Liga Mundo Season 6

Liga Mundo Season 6 ran from June 16, 2009 to October 23, 2009. =Final Standings= =Regular Season=
 * Clyde Albion renamed A.M. Adepts FC in mid-season on June 17, 2009 just prior to playing any regular season matches
 * Durkastan renamed Jianada United in mid-season on June 28, 2009

Primera Liga
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Statistics Leaders
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Primera All-Star Team
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Segunda Liga
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Statistics Leaders
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Segunda All-Star Team
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Tercera Liga
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Statistics Leaders
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Tercera All-Star Team
insert text =Retirements= text =Coaching Awards= On July 17, 2009 Reichlep (Coach Philip) was named the #5 American coach in Xpert Eleven during the course of this season (and ranked 242nd in the world).

=Copa Del Mar=

First Round
Matches played June 16, 2009
 * Redemptio Reds defeated El Entrego 2-1
 * Estrella Roja defeated Atlético Vinilandês 1-0
 * Atlético Melloria defeated Transvaal Springboks 4-3
 * Arcadia FC defeated RMI Armed Forces FC 3-0
 * Spartak MK defeated S Team 2-1
 * Keville United FC defeated Durkastan 6-0
 * SiPS defeated Clyde Albion 5-0
 * Swamplandia Sinners defeated Boltonia 4-3
 * FC Jekerger defeated 1984 Duckies FC 4-0
 * PEI FC defeated Dendarii FC 4-0
 * Dun Carrig Bohs defeated Compostela Artois 3-0

Second Round
Matches played June 23, 2009
 * VolNation Volunteers defeated Redemptio Reds 2-0
 * Atlético Luz Del Mar defeated Atlético Melloria 5-0
 * Dun Carrig Bohs defeated Estrellapuerto FC 3-1
 * FC Jekerger defeated FC Franzharia 5-0
 * Estrella Roja defeated Swamplandia Sinners 5-2
 * PEI FC defeated Voobaha National 3-1
 * SiPS defeated Spartak MK 3-0
 * Arcadia FC defeated Keville United FC 2-0

Quarter-Finals
Matches played June 30, 2009
 * VolNation Volunteers defeated Dun Carrig Bohs 5-3
 * Atlético Luz Del Mar defeated FC Jekerger 2-0
 * PEI FC defeated Estrella Roja 2-1
 * Arcadia FC defeated SiPS 2-0

Semi-Finals
Matches played July 7, 2009
 * VolNation Volunteers defeated PEI FC 5-0
 * Arcadia FC defeated Atlético Luz Del Mar 6-5 PK

Copa Del Mar Finals
Match played on July 14, 2009 =Copa Legada=
 * VolNation Volunteers defeated Arcadia FC 6-5 PK

First Round
Matches played on July 21 and July 28, 2009


 * 1984 Duckies FC defeated Estrella Roja (2-1, 0-0)
 * SiPS defeated Boltonia (2-1, 2-2)
 * FC Jekerger defeated RMI Armed Forces FC (3-0, 4-0)
 * Redemptio Reds defeated Atlético Vinilandês (2-3, 3-0)
 * El Entrego defeated Estrellapuerto FC (1-0, 2-2)
 * Atlético Melloria defeated Compostela Artois (3-0, 1-0)
 * Voobaha National defeated A.M. Adepts FC (3-1, 3-0)
 * FC Franzharia defeated Dendarii FC (0-0, 1-0)
 * Jianada United defeated Spartak MK (0-0, 1-1)
 * S Team defeated Keville United FC (4-2, 1-2)
 * Transvaal Springboks defeated Swamplandia Sinners (3-1, 5-4)

Second Round
=Press Releases & Previews=

Week 1 Preview
Another year, another group of managers with high expectations and fans with even higher ones. Last year saw the Boks' surprise Planet Bob by finishing ahead of the once mighty "Big 3" and clench their first league Title. No doubt they are looking to defend their title and solidify their standing as the top of the class.

Match of the Week: Voobaha National vs. Atlético Luz Del Mar

Voobaha has been a solid team since their inception, and finally they have shown that they are ready to play with the big boys. Last season they were crowned champions of Segunda behind the stellar play of defender Raimond Biezen. This year they hope they can continue to work their VooNat magic and gain enough points to stay in the top flight.

Atlético will pin it's hopes at a championship run on the shoulders of their stalwart defense with headliner Lois Luis. If the squad in the back can keep the balls out of the goal the team has a chance to make a run, but they have a hard time keeping pace in high scoring games.

This game will be a good matchup of two defensive squads and will give us a good look at the quality of the Segunda Champ. Expect a low scoring game as both defenses settle in. One mistake or excellent opportunity could decide this game either way though the expectation has to be on Atlético to come away with the home victory. PREDICTION: Atlético Luz Del Mar 1 - 0 Voobaha National Estrella Roja hopes to improve on last season's disappointing 6th place finish this season, but their offseason activity seems to show that they are more committed to developing a young team than making a run for the division. The Duckies' young team looks to be about ready to make a serious run though it is yet to be seen as to whether this is the year to expect big things from them. Look for Estrella's midfield struggle to maintain possession against the strong midfield of the Duckies. PREDICTION: Estrella Roja 1 - 4 1984 Duckies FC United jumped into the transfer market too late this offseason to bring in enough talent to compete with the likes of VolNat. Their aging squad paired with overmatched talent will not be able to stop the perennially deep VolNat squad. PREDICTION: VolNation Volunteers 5 - 0 Keville United FC Swamplandia is still in the Primera? Yep, thanks to two years of league expansion, the Sinners have beaten the system yet again to remain in the top division. However don't look for them to take advantage of their good fortunes this week. Arcadia will come out looking for blood after last years horrendous start. PREDICTION: Swamplandia Sinners 2 - 4 Arcadia FC
 * '''Estrella Roja vs. 1984 Duckies FC
 * VolNation Volunteers vs. Keville United FC
 * Swamplandia Sinners vs. Arcadia FC

Segunda Liga - Predictions

There are alot of good squads in Segunda this season. Spartak has to be one of the favorites after loosing the promotion race in the last week last season. Other teams to keep an eye on are the Bohs, FCF, 'Puerto, and PEI.
 * Dun Carrig Bohs 3 - 2 FC Franzharia
 * Dendarii FC 3 - 3 FC Jekerger
 * A.M. Adepts FC 1 - 4 Spartak MK
 * Estrellapuerto FC 4 - 2 PEI FC

Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * Durkastan 3 - 1 RMI Armed Forces FC
 * Redemptio Reds 1 - 2 Boltonia
 * Compostela Artois 3 - 1 Atlético Melloria
 * S Team 2 - 2 Atlético Vinilandês

Week 2 Preview
Match of the Week: Atlético Luz Del Mar vs. Estrella Roja

For the second week in a row, Atlético is in the marque game of Liga Mundo. Last week they were able to put away VooNat with ease as their young striker Florés collected a hat trick in accounting for the whole of the team's points. This week the team hopes that the young striker can continue his spree against the stronger, at least on paper, Roja squad.

Roja opened their season with a home draw against the Duckies which they secured with an extra time goal. The late game heroics by midfielder Tito saved the club spiked the teams' confidence and excitement coming into this week's match against Atlético.

Look for this week's match to be a game of posession, with the majority of the dance taking place in the defensive half for Roja. The game will however stay tight until the end with Roja needing another last second gasp to collect any points, a prayer which will go unanswered this week. PREDICTION: Estrella Roja 1 - 2 Atlético Luz Del Mar VooNat verses VolNat, will this be the beginning of a rivalry between the two similarly name squads? Last week Voobaha struggled against Atlético while the Vols were able to creep by Keville. This week look for the older team to struggle on the road as the Voo's collect their first ever point in the top flight. PREDICTION: Voobaha National 2 - 2 VolNation Volunteers Coach Courtney has been reinstated for AFC and has a perfect record in league play thus far. Last week the Arcadian fans and newspapers were appalled at the prediction which looked for their squad to give up 2 points to the seemingly eternal cellar dwellers, the Sinners, which they did. Look for the squad to recollect themselves this week and put an honest beatdown on United at home. PREDICTION: Arcadia FC 3 - 0 Keville United FC The Boks begin their quest to defend the league title this week as welcome familiar foe Swamplandia to their stadium. The Sinners hope to improve on their dismal all-time record against the Boks which sees them at 0-1-3 in competitive matches. In their first friendly as a club they were able to defeat Transvaal but ever since they have been but a whipping boy (however it should be noted that 2 of the 3 losses were by a single point. PREDICTION: Transvaal Springboks 3 - 1 Swamplandia Sinners
 * Voobaha National vs. VolNation Volunteers
 * Arcadia FC vs. Keville United FC
 * Transvaal Springboks vs. Swamplandia Sinners

Segunda Liga - Predictions
 * Dun Carrig Bohs 4 - 0 Dendarii FC
 * FC Jekerger 2 - 2 Estrellapuerto FC
 * SiPS 2 - 1 A.M. Adepts FC
 * Spartak MK 1 - 3 PEI FC

Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * El Entrego 2 - 2 Redemptio Reds
 * S Team 4 - 1 Jianada United
 * Boltonia 1 - 2 Atlético Melloria
 * RMI Armed Forces FC 2 - 3 Compostela Artois

Week 3 Preview
Match of the Week: 1984 Duckies FC vs. Atlético Luz Del Mar

The veteran squad of Atlético has shown their talent early in the season. Through two matches their defensive line has been spectacular playing 180 minutes of shutout soccer thus far. Even more surprising is the offensive support which the team has produced. Atlético is not known for their finishing, but this year they have put in 3 goals in each of their first two matches. Thus far the opposition has been the newly promoted squads, this week they face their first real test against the Duckies.

The Duckies are once again on the road but have the benefit this week of having had a week of rest. In their first match they gave up the draw against Roja in extra-time and went away with only one point. This week they will have to rely on their midfield star Rashmati to produce opportunities to put the ball in the goal.

Look for a game of cat-and-mouse to take place as Atlético once again relies upon their stout backfield while the Duckies control possession looking for the slightest amount of daylight for them to press into. PREDICTION: Atlético Luz Del Mar 2 - 1 1984 Duckies FC United has had a difficult opening to the season with a close match against VolNat in their home opener and a tough loss to AFC on the road last week. This week they look to surprise the 'Boks who are coming off a tough draw last week to the Sinners. Unfortunately even at home, Keville will have a hard time coming away with any points. PREDICTION: Keville United FC 1 - 3 Transvaal Springboks VooNat is riding high this week after capturing a point in last week's match against VolNat. Look for them to open the game strong and comfident, perhaps even up at half. But when the Arcadian machine gets to rolling, the home fans will likely not like witnessing the flurry of goals probable in the second half. This is all assuming the cup match doesn't take too much out of AFC. PREDICTION: Voobaha National 2 - 4 Arcadia FC The Volunteers are recovering from a tough week but will probably find trouble once again thanks to the distraction of the cup. Estrella Roja also had a poor showing last week in a 3-nil defeat at the hands of Atlético look for them to bounce back and provide more disappointment to the VolNation this week. PREDICTION: VolNation Volunteers 2 - 2 Estrella Roja
 * Keville United FC vs. Transvaal Springboks
 * Voobaha National vs. Arcadia FC
 * VolNation Volunteers vs. Estrella Roja

Segunda Liga - Predictions
 * FC Jekerger 3 - 2 Spartak MK
 * Dendarii FC 1 - 3 FC Franzharia
 * PEI FC 2 - 2 SiPS
 * Estrellapuerto FC 4 - 3 Dun Carrig Bohs

Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * Jianada United 1 - 3 Atlético Vinilandês
 * RMI Armed Forces FC 2 - 1 Boltonia
 * Compostela Artois 3 - 2 S Team
 * Atlético Melloria 1 - 4 El Entrego

Week 4 Preview
Match of the Week: Swamplandia Sinners vs. Keville United FC

The upset everyone was talking about last week was the upending of the defending champion Springboks by newly promoted United. On the road, the Boks were taken back by the level of play shown by the Kevill players as they finished 75% of their shots on their way to a shutout of the Transvaal squad. United were led in their play by 25 year old midfielder Allan MacKean who made his first ever appearance in the Xpert XI lineup.

Swamplandia is coming back after a week off following their own surprise against the Boks, on the road none the less. They could have come away the victor in that match had they not fallen victim to the unfortunate own goal of their forward Hays in the chaotic injury time push by the Boks.

Do the recent scorelines by these two squads against the reigning champion hint at these two teams being equipped to make a surprise run at the title themselves, or do they hint at a weaker than expected 'Boks side? This week's result may not tell us, but it will let the series know which team they should not let their guard down against when they come strolling into town.

Look for the home field advantage to boost an already smoothly working United team to victory. PREDICTION: Keville United FC 3 - 1 Swamplandia Sinners The 'Boks are grasping at straws after two disappointing results. They hope to right the ship this week against a VooNat team that is getting very anxious for their own first victory of the season. Look for the desperation to cause the 'Boks to stretch themselves too thin. PREDICTION: Transvaal Springboks 2 - 3 Voobaha National Once again the Duckies have a very late home opener. This could be exactly what they need after a disappointing outing against ALDM on matchday 3. The Volunteers are coming off a good win at Roja and hope to be able to wreck the atmosphere at the Duck pond. PREDICTION: 1984 Duckies FC 2 - 2 VolNation Volunteers The early season jitters don't seem to be getting to AFC this year as they have in the past, making this squad a very scary team to gameplan against. Led by forward Kewell, AFC have been able to put the balls in the net with little to no resistance from their oppositions defense. Roja on the other hand have not started on a high note and through 3 games have only one measly point. PREDICTION: Arcadia FC 3 - 0 Estrella Roja
 * Transvaal Springboks vs. Voobaha National
 * 1984 Duckies FC vs. VolNation Volunteers
 * Arcadia FC vs. Estrella Roja

Segunda Liga - Predictions
 * PEI FC 2 - 1 A.M. Adepts FC
 * SiPS 1 - 3 FC Jekerger
 * FC Franzharia 0 - 4 Estrellapuerto FC
 * Spartak MK 2 - 1 Dun Carrig Bohs

Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * El Entrego 2 - 0 RMI Armed Forces FC
 * Atlético Vinilandês 1 - 3 Compostela Artois
 * Atlético Melloria 2 - 1 Redemptio Reds
 * Boltonia 3 - 2 S Team

Week 6 Preview
Match of the Week: Atlético Luz Del Mar @ Arcadia FC

The best match this week is a no-brainer. Unfortunately following last week's results the match has lost a bit of it's luster. Arcadia still hold the top spot in the table despite failing to pick up any points last week on the road at the Duck Pond. However their lead over Atlético is a bit of an illusion as they have had the benefit of an extra game day to collect points.

Atlético are also coming off a disappointing loss last week as the perennially difficult Volunteers proved to be too much to handle. Atlético hope to be able to rebound this week on the road as a victory will put them in control of the league.

At least one of these teams (both in the case of a tie) will be heading home this week with the difficult task of retooling their team following two disappointing weeks. They're both still doing well in the battle for the top spot, but can't afford many more hiccups. PREDICTION: Arcadia FC 2 - 2 Atlético Luz Del Mar VooNat laid the smack down last week at the Sinners' Purgatory Palace and hope to have a repeat performance this week as they welcome United to town. Keville started the year off with some great results and immediately looked to be a team that could stand on on their own against the big boys. Unfortunately, they have taken a step backwards in the past weeks, including a cup loss to a third tier squad. United are especially poor on the road having failed to capture a single point thus far into the season. Look for VooNat to dominate soundly. PREDICTION: Voobaha National 3 - 1 Keville United FC This is a match of two under performing squads. Roja has been a fixture in the top flight the past three seasons. Unfortunately the competition appears to have caught up with them as they are currently struggling to get out of relegation danger. Swamplandia is a team that has lived under the line the past few years, but has done just enough to win the favor of the relegation gods and stay in the primera. Thought they remain in the top division, their talent hasn't appeared to keep up. PREDICTION: Swamplandia Sinners 2 - 2 Estrella Roja What has happened to the mighty 'Boks from season 5? The defending champion has underwhelmed the league with poor form and even poorer results thus far into the season. The Duckies on the other hand have once again performed above expectations (picked by most to finish in the bottom half of the table) as they currently sit in 4th place following last week's victory over top seed Arcadia. PREDICTION: Transvaal Springboks 2 - 3 1984 Duckies FC
 * Voobaha National vs. Keville United FC
 * Swamplandia Sinners vs. Estrella Roja
 * Transvaal Springboks vs. 1984 Duckies FC

Segunda Liga - Predictions Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * SiPS 4 - 2 FC Franzharia
 * Spartak MK 3 - 0 Dendarii FC
 * FC Jekerger 2 - 0 PEI FC
 * A.M. Adepts FC 3 - 4 Dun Carrig Bohs
 * El Entrego 3 - 2 Atlético Vinilandês
 * Redemptio Reds 1 - 4 S Team
 * Boltonia 2 - 1 Jianada United
 * RMI Armed Forces FC 1 - 3 Atlético Melloria

Week 7 Preview
Match of the Week: Arcadia FC @ VolNation Volunteers

Arcadia FC are coming off a huge victory against ALDM. Last week they put in five goals in the net against arguably the toughest defense in Primera. The five to one result was the most surprise drubbing of a top of the table club. Arcadia are finally starting to open a gap at the top of the table. This week is a true litmus test of their ability and deservedness as they are tested against the most decorated team in Liga history, VolNation.

The Volunteers hope to climb up in the rankings this week and put themselves in control of their title run. VolNation is coming off a bye week that they desperately needed in order to recover following their close victory against ALDM.

Look for the Volunteers to come out tying to prove that they are still relevant in the league. The home field advantage will propel the Volunteers to an early lead which they should be able to maintain through the end of the math. PREDICTION: VolNation Volunteers 2 - 1 Arcadia FC This is a matchup of two disappointing sides. Atlético are coming off two tough losses as they fall from grace. The 'Boks can't seem to stop their freefall after last year's dream season when they won the league. But now is a time of soul searching for both coaches and the players as they try to regain their footing. Look for Atlético to take advantage of Transvaal Springboks' poor form and take a first step back to competence. PREDICTION: Atlético Luz Del Mar 2 - 0 Transvaal Springboks The Sinners are coming off a surprising upset at home against Estrella Roja which has helped them move out of the relegation zone, if only temporarily. The Duckies are having another dandy of a season as they move into a tie for the second spot (third on goal differential). Look for the Duckies to have a relatively easy time with the Sinners. PREDICTION: 1984 Duckies FC 3 - 1 Swamplandia Sinners This is the battle to get out of relegation. You never know quite what to expect from Estrella Roja. Some weeks they can come out with a squad that can compete with the best. Others (like last week) they barely look to be a Primera quality side. United has had one week of quality this season and hope to put together a second this week, however it will be a tough order on the road against Roja. PREDICTION: Estrella Roja 2 - 1 Keville United FC
 * Atlético Luz Del Mar vs. Transvaal Springboks
 * 1984 Duckies FC vs. Swamplandia Sinners
 * Estrella Roja vs. Keville United FC

Segunda Liga - Predictions Tercera Liga - Predictions
 * Dun Carrig Bohs 4 - 1 PEI FC
 * Dendarii FC 2 - 3 SiPS
 * Estrellapuerto FC 2 - 0 Spartak MK
 * FC Franzharia 1 - 5 A.M. Adepts FC
 * S Team 3 - 1 Atlético Melloria
 * Atlético Vinilandês 2 - 1 Redemptio Reds
 * Compostela Artois 1 - 1 Boltonia
 * Jianada United 2 - 4 El Entrego

Copa Legada - Second Round Preview
CUP PREDICTIONS, MONEYBAGS STYLE

CUP PREVIEW

With the rising dissatisfaction among Xaristanis concerning the weekly prediction articles, including words such as “fraud”, “bias”, and “crackpot” being tossed around, the official bookie of Xaristan Professional Soccer (XPS), Carter Moneybags, has taken to creating his own preview. He starts this week with the Round of Last 16 for the Copa Legada.

El Entrego v. VolNation Volunteers

Leg One: El Entrgo Home Leg Two: VolNation Home

As much as we’d all love to see a Cinderella story where El Entrego, the Serie Tercera squad, upsets the Mighty Volunteers, it just simply won’t happen. The Volunteers are bigger, faster, stronger, and more potent on offense. VolNation holds a 2-1-0 record over El Entrego, the draw coming in a cup match after VolNation had won 4-1 in the match previously. Look for VolNation to take it easy in the first game, still winning, but in a close affair, before weighing their options for the home leg. Still expecting two wins out of the Volunteers for this one as they move on to the final eight.

Result: VolNation advances with two wins.

1984 Duckies FC v. Arcadia FC

Leg One: Duckies Home Leg Two: Arcadia Home

In what could turn out to be one of the more exciting cup matches, these two Primera sides clash. With the series tied 1-1-1, history dictates that anything can happen here, though we think otherwise. Arcadia FC is currently dominating Serie Primera with a five point cushion over second place (by points) VolNation and, you guessed it, 1984 Duckies FC. With strength and form all nearly identical, I think this will be a close match, but Arcadia’s offense wins it for them.

Result: Each team wins home leg, Arcadia wins on aggregate.

Jianada United v. Atletico Luz Del Mar

Leg One: Jianada Home Leg Two: Atletico Home

Normally, this wouldn’t even warrant a write-up. You have the bottom dwellers of Serie Tercera up against the perennial powerhouses of Primera. Still, Jianada managed to squeeze out of the first round, managing two ties in which they advanced on away goals (1-0), and are currently catching ALDM in their worst slide in history. This can go one of two ways. Jianada pulls off the stunning victory at home and then aims to hang on on the road, or ALDM gets their heads on straight and crushes them. I’m going with the latter.

Result: ALDM advances on two wins.

S Team v. PEI FC

Leg One: S Team Home Leg Two: PEI FC Home

A tale of two teams. S Team currently leads Tercera despite coming off a surprising 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Redemptio Reds. PEI FC is currently languishing in the relegation zone for Segunda, winless this season. Does PEI FC finally turn it around, or does a Tercera team make it to the final 8? Once again, we think the latter. S Team’s superior form and potent offense will trump PEI FC’s superior strength.

Result: S Team wins at home, wins on aggregate.

Transvaal Springboks v. Dun Carrig Bohs

Leg One: Transvaal Home Leg Two: Dun Carrig Home

Another matchup with a tale of two teams. DCB won Tercera last season and have continued their streak, undefeated this season with a 4-2-0 record and an offense scoring at a clip of 3 goals per game. Transvaal, after winning it all last season, is currently sitting just outside relegation for Primera, has won just one game, and their vaunted offense is down to an average of 2 goals per game. DCB is red hot, Transvaal is lukewarm. This will be the matchup to watch.

Result: DCB advances on away goals.

Voohooba National v. SiPS

Leg One: VooNat Home Leg Two: SiPS Home

Another fixture where we should be in for a show. VooNat won Segunda last season, and has found moderate success in Primera, currently in 5th. They are, however, on a hot streak, winning their last four games. Scoring has been a problem, coming in at under two goals a game. SiPS is also in 5th in Segunda, and scoring has been a problem for them as well. With nearly equal form, VooNat advances.

Result: Each team wins at home, VooNat advances on aggregate.

Atletico Melloria v. FC Jekerger

Leg One: Melloria Home Leg Two: Jekerger Home

A rare easy pick that should be two dominating matches by one team. FC Jekerger has better strength, better form, and an all around better strategy. Melloria sits in 8th in Tercera, notching just over a goal a game while Jekerger sits in 3rd in Segunda and nails three to the twine per match. Easy call here.

Result: FC Jekerger wins both games, advances.

FC Franzharia v. Redemptio Reds

Leg One: Franzharia Home Leg Two: Redemptio Home

FC Franzharia has struggled thus far, to say the least. They are 0-0-5 with only two goals for and 14 against. Redemptio is starting to hit their stride, on a three game win streak and sitting in third in Tercera. However, lately Franzharia has been shutting down their opponents’ offense in cup play, only allowing two chances total in their first round matches. The Reds rely on a high-flying offense to win, so it will be a battle of strengths.

Result: Reds repeat last round’s result – lose on the road, win at home, advance on aggregate.

=Team Pages=
 * 1984 Duckies FC
 * Arcadia FC
 * Estrellapuerto FC
 * Estrella Roja
 * FC Franzharia
 * SiPS
 * Transvaal Springboks
 * Voobaha National