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Throwball Club Cup: 2016 Japan


jmoe12

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53 minutes ago, ujju2 said:

Ugh, there goes another prediction...

It would have been a HUGE upset if the Kookaburras had won. Dublin is one of the greatest sides ever put together, and Sydney is still pretty young and inexperienced. The class of the Leprechauns was just too much.

 

 

 

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The 2014 championship rematch is set

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Jarius Soves (TOR): 2 goals, Assist, GWG

Darius Moses (TOR): 2 goals

Nika Kucheron (VOL): 2 goals

Toronto gets Last Laugh in Duel of Comebacks

It was the most evenly-matched contest of the first round, and it did not disappoint. The Lamplighters drew first blood in the 7th minute when Cameron Lawrence collected a rebound and put a perfectly-placed shot past Marian Luball. It seemed that Toronto would hold their shutout into the second period, but Nika Kucheron slipped past Logan Duremayer and scored with just 42 seconds left from time. Toronto lept to a two goal advantage early in the second when Darius Moses and Jarius Soves both found the net. But the Sturgeon has thrived from behind throughout this year, and this match was no exception. Valdis Lanka and Kostya Zolnervich answered for the Russian champs to tie the game late in the period. But the run continued into the third, when Miroslav Chebykin put Volgograd in front, and then Nika Kucheron scored his second to double the lead. With this two goal advantage, Volgograd began to sit back more, a decision that proved fatal when Logan Duremayer and Darius Moses both scored in the 52nd minute to tie the game. Toronto had the momentum in hand, and nearly won in the last breaths of regulation, when Jarius Soves’ wonder goal was blown off due to offsides. Soves got his goal in OT, however, putting a goal past Marian Luball in the 63rd minute to send Toronto to a rematch of the 2014 Cup Final against Dublin.

 

 

 

 

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St. Petersburg keeps their surprise run alive with a win

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Alexander Dvoynev (STP): 2 goals, Assist

Stasya Kokolov (STP): 2 goals, GWG
Ezequiel Pinheiros (BRA): Goal, 2 assist

Czars edge Macaws to keep Dream Alive

The lowest profile of the first round matches produced perhaps the most high-profile drama. The game was close the entire way, with the teams trading one goal leads throughout regulation before forcing overtime. The Czars struck first, getting a fantastic goal from Alexander Dvoynev, who made a move past Ezequiel Pinheiros and finished easily. Deodato got the goal back for Brasilia, showing pace and skill to weave through a maze of St. Petersburg defenders and score. The Macaws were back on the scoresheet moments later, when Leonardo Ortiz slammed home a rebound to give them the lead. St. Petersburg finished the period strong, getting a second goal from Dvoynev in the 14th minute and the go-ahead from Stasya Kokolov in the 18th. The Czars took a 3-2 advantage into the second period. While the offenses were flying in the first 20 minutes, they cooled off quickly in the second. Neither side could create the quality chances that had come so easily in the first period, and the scores dropped dramatically as a result. Fabricio Cruz put in the only goal, assisted on a nice pass from fellow post Ortiz to get a wide-open look. The third period returned the game to its high-scoring ways, as St. Petersburg earned a 5-4 advantage on the back of goals from Ruben Hall and Valeri Krupin. Deodato had managed to keep the game close with a score to level things at 4, but the Czars seemed to be in ideal position to close out the contest with a win. But Brasilia got one final chance on a breakaway in the 58th minute, and Deodato sprinted behind the Czar defense and had a clear chance at the net. But Ruben Hall pulled him down from behind, giving the Swede a yellow card and awarding the Macaws’ a penalty. Pinheiros nailed the shot, sending the match to overtime. The extra period ended in a mere 11 seconds, when a Rufinio Rosario foul gave Stasya Kokolov a put-in which the Russian sniper buried to send St. Petersburg to the Quarterfinals.

 

 

 

 

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Last game of the Round of 16

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Mikhail Robinson (HEL): Goal, 2 assists

Mario Esposito (ENY): 2 goals

Andris Tevarde (HEL): Goal, Assist

Helsinki Holds off Empire for Win

There was young talent from around the world in this contest, and they certainly played up to expectation. Only one player 30 or older (New York’s Paul Watters) started for either of the sides, meaning lots of pace and exciting action throughout. Helsinki was on top from nearly the opening whistle, getting a goal from Kasper Pulkkinen in the 3rd minute. The Voyageurs would not trail for the entirety of the contest. Zayne Harper put Empire on the scoresheet in the 10th minute, finishing a lobbed pass from Dorian Lamb and hammering a shot home past Erik Kumala. But Helsinki moved right back in front in the 13th minute when Xander Kempe slipped into a soft spot in the New York defense and finished an easy shot. Helsinki’s dominance in the first period came as a shock to most, as the youthful Finnish squad showed composure and chemistry far beyond their years. This composure did not waver in the second frame, even after Mario Esposito equalized in the 25th minute. With momentum in hand, Empire began to press higher in an attempt to quickly take the lead. But Helsinki weathered the storm, and came out on top with a goal in the 29th. Empire managed to equalize again in minute 34, but Helsinki came out flying once again in the third period to make the score 4-3. Mario Esposito did all he could to spark a late comeback, and he did manage to tie the score in the 49th minute. But he could do no further damage, as Andris Tevarde hounded him all over the pitch, limiting space and opportunity for the Colombian winger. With their main scorer out of the equation, Empire struggled to create chances, and could do nothing to find a winning goal. Helsinki got that winner from the hand of Andris Tevarde, who sliced through the defense and scored a goal from close range in the 54th minute. New York tried all they could to level the score for a fifth time, but it wasn’t in the cards, as Helsinki held on for their first ever Knockout Round win.

 

 

 

 

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Here's a look at the bracket going into today and some Quarterfinal previews

 

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Salvador Saints vs. TC Dusseldorf

The two sides come into this game unbeaten, and both with plenty of motivation to take this game. The clash of styles in this game as strong, as Salvador’s high-paced, technically sound attack starkly contrasts the grinding, physical play of Dusseldorf. Whoever can dictate the pace and style of play will be put in excellent position to make it to the semifinals. Salvador’s experience from a successful 2014 may give them the edge they need to make a second straight semi.

 

Amsterdam United vs. Bordeaux Boars

Bordeaux continues to look a dangerous title dark horse, while Amsterdam has yet to play to their full potential here in Japan. The Boars have consistently conquered the odds to make it through to the Knockout Round, then pulled another upset over Portland to send them to the next round. But if Amsterdam can finally play a full-game of the world-class throwball we’ve gotten accustomed to seeing, this game will likely be no contest.

 

Toronto Lamplighters vs. TC Dublin

This match is set to be one for the ages. Arguably the two best sides in the world square off in a rematch of the 2014 title game. Both teams have performed well throughout this campaign, and the winner will make their second straight semifinal. Dublin should own the perimeter, with studs Dwayne Rodgers, Adrian Brachard, and Enrique. But Toronto has Darius Moses and Cameron Lawrence down low, so anything could happen.

 

Helsinki Voyageurs vs. St. Petersburg Czars

Lacking the high-profile talent and prestigious histories of the other matches, this game will more than make up for it with exciting fast-paced action and plenty of goals. The two sides play nearly identical styles, utilizing a perimeter attack with a three-wing formation. Neither team looked like a semifinal contender coming in, but now one of them will have to, and they could do some serious damage when they get there.

 

 

Dussledorf vs. Salvador will be up this afternoon!

 

 

 

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On 2/19/2016 at 1:03 PM, Darknes said:

Dusseldorf v Bordeaux and Dublin v Helsinki 

You're one for one so far

 

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GAME SUMMARY
 

Spoiler

Top Performers

Matias Niskanen (DUS): 2 goals, Assist

Kaleb Schreiber (DUS): 2 goals, Assist

Abilio (SAL): 2 goals

Dusseldorf Pulls out Win in OT

Salvador was a win away from becoming the first team ever to make back-to-back Club Cup semifinals. Dusseldorf had steamrolled through the tournament thus far, and there were zero signs of slowing down. All of these factors made one highly-anticipated contest, and the match was everything we hoped it could be. Salvador drew first blood in the 6th minute with a goal from speedy winger Abilio, who was set to have a big day against the slower Dusseldorf players. Salvador was constantly trying to push the tempo and tire out the German squad, but Dusseldorf countered this with patient possession and hard-hitting throwball. This physical play yielded the tying goal in the 10th minute, when Matias Niskanen received a pass from Kaleb Schreiber, turned, and fired the ball into the net. Schreiber bagged one of his own in the 16th minute, powering past Leandro Soares and finessing a shot into the top corner to give the Germans the lead. While Dusseldorf was able to win the first period, the second belonged to Salvador. The Saints wasted no time when Mateus got free from his marker and levelled the score in the 22nd minute. Dusseldorf pulled back in front on a power-play goal in the 25th, but Salvador was right there to get it back when Tito Laerte found the net. The Saints had ample opportunity to get the precious go-ahead score in the remaining 12 minutes of the second frame, enjoying nearly 60% possession in that span, but the Dusseldor defense sat back and forced Salvador to work exclusively from the perimeter, and the attack stalled. Dusseldorf held the Saints scoreless through those final 12 minutes, keeping the match deadlocked at 3. Dusseldorf jumped on top in the third period, scoring twice in 6 minutes to leap to a 5-3 advantage. The game was seemingly sealed, but Salvador wasn’t going down so easily. The Saints began launching an even more aggressive attack, and it payed off when Abilio scored to cut the lead in half. But finding that last goal was a near impossible task, as Dusseldorf once again fell back into their conservative defense. With the clock reading 58:39, Salvador knew that it was now or never. And only one man should have the ball in a situation like this, and it was Tito Laerte. The Brazilian superstar got free from his marker, made a move past the defense, and scored a wonder goal with just 75 ticks left in regulation. The equalizer meant overtime, and Salvador came out energized by their clutch goal, and almost put things away when Mateus rifled a shot off the crossbar. But Dusseldorf was able once again to hold off the Saints’ attack, and began to shift the momentum to their side. This slight boost was all Dusseldorf needed, as Linus Boer sent a pass to Matias Niskanen in the post, and the Finnish big man did the rest. Niskanen turned to shake the defender, then lunged towards the net, pounding a shot into the bottom corner to send Dusseldorf to their second semifinal in three cups.

 

 

 

 

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A DTA clash in the Semifinals!

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Christiaan Meijer (AU): 2 goals, 2 assists

Adrianus van Drummond (AU): 2 goals

Xavier Toussaint (BOR): 2 goals

Amsterdam Starts Slow, Dominates Late

Another slow start for Amsterdam, but they did enough in the later periods to send them through. But the horrid starts will come back to haunt them eventually, so they’ll have to address this problem before their clash with Dusseldorf. Amsterdam starter particularly slow in this game, failing to put a shot on goal in the first 6 minutes, and conceding an early goal to Xavier Toussaint. Down one early, and seemingly incapable of cracking the Bordeaux press, Amsterdam looked lost and confused for a while, until Christiann Meijer finally righted the ship with a goal in the 12th minute. Bordeaux quickly answered on a Tristan Tallier put-in, but Amsterdam was quick to respond courtesy of Martino Inzaghi. The first period was rough for the Dutch giants, and they were lucky to escape with the scores level. Manager Geran Van Hijk must have made an excellent speech during the first intermission, as Amsterdam came out into the second act looking like a completely different side. The passes were sharp, and the link-up play was terrific. As a result, United freed up wide open look for stars like Adrianus van Drummond, who scored a goal and set up another for Bram Rijnders. Amsterdam had taken the game by the throat, and they had no intention of letting go. Christiaan Meijer put in yet another goal to make the lead 5-2, with United on a 4 goal run. Xavier Toussiant netted his brace to give the Boars’ a chance, but Adrianus van Drummond put the nail in the coffin with his second goal of the match to ensure they would be the first team ever to make back-to-back semifinals.

 

 

 

 

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2 hours ago, ujju2 said:

There's a good prediction. Finally.

And here's another

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Darius Moses (TOR): 2 goals, GWG

Jarius Soves (TOR): Goal, 2 assist

Dwayne Rodgers (TCD): 2 goals, Assist

Another Comeback Win for Lamplighters

The rematch of the 2014 title game had everyone talking. Could Toronto get revenge for the loss, or would Dublin continue their quest for back-to-back titles? Dwayne Rodgers put the Leprechauns in front in the fourth minute, getting a shot off through smothering defense, and placing it perfectly past Jarrod Hart. Toronto answered in the 11th minute, when Cameron Lawrence pounced on a rebound and put it away. The first period was about as even as it can get, with both teams enjoying exactly 50% possession and 8 shots on goal. Toronto pulled into the lead in the second period, when Logan Duremayer once again found the space in the Dublin defense, exploited the gap, and scored. The Lamplighters were playing some of the best throwball we’ve seen from anyone this year, and they would be downright scary should they advance. Dublin got an equalizer in the 29th minute from Adrian Brachard, but Toronto was in control, and struck in the 34th minute to take another lead, one which they would take to the dressing room. Dublin took control in the third period, getting goals off the counter attack from Rodgers and Enrique to take the lead. With 3 minutes to play, Dublin looked set to win the game, but Jarius Soves, who had been kept under wraps for 57 minutes, finally broke through, moving past Kyler Patterson and scoring. Once again, Toronto had come back from down late to send the game to overtime. The overtime result was the same as in the Volgograd game, as Darius Moses scored off a Jarius Soves pass to send Toronto back to the semifinals.

 

Just a side note, Amsterdam and Toronto became the first teams ever to make back-to-back Club Cup semifinals. I was curious about the fates of other semifinalists, so I created this database to track their results. The curse was even worse than I thought!

 

 

 

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A Group A rematch in the semis!

 

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GAME SUMMARY

Spoiler

Top Performers

Andris Tevarde (HEL): 3 goals, Assist

Alexander Dvoynev (STP): 2 goals, Assist

Mikhail Robinson (HEL): Goal, 2 assists

Tevarde Dominates as Helsinki Moves Through

Andris Tevarde showed what a special player he is with a world class performance against the Czars. It took the Latvian winger all of 83 seconds to get on the board, opening the scoring with a nice goal past Ruben Hall. Alexander Dvoynev showcased his class with a stellar goal to equalize in the fifth minute, but Kasper Pulikkinen put one past Marian Luball in the 9th. Helsinki set a blistering pace from the onset, and St. Petersburg seemed more than happy to follow suit. Both teams tried to create space for their talented wings to operate, and this lead to plenty of goals. Down 2-1, it was Stasya Kokolov equalizing for the Czars in the 14th minute, but Aki Peura regained the lead for the Voyageurs off a deflection. The second period was able to keep up the fast-paced action of the first, as 5 more goals were scored. Ruben Hall and Valeri Krupin both scored for the Czars, who roared in front to a 5-4 lead. But Andris Tevarde was nearly unstoppable if given just a meter of space, and the Latvian struck again late in the second to put the Voyageurs level. While Tevarde had been good in the first 40 minutes, he was in extra special form in the third period. He dominated on both ends of the pitch, scoring and assisting to give the Voyageurs a 7-5 advantage, then locked down Stasya Kokolov to help preserve the lead. St. Petersburg did get a goal back after a Xander Kempe yellow card, but the Voyageurs played excellent defense to close out the match and give Finland its first semifinalist in 20 years.

 

 

 

 

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Here's a look at the current bracket and the Semifinal previews. Amsterdam vs. Dusseldorf is tomorrow, and Helsinki squares off with Toronto on Wednesday

 

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Amsterdam United vs. TC Dusseldorf

A Deutschland Throwball Association clash, familiarity definitely breeds contempt between the sides. Almost annually pitted in a race for the title, the teams have developed quite the rivalry. And there has never been a bigger stage to earn bragging rights on than this one. The two squads are almost identical in tactics and strengths, but it will be up to Bram Rijnders and Linus Boer to shut down opposing superstars Matias Niskanen and Christiaan Meijer.

 

Helsinki Voyageurs vs. Toronto Lamplighters

When the two teams met in Group A, it was a thriller, and this game should be no different. The Voyageurs have only improved since their defeat at the hands of the Lamplighters, and Andris Tevarde looks like one of the best players in the world right now. But Toronto holds a big size advantage with posts Darius Moses and Cameron Lawrence. If Aki Peura can hold his own against that dominant duo, the Voyageurs could pull an upset.

 

 

 

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