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Fusion United Vs PollaFC 21/5
Separated by just a point at the summit of the level 2 league, a clash of first and second in the table promised to be a tight encounter decided by a moment of magic. So it seemed fitting that the game came down to just one moment for PollaFC after just 5 minutes, when Nikogaj Gargantini scored for the visitors, in what proved to be the winning goal, and what could send the title to PollaFC this season.
In a brave performance from the Clarets, they battled tremendously for their manager and each other but it all proved to be in vain as they slipped to a 4 point gap to the leaders with 12 games of the season remaining. Sadly the sadness in the camp was intensified as 30 minutes into the match, Mijailovic picked up an ankle strain which will see him out for the next two games. A rock in the defence he will be sadly missed for the games coming up.
Registering figures of 17 shots, 5 of which where on target, and a pass completion rate of 82%, United gave their all in pursuit of the all important equaliser, but it never materialised for them.
The Clarets now must rely on results elsewhere in order to clinch the title and need to regain the form that saw them romp to second place, 8 wins in a row and better will be needed to prise the title away from its likely destination.
Brighter news on the day was the debut of Fusion United's new singing Robbie Keane, a young 20 year old striker signed from Hamada FC for a $505k fee. A very promising striker who is 27 rated and has a bright future ahead of him with the team.
Next up for Fusion United is a double header, starting with a trip to NEYMAR FC, who currently sit bottom of the table with just 3 points, we will surely see this as a match we can win. The same day we pay the first leg of our Champions League 1/4 final vs Lucian FC, this time at home which should prove to be a great night for the Clarets fans' to enjoy, regardless of the result.
Statistics from today's game are available below:
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Stay Tuned for all updates on Fusion United!
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Fusion United vs Dino FC 23-5
In the leagues late evening kick-off, Fusion United took on a struggling Dino FC hoping to keep pace with Polla FC by recording a win. The away team sat 9th in the table, had their confidence raised with a win in their last game, and where hoping to continue this form on at the United Stadium.
In an change from normality, the manager opted to field a much more unused team vs Dino, making 7 changes from the 2-2 Draw with Lucian FC a day earlier. It would prove useful to see the younger and more unused players play, as the manager will have to decide who is surplus to requirements at the end of the season, and who will be staying on with the Clarets for the next term. The manager placed 5 first team players on the bench, just in case the game was not going the way the Clarets would like.
The new team set up did themselves a lot of favours as in the first half, they didn't concede, while looking menacing on the break. 4 shots on goal with 2 on target set the tone for the game as a whole, with United camped out in the opposing half for large period, with the long ball forward proving the only way out for Dino. Sadly for Adrian Rice, his chance to show the manager what he was made of came to an abrupt halt, when on 30 mins he came out of a tackle and stayed down after the fall, citing an ACL tear, Rice will be out for the next 6 days. Promut came on in his place to see out the game. Half time score was United 0 - 0 Dino FC.
Feeling that the current strikers on the field, Fathy and Walsh, where not penetrating the Dino defence enough, the manager took them off on 52 minutes and replaced them with Keane and Sturridge, which is already proving a deadly force in attack with goal ratings of 2.25 per game together. The effect was almost immediate but it was not the strike force that would break the defence, but our left winger, Paul Williams got onto the end of a Kenny cross and header-ed forcefully into the opposition net. 1-0 to the Clarets, and you sensed, once one went in, the floodgates where about to open.
After that, it very much became the Struridge and Keane show, when on 65 minutes a neat one two between the two, left Keane unmarked inside the box, he rifled in from 18 yards, leaving the keeper stranded. 2-0 to the Clarets, and with Dino tiring, they slowly retreated into their on half, a method to control the damage, as they felt the game was now beyond them.
For all their defending, Dino where made to pay, as sloppy play at the back allowed Keane to snatch the ball away from the dallying defender, and cross to Sturridge, who took the ball down, rounded the keeper with ease, and slotted in for 3.0 to the hosts on 74 Minutes.
Less than 4 minutes later, Keane was at it again, weaving his way past two defenders, and this time setting up Borguignon, who had made a superb run from defence who volleyed home a screamer to make the score 4-0.With the result all but sealed, the question turned to what the end result was going to be with a rampant United attack almost scoring at will.
Sturridge, not keen to be left out of the party, set up Keane with a lovely chip over the keeper, leaving the striker with the simplest of tasks, tapping into an open net. 5-0 to the Clarets, rout completed. United kept the ball for the remainder of the game, content to stroke it about to the amusement of the home fans. And the score stayed the same until the final whistle, a fine day at the office for the hosts.
Final Score: Fusion United 5 - 0 Dino FC
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Fusion United vs Mahmut FC 24/5
Before kickoff, there was some bad news for Fusion United, as the manager same down with a case of sleep in syndrome and was unable to attend this morning match, the assistant took the reins on his behalf, vs Mahmut FC, a team placed 8th in the table, just above yesterdays opponents Dino FC. The "Mut's" form was not a sign for much worry for the assistant, 3 losses and a draw made for grim reading for Mut's fans, and you could sense the home fans knew this, with the atmosphere that was visibly tense amid the visit of the leagues most free scoring team, who have so far shipped in 67 goals to date.
The assistant, on his managers orders, reverted to the same starting XI that played Lucian FC, feeling that today's opponents where not to be taken lightly. A return to the field for the rampant strikeforce of Keane and Sturridge did little to hearten the home support. And so it proved to be after just 4 minutes Keane carried on his impervious form with a wonder goal from 25 yards out. At twenty years old this young striker has a bright future at the Clarets for years to come. 1-0 to the Clarets, changed the atmosphere for the worst, as the visiting audience was roaring but their counterparts where in a deafening silence, this was going to be a long day, they thought.
Just 90 seconds later, the home fan's worst nightmares where confirmed when Keane again, who else, got in behind the Mahmut defence, and played in Mijailovic, the defender slotting home from close range to make it 2-0 to the visiting side after just 6 minutes. The Clarets where comfortable now, a very early commanding lead, they felt content to just play the ball between themselves and let the Mut's chase. Sadly, their confidence was short lived.
After some sloppy interplay from Schmidt and Miswan, the ball was taken by the opposition and a quick ball up-field looped over the defence for the opposing striker to slot home from 12 yards, Kamal left helpless. 1-2 after 13 minutes and the hosts sniffed a vulnerability about this Fusion team.
The goal took the confident short passing away from the Clarets, and with the words "not to take the team lightly" ringing from their ears, the Clarets sought to atone for their error of judgement. They would not have to wait too long as on 27 minutes a fantastic solo run by Schmidt, who was at fault for the goal, made the score 1-3, and the game was back in the Clarets control. Schmidt's goal marked a landmark, 70 League goals for the season, easily the most in the league(Pollas are 2nd on 61, but have played a game less).
On 43 minutes, the Clarets all but sealed the win, with a excellent strike from Keane, after being set up by Sturridge made the score, 1-4 to the visitors, and they could go in at half time with their heads held high in the knowledge that the game was in their hands.
The game continued pretty much in the same vein with the visitors attacking the Mut's goal at will. On 69 minutes, Keane stretched the advantage to 4 goals with a wonderful strike. This was Keane 6th goal in the league in 4 games, a prolific rate, and a striker at the top of his game. 1-5 to the Clarets.
A minute later, slacking defending allowed the Mut's in again, and they duly obliged by slotting the ball home. 2-5 for the Clarets and the home side could take some pride away with them,the first team in the league to put 2 past the Claret's since the seasons start. The manager will not be happy with this, as the team's defensive reliability is a large reason for the teams rise in fortunes and form. Lots for the team to reflect on, the main question after today's game on the fans lips was, "Can we win in Europe?". Tune in tonight from Romania to see if the Clarets can make it to the semi Finals!
Final result: Mahmut FC 2 - 5 Fusion United
Updated League table below:
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Fusion United vs Rajawi FC 25/5
In a game versus a team sat in 5th place in the table, the Clarets' hosting of Rajawi FC promised to be an entertaining encounter. The game saw the manager bring on two new débutantes in Luis at Centre Forward alongside Keane, Shay Given at Goalkeeper and Glen Johnson at left defensive midfield. Fathy, Kamal and Fabio would drop to the bench in their place.
The game started brightly for the hosts, bossing possession in the opposing half, clearly the Clarets where on a high following their exploits in Europe on the previous matchday. This feeling of euphoria was encapsulated after 16 minutes, when Mohammed played a ball through to Keane on the edge of the box, Keane took a touch to settle the ball, and shot into the net. 1-0 To the Clarets.
The game continued in the same vein, with Fusion almost tearing the defence in two at will. It wasn't until 36 minutes had passed that they made the breakthrough, and it came from a set piece. Miswan was fouled at the edge of the box. The man himself stepped up to the free kick, delivering a piledriver into the top corner, just skimming in off the top right crossbar. 2-0 to the Clarets, and you feel they where in control of the game. The half finished with the same score, and the team could take a breather, ready for the next 45.
It was decided with Keane looking jaded from all the matches he is playing, that he needed a rest, so the manager subbed him at half time, brining on Fathy in his place. This seemed to have a demotivating effect on this team, as for the first 10 minutes of the first half, they sat back, despite the managers shouts of "go foward!", minus expletives. They where made to pay for their slacking approach to the second half, when Avery got in behind the defence, rounded Given in the goal and tapped in. 2-1 to the Clarets.
That's all the motivation that was needed. The ball, from the second it was set down on the centre circle, was always going forward, with the Clarets looking for a third, and they would not have to wait long. A Rajawi defence that has looked suspect all day, allowed the speedy Suarez to break away from them, and 2v1 with the keeper, passing to Rodriguez to tap in. 3-1 to the hosts, and the game back in their hands.
United piled forward in search of a 4th goal to put the icing on the cake for the home fans, but the fans where soon despairing as on 74 minutes, Khalloof put in a horror challenge with the high studs, injuring Suarez on his debut, and would see him out for the vital home game in Europe! Khalloof received a yellow card, and Suarez, who had a good game, was stretchered off the pitch to an ovation from the home support. Johnson took the resulting free kick after the substitution was complete, with Promrut coming on for Suarez and the clarets switching to a 3-2-4-1 formation. The free kick felt a sweet justice as Johnson planted the ball firmly on Al-Selwi's head, who unmarked, powered in to make it 4-1 to the hosts.
The Clarets where now in total control of this game, with their newly found formation ensuring defensively at least, they where more solid. But, it was once again the strikeforce that showed the way forward, and less than a minute later, Jamie got in on the act with a fine drive from 25 yards, leaving the opposing keeper stunned. He could only watch it sail past him. 5-1 to the hosts, queue the chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" to the opposing manager, who after 3 losses a draw, and a likely loss here, was starting to feel the heat.
Sadly for the opposing manager, life wasn't about to get any easier, when on 84 minutes Regragui fouled Johnson 25 yards out, conceding the yellow card, a team saving measure because he was the last man back, 7 yards more forward and it would have been red. From the free kick, Johnson stepped up and thumped it hard and low into the bottom corner, leaving the keeper helpless. 6-1 to the hosts now, and a game that was all but lost as a competition.
Johnson was at it again on 89 minutes, demonstrating the attacking abilities that may make him a vital cog in the Claret machine for year to come, with a surging run into the opposing box, when upon getting there was cleaved down by Zavala, the crowd baying for blood and a penalty, the latter they would get, but Zavala was punished by receiving a yellow card. It was left to Johnson, who had a great game up to this point, to take the spot kick. A goal and an assist to his name on his debut, the result was never really in doubt, cooly finishing to the keepers left hand side, he turned to see his team-mates charging to join in the celebrations. The league push may be over, but this team has more title charges left in them, that's for sure. Next up: Montecarlocity, a home game in the semi finals, can we upset the odds again?
Final Score: Fusion United 7 - 1 Rajawi FC
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Fusion United vs Montecarlocity 26/5
In this crunch game at home in Europe it was imperative to the hosts to try and not let the much fancied away team grab an away goal which would make the tie a whole lot harder on the Clarets. The pre match signs where good, despite missing Suarez had their manager present, a full crowd of 800 excited spectators and 3 other managers offering their support to the cost. Our thanks to Doncaster FC, Norealinterest, and to Vihnuphan for their support in this crunch tie.
With the game between two good sides, tension was the keyword for the game, with neither team willing to attack too much for fear of making a mistake and allowing the other to punish the error. The game itself began in the same vein, with a lot of scrappy challenges flying in in various areas of the pitch. It wasnt until the 25th minute that the ref had enough and awarded Marinheiro a yellow card for a foul on Miswan, what would prove the only card of the game.
The first half was after that uneventful, with both teams feeling their way into the game, the possession stats showing a 6% advantage to the hosts. The score at half time was 0-0, the game finely in the balance.
The second half began in much the same way as the first, but this time, the manager of the Clarets decided to add a bit of attacking threat to the team by bringing off rodriguez, jamie and walsh. Eliasson, Schmidt and Walsh would take their place. The substitutions had the desired effect with United now in the opposing half for the next 20 minutes, sadly, they where unable to break through a stubborn Montecarlo defence.
On 86 minutes the game would turn bad for the hosts, as from an attacking move, Montecarlo broke from the attack with pace, leaving a 2v1 situation with the keeper, they calmly passed the ball around him, tapping into the empty net. 1-0 to the away side, with the Clarets worst fears of conceding an away goal coming to fruition. They would at least need 2 goals now to stand a chance in the tie.
So, the Clarets pushed for an equaliser, having no choice but to flood the opposing box and hope for a breakthrough goal that would send them back into the tie. However, this left them open in the back, which allowed Montecarlo to break again, this time stopped Mijalovic, who fouled Sakata, injuring the player in the process. Sakata was taken off, and from the resulting free kick, Montecarlo scored, sinking the hearts of all the home fans. Europe now a very tall mountain to climb.
Final Result: Fusion United 0(0) - 2(2) Montecarlocity
Fusion United vs Othmane FC 26/5
In a game away to the team sat 10th in the table despite some notable wins and draws this season, this is not a team to be taken lightly. Sadly, due to RL events, the manager for the clarets was unable to make the game, but even in his absence the team managed to get 60% of the overall possession.
In a scrappy game, the first real action of the half didn't happen until a late challenge saw one of the opposing players booked. Gunkel booked on 31 minutes.
The game, surprisingly at half time was 0-0, with no disrespect to the opponent the rating difference was 13.8 -19.0, which in theory meant united should have been having an easier game of it, this proved not to be the case.
The second half began much the same as the first, scrappy challenges flying in in the middle of the park, but no end product at either end. This changed on 56 minutes, as the opponents broke free on the wings, the ball played out to Laksiri, who crossed into the Claret box, with Hadji turning into Given's net. 1-0 to the hosts, and not looking good for the visitors, who saw their challenge in Europe falter last time out, where looking at an unlikely league defeat.
On 67 minutes, after sustained pressure, Keane made a fantastic solo run at the Othmane defence, rounding 3 people, before cooly chipping the keeper. The finish that of a veteran, for a man so young, his future is bright. 1-1.
The game failed to produce a breakthrough second for the Clarets, who, after seeing PollaFC winning earlier in the day now drop to 6 points behind the leaders with 5 games to go. The Claret's attention now turns to the next game at home to real fantasy FC, a game they would hope to win to at least keep within a slim chance of the title.
Final result: Othmane 1 - 1 Fusion United
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Fusion United vs Real Fantasy FC 27/05
Today's game was played in front of a crowd of excited 800 fans at the Fusion United Stadium. Not demoralised by recent events in Europe and at home in the League, they where determined to give the team a good end to the season, with promotion and 2nd place all but secured with 5 games to go. The team was greeted with cheers as they entered the field at 12:17, a fitting tribute to this newly formed teams efforts in the league and abroad.
The aim for today's game was to end the recent slump of form that saw them surrender another two points in the title race, and a likely spot in Europe's elite competition. A draw away at Othmane FC was still leaving a bitter taste in the teams moth, a game, they feel, the could have won on a better day. The next challenge lay in front of them, Real Fantasy FC.
The game, like all encounters lately began at a calm pace, the atmosphere akin to a beach game in Rio, there was no urgency to the play, and most challenges felt sloppy and mistimed. So it proved to be, on 27 minutes, Gimenez with a lunge on Johnson, Gimenez would receive a yellow card. The Clarets where happy to let their opponents attack at will, seemingly of the opinion "we'll score more than you!", With the game at 0-0 a rather comical thought to have.
On 42 Minutes, it was Al'selwi's turn to make a ill timed tackle, fouling Gimenez, Al-Selwi also shown a yellow by the ref. From the free kick Gimenez stepped up and put it around the wall and into Given's top right corner. 1-0 to the visitors, and the "we'll score more" philosophy would have to start working. At half time, the score stayed 1-0 to the visitors, a recent problem for a team so defensively sound, the manager furiously scribbling down notes. A new formation for the new season, perhaps? We will see in due time.
The second half began with a flurry of shots on the Real goal, but the new strikeforce of Keane and Suarez where still trying to bed in together, so penetrating the defence was proving a tough task. 52 minutes in, a couple of replacements to help tired players in preperations for tomorrow's make or break tie away in Europe, Eliasson and Promut coming on for Bourguigon and Miswan.
5 minutes after the subs, Jamie took the game by the scruff of the neck, side stepping a defender, rounding the opposing keeper and slotting home to level up the scores at 1-1. A stunning effort from the young winger, proving that forwards are more than just the strike force.
Encouraged by this, the Clarets began what was in truth an onslaught on the opposing teams goal. Keane and Suarez where starting to put passes together, only sort 5 yard passes at first, but on 64 minutes, the start of hopefully a great partnership. Suarez played the ball over the defenders, for Keane to run onto, and the 20 year old burst onto the scene delivering a emphatic finish, 2-1 to the home side, and you feel the upper hand in the game.
Keane, not to be outdone by his winger counterpart, sought to do one better than Jamie and set about ravaging the defence, sidestepping the defender, using his sublime speed to chip the keeper and tap into an open net. 3-1 to the hosts, the fans bouncing.
Jamie fouled Mohd Said on 79 minutes, and it was deja vu with the free kick being delivered into the net with a stunning finish. 3-2 to the hosts, a nervy finish was in wait for the Clarets. Jamie was also booked. They held on for the win, putting them back to 6 points of the leaders.
Final Result: Fusion United 3 - 2 Real Fantasy FC
Statistics below: Attachment 23720
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Clarets Crash out of Europe
In an action packed game away in Monte Carlo, it was disappointment that flooded the away fans as they dropped out of Europe at the Semi Final Stage.
The Clarets came into this game, trailing 2-0 on aggregate after a disastrous last 10 minutes at home, which saw them concede twice. Fans felt that the formation that the Clarets set out in was wrong, the manager seemed to agree as he changed the formation from the usual to a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Keane the lone frontman. Al-Selwi was given a chance to atone for his recent poor form, and on 34 minutes the managers faith was rewarded when he pounced on a Keane through ball and fired into the Montecarlo net, 2-1 on aggregate to the hosts, but the Clarets with all the work to do. It was 1-0 to the away team at half time.
Sadly the breakthrough goal wouldnt arrive for the Clarets, they laid seige to the Montcarlocity goal, with Jamie coming on for Scmidt. Truth be told their keeper had the game of his life making 4 saves from shots on target in the second half, giving him a 9 rating in the game. Suarez came on for Keane after on 81 minutes, with yellow cards from Montecarlocity on either side of that.
Sadly Suarez, even though he had two shots on target, failed to break the wall of blue in front of the opponent goal and the game ended with the same result.
Final Result: Montecarlocity 0(2) - 1(1) Fusion United.
With the league seemingly out of grasp for the Clarets the attention now turns to next season. A few questions lie for the young manager, can the Clarets finish well in Division 3? Can they emulate their fantastic cup run next year? Can they even win the Champions League?
Stay Tuned for updates for the rest of the season and a preview of the Season 3 for the Clarets, where aims and transfer policies amongst other things will be discussed. Highlights of last nights match are below.
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Windows FC vs Fusion United 30/5
In what seems to be a trend in the games towards the end of the season, the Clarets where once again away at Windows FC hoping for a win to keep their very slim hopes of title glory alive. The team ranked 10th in the table with a minus 97 goal difference and only 10 points on the board this calender season, It did not bode well for today's opponents who are on a great run of form, 2 wins on the bounce since their defeat to Montecarlocity, but only winning by the slimmest of margins.
The manager opted to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation that saw success in Monte Carlo, with new Signing Luke Shaw popping in at right back, this meant a bench berth for both Mohammed and Suarez. The newly enforced changes did little to hamper the team effort that was needed, with the Clarets clocking up 80% possession and over 20 shots on target!
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Sadly for the hosts, the game was over before half time, if this writer is honest. Goals from Johnson and Bourgugion on 25 and 36 minutes set the tone for a fairly one sided game. 2-0 to the Clarets at half time, in control too, you would feel.
Things didnt get much better for the hosts, as on 51 minutes, Miswan slipped in behind the defence to slot a low pwerful slot into the net! 3-0 to the away side, and now the game firmly in Claret hands.
The Clarets sealed their grip on the game as a whole, when Jamie, who made an incisive run in from the wing, cut past a defender and left the keeper stranded as his effort looped into the top corner. 4-0 after 55 minutes, and for Jamie, the first of a superb hattrick that will leave the manager thinking about starting him over Schmidt more often.
After 78 minutes it was 6-0 to the hosts after Jamie's hattrick, with Suarez replacing Keane on 73 minutes, who then set up Jamie to complete the rout.
A special mention to Bourgugion, who for the last two games has been adjusting to a new defensive midfield role, and in a man of the match performance put the defensive gloss over a truly faultless display. A great day for the newly adopted midfielder who bagged his second, and United's 7th, after 82 minutes.
A great game by all the players, to help send the season off the way in which they began it. Ratings and scorers below:
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Final Result: Windows FC 0 - 7 Fusion United
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Looking Forward: Season 3 Preview
For the one person who is following this thread, you will have noticed I have chopped and changed players at one time or another, most notably Daniel Sturridge, who while prolific had no resale value after this season so it was decided to cash in. For next season, which is only 2 days away, I would like to have the aim of setting my starting XI's age a bit lower than it was this season. With an average age of 24.1 when the next season the team is not old by any means, but it could do with some more young blood. The team at the moment is as follows:
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Other aims for the season coming is to increase the average star rating of the teams players to at least 4 stars before seasons end, they will be most demoted to 3* at the beginning of next season. Notable exceptions are Johnson, Keane, and Shaw, all young players, and though Shaw isn't 5* in League 2 yet, he isn't far off.
On the matter of team players, the squad needs a major overhaul from the subs side of things, some can do a job, but some sadly won't be up to the standard of league 3. However, due to lack of funds, they may get to stay on until appropriate funds become available, or injuries permitting, they wont be needed as much as the starters.
Competition aims:
Firstly to the League, I am not sure of the quality of team I will be facing in next months league. It could be another 7 bots and 3-4 active players, or it could be 6-7 people who have tanked to gain an easy title. Whichever it is, my aim for next season is to finish in the top 4 at the very least.
Secondly the Cup. We didn't have much of a run at the cup this year, getting knocked out in the play-off round, the aim for next season is to build on that, and make it to the last 16 or better! The prize money isn't a great incentive for a team wanting to compete in the league with injuries in mind.
Lastly the Champions League: So far, yet so close. We where one goal from the final this season, but it didn't happen- We mustn't dwell on it, it is there to be had next season, and the aim for next season is to try and equal or better this years achievements in the champions league.
In summary:
- Reduce the average age of the squad and increase quality to 4*
- Increase the quality of the backup players
- Finish 4th or better in the League
- Try to achieve last 16 status in the Cup
- Try to match Semi - Final berth in the Champoins League
I hope people enjoy reading this and will stay in touch for next season!
P.S. Polla FC sealed the league today with a win, leaving them six points ahead with a game to go! Fusion won 3-0 on the day at home to Himli-alanya-fc, with 2 goals from Keane and one from a Johnson free kick!