It's a long way to the top... if you wanna start from the bottom

Well done mate

Thanks Dan, appreciate the comments! Unfortunately the game keeps crashing after April 5th, so I had to reload a save that takes me three months back. Glad I even had that autosave I thought would be useless. Hopefully the autosave would let me past April 5th.

Well the old autosave seems to work since I got past April 5th. Will continue updating on Saturday because I'm on vacation until then.

Finally got through April 5th and at the same time I decided to finish the season.

Shirley's Football Club

Rest of the season

Well we certainly didn't have lot of games left in the league as we played only three in a month or so!

We started April with routine 2-0 victory over our bitter rivals KFAS. Young American midfielder Rich Conway got us into lead on 20th minute and Peter Schroeder added to our lead on 42nd minute. After that it was only about securing the victory and three points for us.

Well our match against Inter-Godfather's was rather bizarre. We went to 2-0 lead on 1st half but that didn't hold long as Inter Godfather's tied the game early on 2nd half and their second goal was a masterpiece. This is why you don't play the ball when you are goalkeeper, unless your name is Manuel Neuer! What a howler for Stafford. Luckily striker Brostrom was able to score just inside to box to make it 3-2 for us.

We had nothing to play for and it really showed. Draw was more than enough for both parties.

Northern Marianas FA Cup (Final)

We didn't want to win it, yet we won. Gutless effort until I made some serious changes. Altough to be honest it was the ref that made serious changes, awarding us an controversial penalty. Norman Moon's goal was work from an artist. Brilliant header off the bar in to the net. Not a bad way to score your 1st ever goal, well done lad!



Same amount of cash, would've preferred more but no can do when this island is broke.



Well if it isn't once again useless news if ever.

Season 14/15 review

Unbeaten in the league, it didn't require a lot of work though. Thus I'm on crossroads. Some results wary due the fact that I had corrupted save. Only two ties throughout the whole season and we deserved both of them. Lot of different goalscorers and obviously our topscorer didn't score a lot of goals because A. We played only 16 games, B. We suck big time. Good to see the maximum goals we allowed per game was only two and that happened only on two occasions.



I don't mind us being overachievers but I don't get the logic. Media predicted us to finish 2nd so being 1st shouldn't really be overachieving. Surprised that our striker who came mainly off the bench was the top goalscorer and with the modest pace and stamina of 1!



Defending champs were relegated while team that was promoted won the whole damn thing, that's how it goes on Northern Marianas. Big gap between us and Koreans. We were out of this league while on paper our squad is pretty much equal to Koreans and others. Glad to see that the top marksman and top assist man came from our club. Needless to say that AVR really shows how poor this league is!

Top Marksman:

Joseph Brostrom




Top Ass man:

Brian Schroeder




Shirley's rookie of the year:

Rich Conway




Season summary:


Rich Conway surely was signing of the season. 17-year old midfielder immediately established himself as part of our starting XI. For some reason it shows that we were predicted as number one by media so that overachievers status makes even less sense. Apparently we were overachievers in the cup too, though we won it last year so repeating it shouldn't be a surprise anymore.

Decision time

Precisely lads couldn't have said it better myself. Since the nation is unmanageable, it hurts our chances to make this league better. Also it doesn't help that I haven't got the slightest clue whether Northern Marianan team could qualify for any continental competition! Lack of challenge is bothering me and I'm not sure if I want to be in Northern Marianas for another season when I've already won everything (if they can't qualify for continental competitions).

So applied for some jobs that were available, clearly I've overestimated my chances to get another job. Didn't quit my current job in case that I won't get single job offer.




The usual reply when I tried to apply somewhere. Noteworthy that Samoan lower division isn't a quality division so this move should've been realistic.Apparently I'm just an laughing stock.



Well finally got some offers in but both offers were from teams that currently lie in level 12 in England and I don't want to go to Europe yet.



Apparently Solomon Islands second division teams don't see me as worthwhile candidate for manager vacancy. Though I've got a funny feeling that they'll regret this decision...

Couple of weeks pass.

Once again testing some new layout... Wonder when I won't change these layouts haha..




Relatively unknown Finn is the new gaffer
Former Shirley's manager takes charge of Vaitele Uta


Vaitele Uta's stadium Football Federation Samoa Field (capacity 800)

Today, on August 18th 2015 Vaitele Uta had some news to announce. Promotion candidates Vaitele Uta appointed Finn PT20 as their new manager, which could be seen as unusual move. Majority if not all managers in Samoa are Samoans and it's definitely a challenge for foreigner to adjust on Samoan culture and people. But it's not the first time when PT20 has faced such a challenge. He started his managerial career on Northern Marianas where he led Division two side Shirley's to promotion and won the FA Cup on his rookie season. Second season for him and the club was even better since they won Division one and repeated their cup success. After that PT20 didn't find himself content with the life in Northern Marianas, he felt that he would need bigger challenge.


Vaitele Uta's chairman Joe Lusi

Chairman Joe Losi had lot of explaining to do, since we all remember when he in media announcement laughed off PT20's interest for the manager vacancy. "I know that I was a fool to do that, and now I regret it. But to be fair, we had no idea who PT20 was when he first expressed his desire to be our manager. It's hard to judge foreigners since they are really rare on this island, you know. Can't say I would know even one foreigner who is in Football world here in Samoa."

The new boss PT20 was asked how he felt the first contact he made with the club. "Well obviously it was a blow when I read the news from footballsamoa. Honestly after that I thought I wouldn't have the slightest chance to be Vaitele Uta's new manager. But for some reason chairman Losi offered me the interview that I felt went well and yeah here we are."


Vaitele Uta currently hold 2nd spot , sharing the same record with the leaders Vaipuna.

Vaitele Uta are considered to be promotion candidates and they lie on second place due first seed Vaipuna having better goal difference. With only four days before his first match on Vaitele's helm, PT20 got enormous challenge ahead of him. He has to get known to squad in really quick fashion and also there are only five games left in the league so there isn't any room for letting down.

"Definitely challenging but you gotta know that there is only five games left and the gap between us and fifth seed is seven points and they have only four remaining games. What my first task is gonna be? Signing head coach and assistant manager as this club lacks both of them! It's strange sure, but understandable on these amateur clubs. On Shirley's I had an assistant even though we were amateurs as well but it's not a biggie for me at the moment, replied PT20 when he was asked what's his first task is going to be.


Vaitele Uta's starting XI


Captain Migao Maletino #4

We asked the current skipper seventeen year old CB Migao Maletino what he felt when he learned that the club had appointed a new manager. "At first I was shocked. I had no idea who on earth PT20 was. Then after the meeting with chairman I had learned that he was superb and inspiring manager for Northern Marianas side Shirley's. And then I met PT20 personally when he wanted a quick chat with the captain. He sounded like a man who knows a lot of football and hopefully his knowledge will guide us through Samoan Lower Division."

Vaitele Uta were without a manager for two months before the reign of PT20. The former gaffer Sale Manila left the club on sixteenth of june to join divisional rivals Sinamonga that aren't even close to promotion.


Vaiusu's boss Lafaele Alatise
¨
Fellow lower division side Vaiusu's manager Lafaele Alatise wanted to comment PT20's appointment. "Absolute shocker if you ask me. I would have never expected to see non-Samoan or non-American manager landing here. And to be honest, I don't think his so called achievements are even something that should be respected. Call me jealous or something else, but I'm not convinced with this guy."

Updated on Wednesday, August 19 2015, added Lafaele Alatise's comment.

Vaitele Uta clinch playoff spot
Vaitele Uta secured playoff spot after two consecutive victories





It was PT20's first test on Vaitele Uta's helm and it proved to be a fine afternoon for a campaign that might be succesful. Vaitele Uta were easily the better team and got impressive two-nil victory over Faatoia Utd

It could've been poor start for PT20's campaign if not for Vaitele's goalkeeper Lionel Taito's brilliant save just two minutes in. Faatoia Utd got past Vaitele's defense far too easily and their striker was one-on-one with Taito but Taito relished on occasion and got his fingertips on ball to make spectacular save.

The first goal of the contest arrived just ten minutes after kick off when striker Sapati Pesa scored brilliant header from left midfielder Joseph Togi's accurate cross.

The hosts were close to adding to their lead on 40th minute but Pesa's second goal was ruled out as offside which proved to be the right call.

The visitors were never really a threat, even though they got couple of quality chances. Their second best opportunity came to centre midfielder Curtis who got clean through but his finishing left something to desire for. Goalkeeper Taito didn't even need to move as Curtis hit the ball off the target.

After that it was all Vaitele Uta and they were rewarded on 72nd when CB Luciano Lemana scored from the corner. The centreback was hugging the near post and when the low cross came in, he had an easy chance to just struck the ball in with his left foot.


Starting Lineups
Vaitele Uta: Taito #1 GK, Togi #15 LB, Fuimaono #21 CB (2), Lemana 20# CB (72) , Hoeflich #17 RB, Victor #23 DM, Togi #14 ML (66 sub), Fasavalu #26 MC (66 sub), Lemana #25 MR (66 sub), Taylor #6 AMC (c), Pesa #16 ST (10)
Substitutes: Timo #12 GK, Maletino #4 CB, Hoeflich #22 ML (66 sub), Maliko #24 AML (66 sub), Fa'aiuaso #8 AMC (66 sub), Fuimaono #18 ST


Faatoia Utd: Hoeflich #1 GK, Tapelu #4 LB, Poasa #12 CB, Boe #5 CB, Slater #15 RB, Fuimaono #10 ML, Schwalger #13 MC (37), Curtis #8 MC, Ropeti #6 MR (c) (45 sub), Slade #14 ST (45 sub), Fuimaono #11 ST (62 sub)
Substitutes: Fa'aiuaso #16 GK, Tuaa #9 DM (45 sub), Ngaluefe #7 AMC, Alenepi #17 ST (62 sub), Lafaele #18 ST, Nimo #19 MC, Maliko #20 DM (45 sub)


Match Statistics









It wasn't pretty but Vaitele Uta got it done. They got the early goal on 2nd minute and started to defend their lead after that. Not the sexiest football out there but really really effective.

Vaitele Uta were really determined to get the result from this game and it showed. Attacking midfielder Taylor got first on board only two minutes after kick off. Winger Lemana send in a cross from right side and Taylor was the first man to react.

The hosts were close to tie the game on 62nd minute. Midfielder Talalelei fired a freekick from 30 yards away and goalkeeper Taito was barely able to parry it away. Unfortunately straight for forward Manila who unbelievably shot straight towards Taito and Taito was able to save that effort as well.

In the end other than the thousand pound chance by Manila, Titavi were never really a threat. Vaitele hadn't any trouble to secure their lead.

"Very excited to have clinched the playoff spot already. But this doesn't mean that we should stop working, no. The work has just began and I expect to see my players giving 100% in every single game they play. Otherwise I'll have to punish them since I have to hold the training sessions as well. Would be nice to find some sort of assistant soon, but no one has replied to my advert, said Vaitele Uta's manager PT20.


Starting Lineups
Titavi: Hoeflich #16 GK, Taito #17 LB (18), Gabriel #4 CB, Hoeflich #6 CB, Duffy #2 RB (45+1) (48 injured), Anufe #5 DM (c), Schwalger #8 MC (21), Hoeflich #7 MC (67), Gosche #15 AML (45 sub), Reid #14 ST (18 injured) (18 sub), Duffy #9 ST (45 sub)
Substitutes: Michael #13 GK, Losi #1 GK, Manila #10 ST (18 sub), Setu #3 ST (45 sub), Hoeflich #18 MC, Nimo #19 MC, Thompson #11 ST, Talalelei #19 AMC (45 sub)



Vaitele Uta: Taito #1 GK, Togi #15 LB , Fuimaono #21 CB, Maletino 4# CB (c), Hoeflich #17 RB, Victor #23 DM, Togi #14 ML (57 sub), Fasavalu #26 MC, Lemana #25 MR (67 sub), Taylor #6 AMC (2) (sub 90), Pesa #16 ST
Substitutes: Timo #12 GK, Lemana #20 CB (90 sub), Hoeflich #22 ML (57 sub, Maliko #24 AML (67 sub), Fa'aiuaso #8 AMC, Fuimaono #18 ST


Match Statistics




Vaipuna shocked by resilient Togafuafua squad
Michael: "Unacceptable"¨

On August 30th we might have seen a result that some may find surprising. Vaipuna had an chance to reclaim their place as leaders as they had the game on hand. Things looked going very well on Vaipuna's point of view when Lafaela Reid scored his second goal of the game to make it two-oneon injury time. Many felt this sealed the deal. But we hadn't heard the last of Togafuafua, Pualele Slater tied the game on 93rd minute and referee blew his whistle shortly after that.

Vaipuna's manager wasn't happy and for a good reason. "We can't give up easy points now, there is no way we should be giving up a lead on 93rd minute. I'll let boys know my feelings when I meet them after this one. I know that we didn't give up our chance for straight promotion, but still it's annoying as hell to give our rivals two point lead in the league."







Vaitele advance through 1st round of Samoan cup
Faatoia Utd didn't stand a chance on 2nd leg

It was not long ago when Vaitele had faced the Faatoia Utd side. In fact it was PT20's first game in charge of Vaitele Uta, which saw Vaitele coasting past Faatoia. This time Faatoia were prepared for the upcoming challenge.

Vaitele started the first leg strongly and scoring the first goal on 10th minute after great team effort. However Faatoia were determined to get the game tied and it eventually took them only 21 minutes to tie the game. On 63rd minute Faatoia took the lead for the first time. Midfielder Slater crossed from left side of Vaitele's goal and forward Palusam Fuimaono was unmarked and had an easy chance to bury it to the empty net. Many felt that the tying goal of midfielder Hoeflich was the key factor that changed the outcome of this series. Faatoia started to get too comfortable and instrumental midfielder Taylor found forward Pesa. His first shot was eventually saved but Hoeflich flicked the rebound in.

The 2nd leg was more or less cosmetical. Once again Vaitele started the scoring first. Striker Pesa hit the net on 12th minute. His chance was pretty similiar to one he had on first leg and failed to convert. This time he used more power and he was rewarded. Vaitele didn't stop there. Lemana, who played instead of Taylor, thanked PT20 for getting this chance to prove himself. He shot wonderful power shot just outside the box to make it two-nil for the home side. Things weren't looking good for Faatoia as they would need to score at least two to force extra-time. Chance of extra-time collapsed on 82nd minute when striker Pesa scored his 2nd goal of the game, adding to their lead. Faatoia got consolation goal on 83rd minute, just after Vaitele had started to defend their lead and they had subbed one more CB in. The most beautiful goal game in 86th minute, which was also the last goal of the game. Midfielder Hoeflich crossed the ball, and instead of being a cross, the ball took a funny curl and the ball went straight in. The keeper had no chance since the ball went above him.

"Yeah very pleased of course that we were able to get past round one. I don't think we should put too much weight on just the league since we have only three games left there. I feel we have a good chance of getting far here. Wasn't too happy that we were down two-one on 1st leg but the boys replied superbly getting that 2nd away goal for us, and it was definitely a huge booster for us, said Vaitele manager PT20 for footballsamoa.ws.

"Well got to find the positives here. Liked our 1st leg, we were doing really well until Vaitele tied the game. Of course it would've been ideal if we wouldn't have been already down on away goals. To be fair I was expecting more than this, when Vaitele were up two-nil after 1st half, I tried to wake boys up. It didn't help but we did score one, but sure wasn't nothing more than a consolation one. We just have to move on and build our game on that 1st leg. We played some great football there but we were sloppy at times and team like Vaitele made us pay, commented Faatoia manager Ricky Sua-Mili for footballsamoa.ws.

1st leg:



2nd leg:




Updated on September 14th 2015

Vaitele Uta close to sign new coach and assistant manager
PT20: "Yeah there have been some talks."

We heard from an reliable source that the current Samoan Lower Division leaders Vaitele Uta are finally close of getting much needed help for manager PT20. Any names we haven't heard but our source said that Vaitele are extremely close of agreeing terms with a new coach and assistant manager.

"I can't deny it. Yes, there have been talks with possible new head coach and assistant manager but I won't tell you any names. And as for your source, he is right. We are very close of getting two staffmembers, and both of them would take some of the workload off me. I admit that I had a feeling that I won't get anyone. My advert for couple of job places was around month there and I hadn't had single applicant. Satisfied, if we can agree on some sort of contract and these gents would join the club, on amateur contracts of course, told PT20.

Vaitele Uta win the league
PT20: "Still lot of work to do"

It was a fine afternoon for Vaitele Uta, their pefromance today guaranteed that they won the league but as we all know that won't mean automatic promotion for them. They'll go to promotion semi final and if they go through that, then to the final and if they are able to win that, then would be promoted to the National league.

"Our position doesn't mean a single thing, We can't take anything as granted and our job is just halfway done. Now we obviously have the home advantage but to be honest on this island it won't mean a damn thing. I think I've visited only two stadiums before so away games are like home games for away teams. We need to keep our focus and we'll still have our shot at the cup, told PT20 when asked his opinion of winning the league.






Vaitele were simply flawless here. They took the lead on 27th minute when striker Sapati Pesa got through and scored the opener. Things went from bad to worse for Moamoa when Vaitele were awarded a penalty after their player was fouled in the box. Midfielder Hoeflich was determined to take the penalty and finished it confidently. Vaitele added to their lead on 84th minute and it was the last of goal of the evening.






Vaitele Uta needed to win this game to secure their 1st spot. However, Leuavaa had something to say. Leauvaa took the early lead just nine minutes after kick off. Iosefa Tokuma being the man of the hour. That didn't stop Vaitele, and they tied the game in 20 minutes. Toefuataina Aimaasu firing absolute screamer. Unfortunately for Aimaasu, he got injured in game and was carried off with a stretcher.






The leaders Vaitele needed only a draw here against Vaiusu whose manager criticized PT20's appointment so all knew that this game was going to be hectic. And it really showed when Vaitele's captain Maletino picked up his second yellow card on 27th minute and Vaitele were down to ten men. That didn't seem to bother Vaitele since they went to two-nil lead in just seven minutes. Vaiusu got one back just before halftime and it was crucial goal for them. Vaitele added another one on 61th minute but Vaiusu refused to give up. Robert Faalavaau got Vaiusu one goal behind and eventually Sio Tusitala completed the comeback on 92nd minute to seal the game as a draw.

Final League Table

And here is how the promotion playoffs will look:

Samoa Cup

Vaitele Uta advance to semi finals
After colorful events Vaitele are through to semi finals

Samoa Cup has advanced to semi finals, you could say that there have been some surprises considering three of four finalists are from the Lower Division, we follow Vaitele Uta way to the semi's and see how they have done so far.




1st leg:


We had an early goal in this game. Vaitele's midfielder Bevan Taylor, whom signed for National League side in October, opened the scoring on 8th minute.
Then there was long time of error-free football as both clubs tried to avoid them. On 58th minute Leuavaa's Faimasasa broke the deadlock and tied the game. Vaitele Uta's manager was clearly unhappy and made three changes at the same time on 64th minute. That proved to be the key as substitute Bevan Fuimaono scored two-one goal that was eventually the winning goal.


2nd leg:


On 2nd leg, both teams again tried to avoid mistakes. This time Leauvaa was the team to break the deadlock. Tokuma scored on 31st minute to make it one-nil for the hosts. Things weren't even looking that bad for Vaitele Uta as there aren't any away goal rules in Samoa. However things went from bad to worse on 77th minute when striker Sapati Pesa made reckless challenge and was sent off. Vaitele were down to ten men and teams went to extra time. Just before 1st extra time was ending, Vaitele were awarded a penalty kick. Jarrel Fuimaono converted it and Vaitele concentrated to defend their goal even more. In the end it was just enough for them to go to quarter finals.




1st leg:


Both teams had lot of energy and wanted to win this game so they would be in good position in game two. Vaiala and Vaitele both scored once in just three minutes, so after three minutes of play the match was already at one-one. On 28th minute Vaitele got a corner and CB Luciano Lemana rose above anyone else and scored to make it two-one. Vaiala's comeback efforts were hurt when Jared Aloese picked two yellow cards in just 15 seconds! Things looked even worse when Moresi Taua was sent off on 52nd minute and Vaiala were down to nine men. Vaitele scored from the freekick, the first shot was initially saved but Togi got the rebound in.


2nd leg:


Looked like that Vaiala were just happy that they are in quarter finals, they seemed to lack the force that would make them to overcome the deficit. Vaiala got glimmer of hope on 12th minute when they got penalty kick and Suti Slade scored from the spot. Their hope, if they had any, didn't last long as Vaitele were awarded a spot kick on 19th minute and Faimasasa Sua-Mili converted it.

On semi's Vaitele face familiar Lower Division side Vaipuna

"I'm expecting a tight semi final series with Vaipuna. I know that they can give us a lot of headaches and we should be careful with them. If anything goes well, we even might see them in the promotion playoffs so we'll definitely learn how they'll play. I don't want to sound arrogant but I'm already eyeing OFC champions league. Of course that would mean that we would win the National League at some point, but I don't see that as an impossible task. In fact, I'd say that we'll participate in OFC in two years or so. Mark my words, if we fail, then i'll just have to eat my words, said PT20.


Updated on October 11th 2015