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As you can see, I’m experimenting with Substack’s video function. Please let me know what you think!
If you haven’t seen it yet, see the end of this post for a list of updates from other Football Manager content creators, complete with links.
FM News
Gdb96 updated his expanded Portugal database, which goes down to the 8th division – and includes playable youth teams!
Nicholas.shen made some slight updates to his Japan database variation, which goes down to the 4th level with more planned for the future.
RSL in the WSL Part 23
Our match with the LA Galaxy has been picked as the match of the day in the MLS. I’m not entirely sure – maybe it’s because the two teams are so close in the standings? Anyway, we’ll welcome the attention – as long as we play well, that is.
An old, long forgotten RSL player tells us to watch out for Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. I’m not sure what we can do to stop him, but we’ll keep this in mind.
We’re going with a pretty standard team for the most part, with a few notable exceptions.
Tonin was injured at the end of our last match, which is why we’re going with such an odd pairing up front. 16-year-old striker Drago Biruš is very young and inexperienced, making his first appearance for us. N’Kassa has yet to score, and is probably not ready for this level yet.
Meanwhile, Paredes has had to come in on the left side due to the injury to Ørsahl.
First Half
As you can see from the video above, the game started off hot and heavy, with major chances for both sides. We came close to scoring several times in the first half. LA Galaxy did score around the 33 minute mark, but were nicked for being offsides.
Second Half
We finally broke through in the 73rd minute. An LA Galaxy player slapped our corner kick with his hand, leading to a penalty for us. Daniel Wilson, who came on in place of Odin Thiago Holm, scored the penalty in his first game for the first team.
We held on and held on – and then we gave one up. In the 6th minute of what was supposed to be 5 minutes of stoppage time, we gave up a late goal on a corner. I think he was offside – tell me what you think.
Review
It really wasn’t such a bad game for us. We came very close to scoring on several occasions. We need more firepower up front; however, we are getting the ball in good positions, and our defenders are able to get back for the most part. Coming out of this with a draw is still an okay result, even though I do feel frustrated that victory was snatched from our grasp.
We dominated the shots, but not the possession. We’ve got a quick offense that delivers incisive jabs. If we had strikers who could actually score, we would probably score quite a few goals.
You might be wondering about Danny Acosta. I sure was. Here is his history:
I mean, he was gone long before I came on the scene, wasn’t he? And I’m not even going to get into the insane waiver draft rules in the real-life MLS. It’s yet another reason to stick with fan-made databases.
Another bad game for Hugo Morales, who is officially on my naughty list. We’ll keep him on the bench for a few games after that stinker.
We dominated the fouls, as usual. And, most important of all, we’ve seen yet another sellout at Rio Tinto Stadium.
I became really frustrated with Holm, who had a bad game. I took him off after 61 minutes, and did the same for Morales. Wilson isn’t quite ready yet, but he did score a goal on a penalty, which is better than nothing.
Dirkner had another bad game. I really should start Cardozo in that position instead.
Other than that, it was sort of an average game. Burke really is a good player, isn’t he?
We theoretically dominated the game, though a lot of this xG total came from the penalty that we had. We’re getting good chances in good areas, and just need to work on our finishing.
That doesn’t mean I’m going to let these guys off lightly, of course. We should win games, not drop points in the last minute because of an equalizer. There’s no excuse for that, and I let the boys know it.
Looks like our match was the highlight of the league after all, even though we gave it away at the very end. It’s always good to see positive press like this.
We’re not down and out after all. We play 24th place Necaxa next – a game that we should be able to win easily. Maybe there are bright days ahead!
Monthly Review
Well, we still have some money, though not in the bank. I wouldn’t worry much about the bank balance at this stage, however. Prize money and more television money will come in as we go along. We’ll be just fine.
This is where I worry a bit more. Our defense is suffering, and our offense keeps squandering chances. It’s getting better, but we’re still a long way away from where we need to be.
All of my worrying aside, the board certainly seem to think that I’m doing a good job. I love to see that positive response to that big Pumas win!
Just a quick review of the league leaders in a few important categories. Tonin is still on the goal scorer list with 5, though 4 of those came in his first match. And that’s the extent of our representation here.
When you start digging in, though, you see that we are very good at two things: fouling the other team and giving up goals.
Some of these stats are clearly broken, by the way – goals/90 minutes for one. Good old Football Manager.
Blog Roundup
Chris Horsley has a preview of the new season in his Stabæk save.
CoxieFM brings us yet another excellent chapter in The Kings of København. Go BK Frem!
FM Blog brings us another wonderkid review – this time for Endrick Felipe.
Meanwhile, Football Manager Story brings us a list of the best FM2023 goalkeepers to sign. Maybe I should look into buying one of these guys.
Channel Watcher
FM Scout brings us a review of Datro Fofana, who I remember trying to sign (and failing) back when FM21 was new.
CaptainGoodspeed’s Portsmouth save seems to be hampered by injuries.
FM DNA brings us a review of an excellent looking 4132 tactic – hard to believe this thing works with all that space in midfield!
Sortitoutsi simulated Endrick’s career with Real Madrid.
FM GNG brings us another great episode of the University Challenge.
Clayts shows us that Lyon still can dominate in France – if you manage it right, that is.
The Northman gives us an in-depth look at his efforts to build up football in the Faroe Islands.
Oisty FM reports on more surprising success with Tranmere.
Jay Edworthy, meanwhile, seems to be having nothing but success with Forest Green Rovers.
Loki Doki continues his youth focus save, with promises of a new save starting on Monday January 2nd.
Omega Luke trapped 16-year-old versions of Messi and Ronaldo in the Vanarama National League – always worth a view.
And, last but not least, Lollujo manages to keep his cool despite the board selling his best prospect behind his back for practically nothing.
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