If Sam Jones' wish for a new challenge is granted, Jared will be next in line to take over that position.

[daedalus]

[Oops, forgot to add this from Saturday.]

After a lengthy discussion with my assistant and the Director of Youth Development Program, we have elected to bring 17 year old striker Florian Ledbetter to the main squad for a trial run. Noted for his technical skills, Florian is an accomplished finisher with developing skills in set pieces situations.

[daedalus]

After a lengthy discussion, we granted fullback Sam Jones' request for a transfer. The asking price will be starting at 125 000 US$.

At the same time, we had to give significant consideration to Warren Sprague's request to play or be listed. We start the asking price at 25 000 US$.

Additionally, trainees Arden Magana, Ernest Pyle and Ken Larkin were all given a chance to see if they can find other teams where they may be able to get more playing time. Due to the number of trainees on the roster, they were having a tough time getting sufficient playing time to develop properly.

[daedalus]

At Kansas Emporium, 5133 punters turned up, and despite threatening clouds at the horizon, no rain came.

Pharaos had chosen a strategic 4-4-2 formation. The following players had been chosen: Valle - Dorsey, Cardona, Mchugh, Clevenger - Land, Singh, Romo, Lawson - Shelley, Milam.

Calibiri tactics involved an interesting 3-5-2 combination. They fielded: Santana - Jones, Mieres, Duvall - Galloway, McKiddie, Mcmullen, Hooker, Odell - Veres, Ledbetter.

In the 9:th minute the visitors broke through on the right after some poor defending and Florian Ledbetter put the ball away for 0 - 1. The swift technical skills of Florian Ledbetters was often too much for tall but somewhat slow Derek Romo who looked almost humiliated at times.

After 12 minutes a combination in the middle resulted in a through ball for Leonard McKiddie who increased Calibiri´s lead to 0 - 2.

After this Calibiri lowered the tempo in order to concentrate on their defensive efforts.

Pharaoss Gregory Mchugh got himself booked after a foul.

Juan Carlos Mieres increased the visitors lead by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the right. 0 - 3.

As Jason Mcmullen had, completely unprovoked, swept the legs out from under an opponent in front of a linesman, the referee gave the Calibiri player a red card without batting an eye.

Calibiri made a substitution in the 38:th minute. Bob Duvall limped off the field and was replaced by Ed Horner.

Florian Ledbetter increased the visitors lead by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the right. 0 - 4.

Leonard McKiddie received some harsh words from his coach after he acted foolishly, probably out of lack of experience, in the 42nd minute and almost caused an opponent to score.

The teams went for a half-time break at 0 - 4. Calibiri, bringing the final ball possession rate to 69 percent, dominated the battle.

Leonard McKiddie increased the visitors lead by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the right. 0 - 5.

Cãtãlin Veres increased the visitors lead by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the right. 0 - 6.

The visitors Leonard McKiddie took advantage of an error due to a misunderstanding between the home side´s goalie and full backs in the 81st minute. 0 - 7 for Calibiri. At that, Leonard McKiddie was noted down for a hat trick.

It was one fine day for Irwin Galloway at his wing, especially delicate was his cross pass serving to Garrett Odell after 84 minutes of play, but the keeper saved.

In the 86:th minute Calibiri put themselves up 0 - 8 after an attack from the right, caused by a defensive blunder. Scorer was Florian Ledbetter. This third goal made a hat trick for Florian Ledbetter.

Calibiri, bringing the final ball possession rate to 88 percent, dominated the battle.

Pharaos´s best player was Sydney Clevenger. Derek Romo on the other hand, had a terrible day.

The most dominating Calibiri player was without a doubt Rufus Santana. However, Melvin Hooker made a disastrous appearance. The match ends 0 - 8.

. . .

With the Pharos being in a state of flux between managers, we were hoping to get along with a few younger players getting some game experience. Although his future is in the back as a wingback, Garrett Odell acquitted himself well in the attack. Winger trainee Irwin Galloway also made a strong showing, nearly setting up Odell for a goal in the 84th minute. In the middle, forward-turn-midfield trainee Leonard McKiddie made his 19th season debut and was acceptable, eventually notching his first career hattrick after a brief discussion with Steve Stepp. Fellow midfield trainee Melvin Hooker also made an appearance but still need significant work. The red card by McMullen was unexpected and his absence will hurt us in the upcoming league game. Duvall's injury, though not overly surprising given his injury history, is the last thing we need right now, especially with Jones being granted the transfer he requested.

[daedalus]

Player Introduction:

Brought in as a trainee two seasons ago because of his developing playmaking skills and abilities on the wing, 22 year old Irwin Galloway has been slow to develop and been passed on the depth chart by Korey Renteria. Still Galloway has made strong showings of late and may yet become a player in the Calibiri future.

Originally brought in as a forward trainee, 22 year old Englishman Leonard McKiddie has not developed the scoring instinct we'd hope to see. However, he has shown enough skill as a playmaker that he may be able to develop into an acceptable attacking midfielder yet. He will have to show something soon as younger players are quickly catching up to him.

Recently promoted from our Youth Development Program, 17 year old Melvin Hooker is thought to have some potential to develop as a midfielder. He will need significant work before he can become a possible solution in the midfield.

Promoted this past week from our Youth Development Program, 17 year old Florian Ledbetter has shown strong technical skill and an instinct for finishing. The rest of his game, however, will still need work. Debuts with a hattrick - albeit against a lesser team - and an acceptable showing in this week's cup game and may warrant an extended look in league games in the near future.

[daedalus]

Fullback Sam Jones nearly got a chance to become friendly with Nyarlahotep's Arkhams as his serie-mate The Don of Juans was the top bidder for a time. At the last minute, Spanish Division IV club Asako Pako stepped in with a US$128 000 bid to bring him over. After the agents and government were done, US$117 760 found its way to our account. Incidently, Asako Pako immediately put him back on the Transfer List and sold him to Spanish Division V side CoMo Tu MaDrE for US$153 000 and sent over an additional US$7 650 for Mother Club money.

Centreback Warren Sprague didn't receive much interest early on but at the last moment his quality - a capable defender who is powerful enough to battle with the forwards and can run all day - caught the eye of a few teams and a mini-bidding war ensued. Eventually, Division V shauney's shearbridge spliffers stepped up and snapped Sprague up with a US$40 000 bid. Once the leeches got done, our accountants put US$36 800 into our account.

Young fullback Arden Magana was the only one of the trainees to have found a new squad. He hooked on with Division V Fiery Ferries for a minimal fee of US$5 000 and US$4 600 went over to our accountant.

[daedalus]

After some strong showing with the Youth Squad, 18 year old Allen Thomas was brought to the Main Squad for an evaluation by the coaches. Although a good athlete, Allen did not show as much football instinct as we'd hope. We thanked Allen for his effort but decided to move on.

[daedalus]

We are now back in the Good Grace of the Hattrick Gods. No, not OUT of debt. But we are now under US$200 000. What DO you do when you're again in the Good Graces of the Hattrick Gods? Why . . . you visit the transfer wire, of course.

A night of Transfer Wire scouring brought us 5 new Calibiris:

25 year old Estonian Aleksandr Külaots was brought in for US$1 000. Aleksandr brings some versatility to the bench. Though not starter quality, he can provide depth on defense, in the midfield and up front.

With love to the Motherland, 23 year old Thai native Thanit Kit was brought in for a fee of US$1 750 for a trial run at the vacated fullback spot. Thanit is an accomplished passer and has shown promise with his defensive skills but needs work on his skill out on the wing.

26 year old Swiss native Chrigit Lautenschlager is an interesting case. A powerful player who can run all day, Chrigit is not quite a good defender or a playmaker but can contribute to the team at both. In spite of that, he is highly thought of by scouts, currently assessed at US$86 000 and should be a valuable complement to the Cisneros-McMullen connection in the middle until either McDonough or Nuez are ready to step up to the main squad. The US$6 000 price tag made his pick up an easy choice.

Joining to the winger contingent is 22 year old Dane Paul Madsen, who joined us for a fee of US$8 000. A skilled winger, Madsen is noted for his technical skills. Paul has shown potential for development on defense but will need significant work on his playmaking skills. Unless he quickly develops an instinct for it, he will be restricted to fullback duty.

The final newcomer is 19 year old powerful fullback Sören Holander from Sweden. Sören has developing skills on the wing and has all the necessary tools to be a good defender. His limited playmaking skill may limit him to fullback duty. Noted more for his strength than his technical know-how, Sören should at least provide a good complement to Garrett Odell. At US$2 000, picking up his contract was another no-brainer.