WEEKLY WHINE
Here is GoobNet's team by team review of the American Capture the Flag League's 2003-4 regular season, along with a preview of the 2004 Flag Final between the Irony and the Firebirds, which opens at 00:00 UTC on FRI 16 APR 2004.
What happened here? Jeff O'Lyon, the team's top defender, moved to the Belgian league after last year's Flag Final, but the rest of the squad was intact. Marcus Cameron should have led this squad back to the top of the table, but instead it was a nightmare start to the season as seven straight losses piled up. These onetime darlings of the ACFL stumbled to the worst record in the league's brief history. At least things can't get much worse for the Plankton.
Record: 1-0-10 [3 pts]
It was another rough year for the Cabhounds, who went through a number of offseason changes. Alexander Nembrov arrived from Boston and was expected to lead the defense, but on the whole, the second year club could not keep up with anyone who took their flag.
Record: 3-1-7 [10 pts]
The Insomniacs are gradually improving. After a mere seven points last year, they moved up in the league, and before a five game losing streak late in the season, they may well have had their eyes on the Flag Final. This year, the Ladybug - Laura D'Array - had a breakout season, finishing last week's season finale with the Lemmings by jacking the flag from a 405 onramp. The contract extension she signed this week should make her an Insomniac for years to come.
Record: 3-2-6 [11 pts]
When the Nondescripts signed John Pidgeworth from the Lemmings, shouldn't they have known what they were getting into? Pidgeworth led the league in cautions again this year with four. The team had only one streak the entire year, a two match losing streak to close out the season. However, they were the only team to defeat Phoenix, a thrilling encounter that went right down to the final hours. The Firebirds stole the Boston flag outside the John Hancock Building, but a disorganised Nondescripts defense incredibly was able to spot the getaway vehicle in the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Record: 4-1-6 [13 pts]
Like Boston, the Picketers could not piece anything together this year, with their only two match winning streak coming at the end of the season. But in those two wins, the rookie out of the University of Michigan, Amy Aldredge, showed her potential with some fascinating runs, including a quite exciting slalom amongst the spring break partygoers of Myrtle Beach in Match Ten. As she said, "I was here a couple of years ago, so I know some of the hot spots. There are some great places to hide."
Record: 4-2-5 [14 pts]
Under the young Kyle Cumberland, the Antibodies had high hopes for this year. The defense played well on the whole, but a good attacker was sorely needed to get them some wins instead of their league high total of three draws.
Record: 4-3-4 [15 pts]
Seattle is still in need of someone to tighten up their defense. Bo Smith performed well in attack a year ago, but his useful time appears limited as his age increases. The Stimulants cannot remain awake much longer, it would seem.
Record: 5-1-5 [16 pts]
Douglas Rosecrans was lost to injury midway through the year, but some of the former benchwarmers in Santa Fe became top class performers in his absence. June Rovelaar and Waldo González paired up with the Fermions' original defensive starters, Mick Patrick and George Dungo, to keep New York and Houston in check the last two matches.
Record: 6-0-5 [18 pts]
Despite losing John Pidgeworth and Trina Vance over the offseason, the Lemmings got to a hot start, winning their first four. With three matches left, LA were in third place, but with only two points in those last three, the Lemmings' hopes of a first Flag Final appearance were clogged.
Record: 6-2-3 [20 pts]
The Capcoms' three straight wins going into Match Eleven could have sent them into the Flag Final, were it not for the amazing Firebirds. Defending champions Houston maintained the same pace from last year, even after Melissa Polanco's retirement. The team, surprisingly, came into the finale with Santa Fe looking somewhat listless, seemingly unaware that they could have won their way into the title match in the case of a Firebirds win, which is precisely what happened.
Record: 7-0-4 [21 pts]
Cleveland backed into the Flag Final. Going into Match Eleven, the Irony and Firebirds were tied for first with 23 points, Houston had 21, and Los Angeles had 20. A draw with Phoenix would have sent both teams through, but the ambitious Firebirds had other plans. The pace rapidly accelerated until both flags were going back and forth. Though Phoenix came away winners on the day, Cleveland also wound up winning a ticket to DC, and we all felt like we won with such an exciting Flag Final on offer.
Record: 7-2-2 [23 pts]
Trina Vance, the late season Lemmings standout a year ago, became the linchpin of the Firebirds' attack. Under her, the fearless Firebirds made a remarkable move to the top of the table in just their second year. They did it by assaulting the opponent's flag early and often - it will be intriguing to see how far this tactic flies should Phoenix reach the FCU Champions League.
Record: 8-2-1 [26 pts]
This is a rematch of the match that just completed this past week. Trina Vance, Jerome Robain, and Victor Denilsson lead the wild and crazy Phoenix attack against the Cleveland front three of Charles Morgambi, Jim Ruand, and Victoria Stuntham. When the two groups of eight depart from Washington this week, look for the Firebirds to strike with wild abandon and Cleveland's underrated defense to hold them in check. With time running out, it will be Cleveland's turn to rock.
GoobNet's forecast: Irony by twenty nine hours
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