Liga Mundo Season 16 ran from January 3, 2013 to May 11, 2013.
Late during the previous season after play had completed in the Segunda Liga, managerless De Bushalte FC was taken over by new ownership on December 13, 2012 and renamed FC Konkrage the following day. The league also saw expansion from 25 to 27 teams when Plymouth City FC joined as an expansion team on December 24, 2012 and Tottenham Hotspur joined on December 29, 2012.
Two games into the season, LTS was taken over by new management on January 11, 2013 and renamed AFC Merry Men.
The season was originally scheduled to finish on May 4, 2013 - however the game admins added a one-week delay in late March which extended the season to May 11, 2013.
Final Standings[]
| LIGA MUNDO - Season 16 | |||||||||||||
| PRIMERA LIGA | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | DIF | PTS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guajolotes | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 30 | 15 | 15 | 36 | |||||
| Swamplandia Sinners | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 41 | 19 | 22 | 33 | |||||
| VolNation Volunteers | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 34 | 31 | 3 | 25 | |||||
| Dynamo Dorpat | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 29 | 24 | 5 | 24 | |||||
| Marseille FC | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 26 | 23 | 3 | 24 | |||||
| Nordheim Badgers FC | 16 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 24 | 33 | -9 | 18 | |||||
| Syracuse Salty Dogs | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 22 | 35 | -13 | 16 | |||||
| Arcadia FC | 16 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 15 | 23 | -8 | 15 | |||||
| Transvaal Springboks | 16 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 43 | -18 | 8 | |||||
| SEGUNDA LIGA | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | DIF | PTS | |||||
| Templar Forsworn | 16 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 33 | 10 | 23 | 35 | |||||
| Keville United FC | 16 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 38 | 19 | 19 | 34 | |||||
| Dinamo FC | 16 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 25 | 13 | 12 | 31 | |||||
| Ocean´s Gold | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 26 | 20 | 6 | 24 | |||||
| Debate Land Orators | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 13 | 4 | 24 | |||||
| Firedog SC | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 22 | |||||
| Atlético Melloria | 16 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 20 | 38 | -18 | 18 | |||||
| Connecticut Bomer FC | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 26 | -15 | 15 | |||||
| The Fighting Sherms | 16 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 2 | 30 | -28 | 1 | |||||
| TERCERA LIGA | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | DIF | PTS | |||||
| RMI Armed Forces FC | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 12 | 38 | 36 | |||||
| Clachnacuddin | 16 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 46 | 21 | 25 | 31 | |||||
| Bethlehem FC | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 37 | 11 | 26 | 30 | |||||
| FC Konkrage | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 20 | 16 | 30 | |||||
| Estrella Roja | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 32 | 19 | 13 | 26 | |||||
| LTS / AFC Merry Men | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 25 | |||||
| Plymouth City FC | 16 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 27 | 33 | -6 | 23 | |||||
| Tottenham Hotspurs | 16 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 6 | 53 | -47 | 4 | |||||
| Vanderbilt Commodores | 16 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 4 | 75 | -71 | 1 | |||||
- LTS renamed AFC Merry Men in mid-season on January 13, 2013
Regular Season[]
Primera Liga[]
Statistics Leaders[]
| PRIMERA LIGA | |||||||||||||
| # | POINTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | PTS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lance Quinn | F | Swamplandia Sinners | 17 | |||||||||
| 2 | Arthur Basso | MF | VolNation Volunteers | 14 | |||||||||
| 3 | Torsten Tullare | MF | Swamplandia Sinners | 13 | |||||||||
| 3 | Marcial Ozores | F | Guajolotes | 13 | |||||||||
| 5 | Cary Mitchell | MF | Swamplandia Sinners | 10 | |||||||||
| 5 | Gamrí Di María Florés | F | Marseille FC | 10 | |||||||||
| 5 | Pedro Townsend | F | VolNation Volunteers | 10 | |||||||||
| # | GOALS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | GL | |||||||||
| 1 | Lance Quinn | F | Swamplandia Sinners | 16 | |||||||||
| 2 | Pedro Townsend | F | VolNation Volunteers | 9 | |||||||||
| 3 | Gamrí Di María Florés | F | Marseille FC | 8 | |||||||||
| 3 | Marcial Ozores | F | Guajolotes | 8 | |||||||||
| 3 | Giuliano Ronaldo | F | Marseille FC | 8 | |||||||||
| 6 | 3 players | - | - | 7 | |||||||||
| # | ASSISTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | AS | |||||||||
| 1 | Torsten Tullare | MF | Swamplandia Sinners | 11 | |||||||||
| 2 | Arthur Basso | MF | VolNation Volunteers | 7 | |||||||||
| 3 | Alejo Moisés | D | Marseille FC | 6 | |||||||||
| 3 | Tezcacoatl Palamíñho | MF | Marseille FC | 6 | |||||||||
| 3 | Pierce O´Shea | MF | Dynamo Dorpat | 6 | |||||||||
| 6 | 3 players | - | - | 5 | |||||||||
| # | X11 LEADERS | POS | TEAM | X11 | |||||||||
| 1 | Alejo Moisés | D | Marseille FC | 12 | |||||||||
| 2 | Derek Boyd | D | Nordheim Badgers FC | 11 | |||||||||
| 3 | Hank McMillan | D | Arcadia FC | 10 | |||||||||
| 4 | Arthur Basso | MF | VolNation Volunteers | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Cary Mitchell | MF | Swamplandia Sinners | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Gennady Protasov | MF | Dynamo Dorpat | 9 | |||||||||
All-Star Team[]
| PRIMERA LIGA ALL-STAR TEAM | |||||||||||||
| POS | PLAYER | TEAM | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Rob Napier | Guajolotes | |||||||||||
| D | Alejo Moisés | Marseille FC | |||||||||||
| D | Derek Boyd | Nordheim Badgers FC | |||||||||||
| D | Hank McMillan | Arcadia FC | |||||||||||
| D | Saamuel Vahermets | Dynamo Dorpat | |||||||||||
| MF | Arthur Basso | VolNation Volunteers | |||||||||||
| MF | Torsten Tullare | Swamplandia Sinners | |||||||||||
| MF | Cary Mitchell | Swamplandia Sinners | |||||||||||
| MF | Venda Loiku | Dynamo Dorpat | |||||||||||
| F | Lance Quinn | Swamplandia Sinners | |||||||||||
| F | Pedro Townsend | VolNation Volunteers | |||||||||||
| MVP | Lance Quinn | Swamplandia Sinners | |||||||||||
Segunda Liga[]
Statistics Leaders[]
| SEGUNDA LIGA | |||||||||||||
| # | POINTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | PTS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doinel Goldan | MF | Dinamo FC | 14 | |||||||||
| 2 | Azad Urmia | MF | Keville United FC | 13 | |||||||||
| 2 | Jahangir Wakil | F | Templar Forsworn | 13 | |||||||||
| 4 | Ted Rotenston | F | Keville United FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Matty Doolan | MF | Templar Forsworn | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Sigur Sturlason | MF | Ocean´s Gold | 9 | |||||||||
| # | GOALS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | GL | |||||||||
| 1 | Doinel Goldan | MF | Dinamo FC | 11 | |||||||||
| 2 | Azad Urmia | MF | Keville United FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 3 | Jahangir Wakil | F | Templar Forsworn | 8 | |||||||||
| 4 | Ted Rotenston | F | Keville United FC | 6 | |||||||||
| 5 | Matty Doolan | MF | Templar Forsworn | 5 | |||||||||
| 5 | Zbynek Semenik | MF | Atlético Melloria | 5 | |||||||||
| 5 | Barney Logan | MF | Keville United FC | 5 | |||||||||
| 5 | Ben Dover | F | Templar Forsworn | 5 | |||||||||
| 5 | Seigo Moniwa | MF | Ocean´s Gold | 5 | |||||||||
| # | ASSISTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | AS | |||||||||
| 1 | Sigur Sturlason | MF | Ocean´s Gold | 6 | |||||||||
| 2 | Jahangir Wakil | F | Templar Forsworn | 5 | |||||||||
| 2 | Arnie Leonard | MF | Keville United FC | 5 | |||||||||
| 2 | Kenny Stanley | MF | Dinamo FC | 5 | |||||||||
| 5 | Matty Doolan | MF | Templar Forsworn | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Azad Urmia | MF | Keville United FC | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Raul Gillespie | D | Debate Land Orators | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Allan MacKean | MF | Keville United FC | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Drew Ross | F | Keville United FC | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Jon van Zandt | MF | Firedog SC | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Greg Perry | MF | Templar Forsworn | 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | Willy Broadfoot | MF | Ocean´s Gold | 4 | |||||||||
| # | X11 LEADERS | POS | TEAM | X11 | |||||||||
| 1 | Roger Boyes | MF | Templar Forsworn | 12 | |||||||||
| 2 | Ted Rotenston | F | Keville United FC | 11 | |||||||||
| 3 | Matty Doolan | MF | Templar Forsworn | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Azad Urmia | MF | Keville United FC | 8 | |||||||||
| 4 | Theo Witvoet | D | Debate Land Orators | 8 | |||||||||
| 4 | Raf Pisano | GK | Templar Forsworn | 8 | |||||||||
| 4 | Harry Hobbs | D | Firedog SC | 8 | |||||||||
| 4 | Jonathan Beach | F | Firedog SC | 8 | |||||||||
All-Star Team[]
| SEGUNDA LIGA ALL-STAR TEAM | |||||||||||||
| POS | PLAYER | TEAM | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Raf Pisano | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
| D | Theo Witvoet | Debate Land Orators | |||||||||||
| D | Harry Hobbs | Firedog SC | |||||||||||
| D | Raul Gillespie | Debate Land Orators | |||||||||||
| D | Troy Hardin | Atlético Melloria | |||||||||||
| MF | Azad Urmia | Keville United FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Matty Doolan | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
| MF | Doinel Goldan | Dinamo FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Sigur Sturlason | Ocean´s Gold | |||||||||||
| F | Jahangir Wakil | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
| F | Ted Rotenston | Keville United FC | |||||||||||
| MVP | Raf Pisano | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
Tercera Liga[]
Statistics Leaders[]
| TERCERA LIGA | |||||||||||||
| # | POINTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | PTS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vasili Gridin | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 21 | |||||||||
| 2 | Kyle Thorpe | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 16 | |||||||||
| 3 | Bernie MacGowran | MF | Clachnacuddin | 15 | |||||||||
| 4 | Job Boersma | F | FC Konkrage | 13 | |||||||||
| 4 | James Redford | F | Clachnacuddin | 13 | |||||||||
| 4 | Anselmo Ametrano | MF | Clachnacuddin | 13 | |||||||||
| # | GOALS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | GL | |||||||||
| 1 | Vasili Gridin | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 12 | |||||||||
| 2 | James Redford | F | Clachnacuddin | 11 | |||||||||
| 3 | Job Boersma | F | FC Konkrage | 8 | |||||||||
| 3 | Buck Garrett | MF | Bethlehem FC | 8 | |||||||||
| 5 | Bernie MacGowran | MF | Clachnacuddin | 7 | |||||||||
| 5 | Kyle Thorpe | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 7 | |||||||||
| 5 | Fulvio Ziganda | F | Clachnacuddin | 7 | |||||||||
| # | ASSISTS LEADERS | POS | TEAM | AS | |||||||||
| 1 | Vasili Gridin | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 1 | Kyle Thorpe | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 3 | Bernie MacGowran | MF | Clachnacuddin | 8 | |||||||||
| 3 | Anselmo Ametrano | MF | Clachnacuddin | 8 | |||||||||
| 5 | Jan Schrasserbert | MF | FC Konkrage | 7 | |||||||||
| 5 | Zdzisek Krasicki | MF | Bethlehem FC | 7 | |||||||||
| # | X11 LEADERS | POS | TEAM | X11 | |||||||||
| 1 | Vírgilio Barreto | GK | Estrella Roja | 14 | |||||||||
| 2 | Vasili Gridin | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 11 | |||||||||
| 2 | Bernie MacGowran | MF | Clachnacuddin | 11 | |||||||||
| 4 | Kyle Thorpe | MF | RMI Armed Forces FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Martin Booth | D | Bethlehem FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Robert Judge | MF | Clachnacuddin | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Glenn Rystad | F | RMI Armed Forces FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Bruno Kellermann | D | RMI Armed Forces FC | 9 | |||||||||
| 4 | Pablo Yordi | D | Bethlehem FC | 9 | |||||||||
All-Star Team[]
| TERCERA LIGA ALL-STAR TEAM | |||||||||||||
| POS | PLAYER | TEAM | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Téofilo Hermida | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| D | Bruno Kellermann | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| D | Pablo Yordi | Bethlehem FC | |||||||||||
| D | Edmundo Kaká | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| D | Martin Booth | Bethlehem FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Vasili Gridin | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Kyle Thorpe | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Bernie MacGowran | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| MF | Anselmo Ametrano | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| F | James Redford | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| F | Job Boersma | FC Konkrage | |||||||||||
| MVP | Vasili Gridin | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
Costa Libertad Trophy (Team of the Month)[]
The Costa Libertad Trophy for the Liga Mundo Team of the Month was inaugurated on June 1, 2012 as a team achievement award for all Liga Mundo teams. The trophy is named in honour of the former Cybernation Costa Libertad - which was the home of Liga Mundo's founder PremierApex.
| COSTA LIBERTAD TROPHY - TEAM OF THE MONTH | |||||||||||||
| MONTH | TEAM | SEASON | LEAGUE | POINTS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2013 | Templar Forsworn | Season 16 | Segunda Liga | 32,109 | |||||||||
| February 2013 | Ocean´s Gold | Season 16 | Segunda Liga | 27,108 | |||||||||
| March 2013 | Nordheim Badgers FC | Season 16 | Primera Liga | 16,112 | |||||||||
| April 2013 | Swamplandia Sinners | Season 16 | Primera Liga | 34,819 | |||||||||
Retirements & Departures[]
Ian Robertson
- Ian Robertson (VolNation Volunteers) forward, aged 39 – the last original roster player from Season 1 for VolNation Volunteers and the team captain for much of the club’s existance, Ian Robertson played 16 seasons for the club and goes into the Liga Mundo history as the game’s greatest forward. While others such as Rory Palin (Swamplandia Sinners), Gamrí Di María Florés (Atlético Luz Del Mar), and Bodo Kreuzer (Dyanamo Dorpat) eclipsed him in the latter half of his career, no other offensive player had as momentous and significant an impact on the playing field as Ian Robertson. He played in a record-breaking 315 matches, surpassing the legendary defender Lois Luis on the last day of February 2013 when he played in his 305th match. He was the fifth legendary player in Liga Mundo, achieving the 100-game status on July 3, 2009 during Season 6. He broke the 200-game bicentennial barrier during Season 11 on April 25, 2011, and became just the second player to break the 300-game level on January 28, 2013 during his final campaign. In club statistical records for VolNation, Robertson dominated like no other forward – at the time of his retirement ranking 1st for career points (234), goals (167), bookings (65 yellow cards), and 178 selections to the X11 teams and comes in at 3rd in career assists with 67. He won the Golden Boot as league-leading goal-scorer in Season 1 and Season 5 and was the leader in Liga Mundo for career points, second in career goals (114, behind Bodo Kreuzer of Dynamo Dorpat), and eighth-overall in assists. Statistically, Ian Robertson’s highpoint came in Season 7 with 11 goals and 20 points in 22 games. During the course of the first-half of his career, when he was easily the league’s dominant offensive player, Robertson earnt 21 league merits in his Primera Liga career: 6 goal scoring records (5 first-place and 1 second-place), 5 points-scoring records (2 first-place, 2 second-place, and 1 third-place), 7 X11 Team selections (4 second-place and 3 third-place), and 3 other assorted records in the assists, bookings, and expulsions categories. He was named to the Primera All-Star team in Seasons 1, 2, (no team named in Season 3), 4, 5, 7, and Season 8. And while his personal accomplishments were many, he also chalked up 16 league titles and cup championships with VolNation – 8 regular season championship, 2 Copa Cato league cups, and 6 cup tournament titles. His final match occurred on May 2, 2013 at New Kauai Athletic Park in a 2-2 draw versus Guajolotes – and he officially hung up his cleats nine days later when Season 16 came to a close.
Red Moreno
- Red Moreno (VolNation Volunteers) fullback, aged 37 - an original player with VolNation Volunteers in Season 1, Moreno played in 16 seasons and clocked up 276 matches to his credit before being released by the club on March 19, 2013 to make way for youth. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked 2nd in career matches for both VolNation Volunteers and in Liga Mundo. Moreno led all Volunteer fullbacks for career assists (29) and career points (36). While league statistics for the category have not been kept, his 132 career X11 selections probably ranked him (at the time of his departure) in 2nd place for all players in Liga Mundo after the great Lois Luis. Red Moreno was known as an enforcer of the back line and he sported 29 yellows over his career - which would have been more if he wasn't so sneaky about doing his dirty work. He also contributed with penalty kicks and was always on the VolNation penalty-kicks team for cup matches. Moreno was named to the Primera Liga all-star teams in Season 5 through Season 9 and then made a re-appearance in Season 12; he also made the All-Liga all-star team in Season 8 and Season 12.
Joop Boekweg
- Joop "Radar" Boekweg (Transvaal Springboks) fullback; aged 37 - Joop Boekweg wore #2 and played in 15 seasons from Season 1 until the end of Season 15. An original Springbok, the hardworking Boekweg gained legendary status after playing his 100th match on August 21, 2009, the first Springbok to reach the century mark and the 7th player in Liga Mundo history to do so. In Season 10 Boekweg became the first Springbok player to earn 50 selections to the X11 Teams. After the departure of Henk Schot in Season 12, he became the last remaining player from the original expansion roster. He played in his 200th match on December 1, 2011. "The Grand Old Man" of Transvaal football, Boekweg played in a total of 253 matches (35 of them cup games) and was named to the X11 Team 73 times. He scored 9 goals (3 of them in Season 8) and bagged 30 assists for 39 points. His only league merits came during Season 11 when he finished 3rd for most bookings (5 yellow cards) in the Primera Liga and then late in his career in Season 15 when he was 3rd in sendings-off (1 red card) - and his only appearance on the Primera all-star team was in Season 4. While his given name was in fact "Joop", it was almost always misspelt as "Joep". He acquired the nickname "Radar" during the early days of the club from always flying under the radar when the transfer deadline loomed. He was released by the club on December 30, 2012 after the 37-year-old announced his impending plans for retirement during the off-season after Season 15.
- Kayode Giwa (VolNation Volunteers) midfielder, aged 36. Giwa was brought in five seasons prior, at a time of great transition for VolNation. His signing may have been one of the best ever for the VolNation franchise as with Giwa, Basso and Pitts in the midfield, the Mighty Volunteers were unstoppable with five titles and a cup win. He played in 117 matches for VolNation Volunteers before he was sold April 20, 2013 on transfers for $636,048. He scored 28 goals and 66 points, which ranked him 8th in career points for the club. He played 100th legendary match early in the season on January 7, 2013.
- Emilio Circone (Arcadia FC) fullback, aged 35 - A stop-gap, veteran signing, Circone played two seasons for the team and appearing in 34 matches. He was an intelligent, stay-at-home fullback who picked up 2 assists during his brief career in Liga Mundo.
- Fred Bramwall (Syracuse Salty Dogs) fullback, aged 35 - He played 107 matches for Syracuse during the course of 7 seasons. He finished his career with 5 goals, 15 points, and 14 X11 selections.
- Christian Alverö (Guajolotes) midfielder, aged 35 - In the beginning of the Guajolotes era, Alverö was an integral part of the midfields that the club became known for. His career peaked statistically in Season 9, when he led Tercera Liga in assists. While he never led the league in any category again and was often overshadowed by his flashier teammates, he remained a strong part of the midfield. Alvero was often part of the Guajolotes attack, accumulating 51 points over 134 matches with Guajolotes. In recent seasons. Alvero's role was primarily to provide a spark off the bench, replacing midfielders late in matches when they weren't playing where they should. On many occassions, Alvero would enter the game, and suddenly Guajolotes would start scoring. Alvero's consistent veteran presence will be missed on the Guajolotes bench. He plans to focus full time on his underwater basket weaving career. He's already a high ranking competitor in the international circuit, and some commentators speculate that he could rise to number one in the world without that pesky soccer career dragging him down. His final stat line: 134 matches played, 51 points, 24 goals, 27 assists, 1 own goal, 5 yellows, 5 x11 selections
- Stewart Brockie (Dinamo FC) fullback, aged 33 - Brockie played 4 seasons with Dinamo FC, appearing in 39 matches.
- Colin Loosley (Debate Land Orators) fullback, aged 34 - This speedster along the back line suited up for 74 matches in his four-season career, where he picked up 2 goals and 7 points.
- Alvim Borlido (The Fighting Sherms) midfielder, aged 35 - Borlido played 45 matches for the club and scored 2 goals and 11 points in three seasons.
- Eskil Sonesson (The Fighting Sherms) forward, aged 35 - He played in 12 matches over three seasons, scoring 5 goals and 7 points.
- Basilio Tito (Estrella Roja) midfielder, aged 33 - One of the greatest legends to play for Roja, Tito was released by the club on April 15, 2013 after he played in 185 career matches - the most for Estrella Roja by any player at the time. He lead the club in points (55) and was ranked 3rd both for career goals (28) and assists (27).
- Charlie Almkvist (Nordheim Badgers FC) - goalkeeper, aged 36 - Almkvist played for Nordheim from their debut in Season 7 until he was released by the club a few days after the conclusion of Season 16. He played in 132 career matches for the Badgers and his only league accolade came when he made the Tercera All-Star as a rookie keeper in Season 7.
The following players departed when Connecticut Bomer FC folded during the off-season on May 17, 2013 prior to Season 17:
- Ronnie Richards (Turners 11 / Clyde Albion / A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) fullback, aged 34 – Richards was the only player who remained with the club throughout its entire existence in Liga Mundo, joining as a member of the original roster when Turners 11 joined Liga Mundo on July 16, 2008. He saw action in 198 matches from Season 4 until the end of Season 16.
- David Turner (Turners 11 / Clyde Albion / A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) fullback, aged 32 – Promoted from the junior squad on July 23, 2008, Turner played in 207 games for the club from from Season 4 until Season 16. He was ranked second in career matches and second in career X11 selections (34).
- Afonso Francescoli (Clyde Albion / A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) fullback, aged 35 – He lead the club in career matches (225) and was third in career X11 selections (25). Francescoli's career in Liga Mundo spanned from Season 5 until Season 16.
- Stephen Fraser (Clyde Albion / A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) fullback, aged 32 – An intelligent speedster in the back field, he played in 180 matches for the club from Season 5 until Season 16.
- Horst Bauer (Clyde Albion / A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) goalkeeper, aged 35 – Bauer played in 178 matches with the club from Season 5 until Season 16. He lead the club in career X11 selections with 49. In Season 8, he made the Segunda Liga all-star team and finished 5th in X11 Selections (9). Bauer then made further appearances on the Segunda Liga all-star team in Seasons 9 and 11.
- Vernon Prosser (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) midfielder, aged 33 – A speedster who knew his way around the goal crease, Prosser amassed impressive achievements with the club in a career from Season 6 through Season 16. He goes into the club history books as the all-time leading points scorer (101), second in career games (216), second in career assists (48), second in career goals (53), and forth in career X11 selections with 17. Prosser finished tied 2nd for points (19) and 2nd for assists (9) in the Segunda Liga during Season 7 and was involved in a four-way tie for 1st in the Segunda Liga for assists (4) in Season 9. He was named to the Segunda Liga All-Star team in Season 7.
- Bob Gayle (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) goalkeeper, aged 29. With lightning reflexes and fast hands in the air, Gayle's career in Liga Mundo spanned from Season 6 to Season 16 and saw him play in 86 matches.
- Pilib Flynn (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) midfielder, aged 27 – An all-purpose player who was dangerous with the set-play freekicks, he played in 149 matches and finished ranked 5th in career points (66) and 5th in career assists (30). Flynn's playing career covered Season 7 through Season 16.
- Senan Magnisson (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) forward, aged 30 – Magnisson played 88 matches in Liga Mundo from Season 7 through Season 16, finishing fifth in career goals (38) for the club.
- Jerico Luna (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) fullback, aged 29 – He played in 140 matches in a career that spanned from Season 8 until Season 16.
- Thom Herstad (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) midfielder, aged 29 – In a career that spanned from Season 8 through Season 16 , Herstad played in 136 games for the club. He was ranked 4th in career assists (31). He finished tied for 4th in assists (4) in the Segunda Liga during Season 10 and tied for 2nd in assists (8) in the Segunda Liga the following season.
- Mirciulica Sureanu (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) forward, aged 32 – Sureanu suited up in 129 games for the the club. He is ranked 4th in career goals (45) and fifth in career X11 selections (15) in the club's record books. His career in Liga Mundo spanned from Season 8 to Season 16.
- Bryan Sabander (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) forward, aged 25 – He played in 65 matches for the club from Season 9 until Season 16.
- Jesse Jordan (A.M. Adepts FC / Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) midfielder, aged 23 – He played 63 matches for the club from Season 11 until Season 16.
- Lewis Gilchrist (Anfield Kopites FC / Connecticut Bomer FC) midfielder, aged 31 – He played in 96 matches for the club from Season 12 until Season 16.
The following players departed when Dinamo FC folded during the off-season on May 17, 2013 prior to Season 17:
- Joseph Letterman (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) fullback, age 32 – An original player with Fatima FC, Letterman played in a club-leading 159 games from Season 8 to Season 16. One of the star players for the club, he made an immediate impact when he was the X11 leader (12 selections) in Cuarta Liga during Season 8. In subsequent seasons, he finished fifth for X11 selections (10) in the Tercera Liga during Season 9 and led the Tercera Liga for X11 selections (13) in Season 14. Letterman finished tied fifth in X11 selections (7) in Tercera Liga Season 13 and made the Tercera Liga all-star team in Season 9, Season 13, Season 14 as well as the Cuarta Liga all-star team in his debut season.
- Vojislav Zmiric (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) fullback, age 27 – He played in 158 games from Season 8 to Season 16 - one less game out of the top spot for the club. His achievements include finishing 5th in X11 selections (10) in the Tercera Liga during Season 14 and making the Tercera Liga all-star team in Season 14.
- Alano Millar (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) fullback, age 28 – He played in 137 games from Season 8 to Season 16.
- Gábor Göndör (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) forward, age 25 – He played in 131 games from Season 9 to Season 16. His best season was Season 13 when he finished 4th in points (9), 2nd for goals (8), and made all-star team in the Tercera Liga.
- Manmohan Meendit (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) fullback, age 30 – A solid defender with a booming shot, Meendit played in 105 games from Season 11 to Season 16. He finished tied for 3rd in Tercera Liga for X11 selections (11) in Season 14 as well as making the Tercera Liga all-star team that same season.
- Eugen Gologan (Fatima FC / Dinamo FC) midfielder, age 24 – He played in 97 games from Season 11 to Season 16.
- Doinel Goldan (Dinamo FC) midfielder, age 29 – An up-and-coming midfielder for Dinamo FC the past few seasons, Goldan played in 95 games from Season 11 to Season 16. He gained notice in the Tercera Liga when he finished fifth in goals (5) during Season 12 and then 2nd in goals (7) and tied 3rd for points (11) two seasons later in Season 14. In his final season, he led the Segunda Liga in goals (11) and points (14). He made the Tercera Liga all-star team in Season 14 and Segunda Liga and All-Liga Mundo all-star teams in Season 16.
- Ryuta Komiyama (Dinamo FC) goalkeeper, age 27 – He played in 85 games from Season 11 to Season 16, accumulating an admirable 70% save average during his six seasons in Liga Mundo.
- Kenny Stanley (Dinamo FC) midfielder, age 33 – He played in 70 games from Season 13 to Season 16. Stanley was tied for 3rd in Tercera Liga for X11 selections (11) in Season 14 and tied in 2nd for assists (5) in the Tercera Liga two season later during his final campaign.
- John-Olof Farnerud (Dinamo FC) midfielder, age 28 – He played in 66 games from Season 13 to Season 16. tied 2nd in assists (5) in Tercera Liga Season 13; tied 1st in assists (8) and 5th in points (10) in Tercera Liga Season 14.
- Calin Doiniu (Dinamo FC) midfielder, age 22 – He played in 54 games from Season 14 to Season 16.
- Moisés Nabeiro (Dinamo FC) forward, age 35 – He played in 53 games from Season 14 to Season 16. He was tied for third in goals (6) and made the Tercera Liga all-star team during Season 14.
League MVP[]
Raf Pisano, goalkeeper for Templar Forsworn, picked up the Lois Luis MVP Trophy as Season 16's Liga MVP player after earning 44% of the manager vote. Vasili Gridin (RMI Armed Forces FC) came in second in voting with 34% while Swamplandia Sinners's Lance Quinn was third with 22% of voting.
All-Liga Mundo All-Star Team[]
| ALL-LIGA MUNDO ALL-STAR TEAM | |||||||||||||
| POS | PLAYER | TEAM | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Raf Pisano | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
| D | Alejo Moisés | Marseille FC | |||||||||||
| D | Derek Boyd | Nordheim Badgers FC | |||||||||||
| D | Bruno Kellermann | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| D | Pablo Yordi | Bethlehem FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Vasili Gridin | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Kyle Thorpe | RMI Armed Forces FC | |||||||||||
| MF | Bernie MacGowran | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| MF | Doinel Goldan | Dinamo FC | |||||||||||
| F | Lance Quinn | Swamplandia Sinners | |||||||||||
| F | James Redford | Clachnacuddin | |||||||||||
| MVP | Raf Pisano | Templar Forsworn | |||||||||||
Career Milestones[]
- Ian Robertson (VolNation Volunteers) - played 300th match on January 28, 2013; played in his 305th match on February 28, 2013, bypassing Lois Luis as the all-time leader in Liga Mundo for career matches played.
- Allan MacKean (Keville United FC) - played 200th match on January 3, 2013
- Vernon Prosser (Connecticut Bomer FC) - played 200th match on January 17, 2013
- Ted Rotenston (Keville United FC) - played 200th match on January 28, 2013
- Yashar Ahmadi (Guajolotes) - played 200th match on January 31, 2013
- Ian Robertson (VolNation Volunteers) - played 200th match on January 28, 2013
- Detlef Botha (Transvaal Springboks) - played 200th match on February 14, 2013
- David Turner (Connecticut Bomer FC) - played 200th match on March 7, 2013
- Don Silver (Arcadia FC) - played 200th match on March 21, 2013
- Lincoln Key (Guajolotes) - played 200th match on April 4, 2013
- Michael Pitts (VolNation Volunteers) - played 200th match on April 4, 2013
- Hector Howarth (Arcadia FC) - played 200th match on April 25, 2013
Manager of the Season[]
Manager MudBug of the Swamplandia Sinners picked up his fifth Manager of the Season Award for Season 16. He collected 15 points in the season rankings and edged out challengers from Templar Forsworn, Arcadia FC, Ocean´s Gold, and Nordheim Badgers FC who all finished tied in second-place with 12 points each.
Instituted during Season 7, the Manager of the Season award rankings are based on X11 Manager point totals accumulated during the regular season for each round of matches - with Primera managers earning 3 points per X11 Manager selection, Segunda managers 2 points, and Tercera managers 1 point.
FINAL MANAGER RANKINGS
- MudBug (Swamplandia Sinners) = 15
- Cyphon88 (Templar Forsworn) =12
- Arcadian_Empire (Arcadia FC) = 12
- CodFCS (Ocean´s Gold) = 12
- BaronZemo (Nordheim Badgers FC) = 12
- Runningcow (Guajolotes) = 6
- Dinamo FC (TecTimBoss) = 6
- FC Konkrage (Konkrage) = 4
- Clachnacuddin (Wwwilliewigham) = 4
- RMI Armed Forces FC (Stingray11214) = 3
- Reichlep (VolNation Volunteers) = 3
- Pravus_Ingruo (Syracuse Salty Dogs) = 3
- St6mm (Dynamo Dorpat) = 3
- Plymouth City FC (TerranceJoeB) = 3
- Bethlehem FC (Nanxi) = 2
- AFC Merry Men (Mayzie) = 2
- Afrey22 (Firedog SC) = 2
- Firewater (Debate Land Orators) = 2
- Kevinho00 (Keville United FC) = 2
Copa Cato IX[]
First Round[]
Matches played on January 7 and January 14, 2013
- Syracuse Salty Dogs defeated Tottenham Hotspurs (6-0; 6-0)
- Ocean´s Gold defeated Plymouth City FC (3-0; 3-0)
- Connecticut Bomer FC defeated Estrella Roja (1-1; 1-0)
- Swamplandia Sinners defeated Vanderbilt Commodores (6-1; 8-0)
- Nordheim Badgers FC defeated FC Konkrage (3-1; 5-1)
- Guajolotes defeated Bethlehem FC (3-0; 2-0)
- Dynamo Dorpat defeated Clachnacuddin (7-0; 7-1)
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Atlético Melloria (0-0; 6-0)
- Templar Forsworn defeated Transvaal Springboks (4-1; 2-1)
- RMI Armed Forces FC defeated The Fighting Sherms (2-0; 2-0)
- Firedog SC defeated LTS / AFC Merry Men (2-0; 1-2)
Second Round[]
Matches played on January 21 and January 28, 2013
- Arcadia FC defeated Firedog SC (0-0; 1-0)
- RMI Armed Forces FC defeated Debate Land Orators (1-1; 2-0)
- Templar Forsworn defeated Keville United FC (2-0; 0-1)
- Dinamo FC defeated VolNation Volunteers (3-0; 2-1)
- Dynamo Dorpat defeated Marseille FC (2-0; 0-1)
- Guajolotes defeated Syracuse Salty Dogs (1-0; 0-0)
- Ocean´s Gold defeated Nordheim Badgers FC (2-0; 1-0)
- Swamplandia Sinners defeated Connecticut Bomer FC (4-2; 2-2)
Quarter-Finals[]
Matches played on February 4 and February 11, 2013
- Arcadia FC defeated Swamplandia Sinners (1-1; 1-0)
- Dynamo Dorpat defeated Dinamo FC (1-1; 3-0)
- Ocean´s Gold defeated RMI Armed Forces FC (5-1; 1-1)
- Guajolotes defeated Templar Forsworn (2-0; 0-0)
Semi-Finals[]
February 18 and February 25, 2013
- Dynamo Dorpat defeated Arcadia FC (1-0; 1-2)
- Guajolotes defeated Ocean´s Gold (3-1; 0-1)
Copa Cato IX Finals[]
Matches played on March 4 and March 11, 2013
- Guajolotes defeated Dynamo Dorpat (2-0; 1-3)
Copa Del Mar V[]
First Round[]
Matches played on April 1, 2013
- Dinamo FC defeated AFC Merry Men (3-1)
- Bethlehem FC defeated Templar Forsworn (1-0)
- RMI Armed Forces FC defeated Tottenham Hotspurs (4-0)
- Nordheim Badgers FC defeated Clachnacuddin (2-0)
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Plymouth City FC (3-0)
- Marseille FC defeated Estrella Roja (1-0)
- Syracuse Salty Dogs defeated Vanderbilt Commodores (7-1)
- FC Konkrage defeated Connecticut Bomer FC (3-1)
- Firedog SC defeated Atlético Melloria (3-2)
- Keville United FC defeated The Fighting Sherms (2-0)
- Transvaal Springboks defeated Debate Land Orators (4-1)
Second Round[]
Matches played on April 8, 2013
- Transvaal Springboks defeated Guajolotes (2-1)
- Keville United FC defeated Dynamo Dorpat 3-1
- Arcadia FC defeated Firedog SC (2-0)
- Ocean´s Gold defeated FC Konkrage (4-2)
- Swamplandia Sinners defeated Syracuse Salty Dogs (1-0)
- Marseille FC defeated Dinamo FC (7-5 SO)
- Nordheim Badgers FC defeated RMI Armed Forces FC (5-1)
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Bethlehem FC (3-1)
Quarter-Finals[]
Matches played on April 15, 2013
- Arcadia FC defeated Marseille FC (6-5 SO)
- Swamplandia Sinners defeated Ocean´s Gold (3-0)
- Nordheim Badgers FC defeated Transvaal Springboks (4-0)
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Keville United FC (4-0)
Semi-Finals[]
Matches played on April 22, 2013
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Arcadia FC (6-5 SO)
- Swamplandia Sinners defeated Nordheim Badgers FC (3-1)
Copa Del Mar V Final[]
Match played on April 29, 2013
- VolNation Volunteers defeated Swamplandia Sinners (3-0)
Press Releases & Previews[]
MAY 3, 2013 - The Legacy of The Captain
Ian Robertson
It was 16 seasons ago that the Liga Mundo was started, and one of the first teams to join was composed of a bunch of brash upstarts from VolNation that felt that VolNation athletes were among the very best in Planet Bob and were on a mission to prove it. This group, composed of a collection of players from around VolNation none of whom had ever played together, had tremendous talent but no leadership. In the first two preseason friendlies, that showed as they had a scoreless draw against Atletico Luz Del Mar and a crushing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arcadia FC.
After that mach, while most of the club sat in dejected disbelief at the realities of their situation, a young 22 year old stood up on a bench and began to talk to the club. He reminded them of why they were there and what they stood for. With fire in his belly and passion in his voice, he said, "I did not come to this club to be just another player on just another club. I came to play with the best and to be the best. I came to show Planet Bob that the best soccer is found in VolNation, and we represent the best of VolNation. I look at all of you today and I don't see a bunch of losers having lost another match. What I see is a team that is hungry to prove that they are the best, no matter what adversity comes against us. Don't you forget, we are not just volunteers, we are Mighty Volunteers, and I call you today to never give up and never surrender!"
That day, a captain arose in the ranks in a 22 year old named Ian Robertson. A few days later, the team voted unanimously to give this young forward the captain's band in their first league match against Dahab, a victorious match where Robertson left his mark with a multi-goal game and VolNation left notice that it was on a mission to WIN. On a squad where so many names are handed down through the seasons in VolNation and throughout the Liga as the great ones - Oscar "the Penalty Killer" Sørgård, where PK's would go to die; Sid McCormick, the VolNation playmaker and assist leader for that first season; the Killer Defense of Kurt Rich, Carlton Frazier, Ross Stewart and "Red" Moreno; the mighty midfield of Joey Lehmann, "The Enforcer" Dustin Conner, Darnell Roberson and Christopher Bullock; the fleet Leo van Pelt - the most feared names belongs to the two that were aptly named "The Dynamic Duo": Chad Goodwin and "The Captain" Ian Robertson. Robertson led his team through his actions, scoring 14 goals that season and 18 points and leading the Liga in goals scored, through his toughness and perseverance, and through his dedication that he and his teammates would always play to their best in every match.
Robertson's hard work and sacrifice became the inspiration to each of his teammates, and they responded to their captain with such an intensity that VolNation quickly became "the team to beat" as they blasted through their first season collecting their first title in the first season after a 14-5-3 season that saw VolNation score an unbelievable 64 goals. Robertson was only getting started, and "The Captain" led his team to titles in the second and third seasons as well, while personally collecting the "Triple Crown" in his second season (leading the Liga in goals, assists and points) and coming in 2nd and 3rd in the MVP polling in those respective years.
Then "The Captain" turned his attention to the cup tournaments that were getting underway in the Liga. Season 2 saw the Mighty Vols beaten in the semis in the El Legado Cup by Dahab and in the quarters of the Gloria de Verano Cup by Atletico Luz Del Mar. The story is told that after the Gloria de Verano defeat, a title-envious Dahab fan (couldn't have been ALDM, their fans were too classy) yelled out to Robertson, "If you are so great, why can't you win a Cup?" That off-season, "The Captain" let his team know that it was time to win cups, and so they proceeded to peel off the greatest cup run of all time claiming 5 in a row over 4 seasons: the El Legado Cup in Season 3, the Invierno Clásico in Season 4, the Gloria de Verano Cup in Season 5, and the double of the Copa Del Mar and the Copa Legada in Season 6. In that stretch, Robertson continued to collect individual honors in league play: Top Scorer, 2nd in MVP and 3rd in Most Points in Season 4; Top Scorer, Most Points and 2nd in MVP in Season 5; and 2nd in MVP in Season 6.
Season 7 was a critical year for "The Captain". A number of the original Mighty Vols were leaving and the next crop of Mighty Vols led by Arthur Basso was taking their places. Robertson set his sights on the development and leadership of this next group, of whom he said at the time, "This group has the potential to be even better than we have been to this point, if they are willing to work hard, never give up and never surrender." Robertson continued his stellar personal exploits that season, being the Top Scorer (again), 2nd in Points and 3rd in MVP. More importantly, that work ethic rubbed off on this second generation just like it did on the first team, and by Season 8, "The Captain" and the Mighty Vols were ready to stand on top of the Liga again for their 4th title, a fitting last hurrah for the departing first teamers.
After that, it seemed like perhaps the days might be numbered for "The Captain" as the Mighty Vols went through what would be termed a "lean season". Season 9 saw the Mighty Vols win only the Copa Cato II, while Seasons 10 and 11 were completely devoid of all titles. Robertson, too, seemed to have felt the effects on his personal production as after his 2nd in Top Scoring and 3rd in MVP after Season 8, he would never again reach those lofty heights. But what the general public did not see what the degree that "The Captain" was personally challenging his teammates to step up to be the next greats. Arthur Basso, Michael Pitts, and Rudolf Fäste specifically were being challenged by Robertson to excel in greatness, and Robertson stepped back to give them their chance in the limelight. One thing other than the Captain's band that Robertson never relinquished was the penalty kicker’s job. Robertson has a lifetime 100% PK success rate in all matches, and it is said that the reason why Oscar "the Penalty Killer" Sørgård and later Christopher "Penalty Killer Jr." Rojas were so good against PK's is that they trained against "The Captain" exclusively.
Season 12 began in what many believed was the twilight of Robertson's career, where "The Captain" might see flashes of brilliance, but was really being relegated to the long dark road toward retirement. No one could have predicted that The Captain was just getting warmed up for the run that prove the adage that "the best is yet to come". That season, The Captain took his band of merry youth and outpaced the reigning champions Swamplandia (who had just won their third title and of whom much talk was that they would likely be the first team to repeat since VolNation did in Season1-3) and a very talented Guajolotes club who had just won the Copa Cato V, winning the title in the last match. Many discounted the title, saying that The Captain had only motivated his team to overperform out of his pride, and it wouldn't happen again. Then in Season 13, The Captain took his team to the next level and took both the Copa Cato VI and the first back to back title since Seasons 1-3 from the hands of a Guajolotes team that in other seasons would have won both. The title was particularly impressive as the Mighty Vols led the league cover to cover, possibly the first time that had ever happened and with Guajolotes breathing down their necks most of that race.
The word was now out: The Captain was back and making a statement at the end of his career, but how long would it last? Certainly the aging Captain couldn't repeat his earlier achievement, guiding his team to a three-peat, couldn't he? Season 14 began and The Captain showed that, indeed, he aged better than a fine wine. He led his club quickly to the top of the board again, getting there by the second match, and this time they would brook no competition, holding off the second place Transvaal club by a comfortable 4 points. As the season neared its end, many saw the departure of the other half of the Dynamic Duo, Chad Goodwin, and assumed that next season would be Robertson's last. However, The Captain stunned everyone at the end of the season by not only saying he would not be retiring, but that it was his intention to lead the club to an unprecedented four-peat.
Season 15 would be the biggest challenge for The Captain. Top to bottom, the Primera was the best ever, and many assumed that the race to the title would devolve into a mud-slogging match where the eventual winner would have 5 losses and parity would rule. Indeed, as the season started, VolNation found itself in 5th place and very much in the mud. The Captain, in perhaps his greatest season, encouraged and guided his club on the field to work their way to first place by the end of Match 6, and when there kept on the gas putting such distance between them and the rest of the Primera that they clinched the prized four-peat 3 weeks before the end of the season.
But The Captain had one thing left to do: raise up the next captain. Fittingly, Robertson announced his retirement for the end of the 16h season, surprising because people had just started to assume that Robertson would play to the end of time. Robertson handed off the captain's band to Rene William, the first time ever, and made the focus of his season helping Rene take ownership of the team. There was much buzz about a five-peat, but Season 16 saw VolNation get trapped by the mud an grind of the Primera, and never seriously challenged Guajalotes or Swamplandia for the lead. However, The Captain and the entirety of VolNation wanted Robertson to leave in the same way he started, and there was the last tournament of the season, the Copa Del Mar V. Before the tournament started, there was a closed door meeting with the team, and when the team came out for their match against Plymouth City FC, there was a fire in the eyes of The Captain and his club like only seen in "Rocky" movies. A 3-0 victory over Plymouth City FC was followed by a 3-1 win against Bethlehem FC. Next was a home match against Keville United FC, where the Mighty Vols took away a 4-0 conquest. Up next was the match that would hearken back to days gone by as VolNation faced off against Arcadia FC in the titanic battle of Big Three teams at Arcadian Stadium. Perhaps Arcadian Jim Shearer had some long, unresolved grudge against Robertson that came out as a vicious tackle that earned Shearer a card and Robertson a call to the stretcher, but even on the sideline, The Captain was an inspiration to his team. His presence helped the Mighty Vols to get over an emotional heartbreak in injury time as Shearer scored an equalizer, but the team held on and got to PK's. The first shot should have been Robertson's, but Basso stepped into the big shoes and delivered. The Mighty Vols kept delivering and took the epic battle 6-5 with a stop by "The Penalty Killer Jr."
This brought the Mighty Vols to the final match against longtime nemesis Swamplandia. Robertson was still not yet recovered enough to go back to the field, but Coach Philip put him in uniform to remind the boys of The Captain's injunction to "Never Give Up and Never Surrender". With Robertson cheering them on from the sideline, the Mighty Vols held a scoreless draw in regulation and, in front of 100,000 screaming fans in Neyland Stadium, broke it open in the extra time to run off with a 3-0 win and the final trophy for The Captain in his long, illustrious career.
After the final match against Guajolotes, where Coach Philip specially honored The Captain by giving him his armband one last time and placing him as the lone forward in a special 4-5-1 formation heretofore called the "Robertson Formation", The Captain once again led his team, this time to a 2-2 draw, where Robertson almost headed in the game winner in injury time were it not for keeper Rob Napier's incredible save. Now, The Captain takes that final long walk out of Neyland Stadium one last time, heading right next door to the Liga Mundo Hall of Fame, where he will take his rightful place among those it can be truly said "There will never be another".
Robertson ends his career with 315 career matches (79 in tournaments) , 234 points (78 in tournaments), 167 goals (53 in tournaments), 67 assists (25in tournaments), 0 own goals, 65 yellow cards, 3 red cards, 178 X-11 nominations and 16 captaincies.
Goodbye Captain! There will never be another!
“Around the Liga” magazine[]
JANUARY 3, 2013 - Around the Liga: Templar Forsworn
This is the start of a new weekly league publication by the Liga Mundo communications department. Each week, we will interview a different manager with a set of stock questions and post the best answers. To get the ball rolling, we start with the most senior team in the league:
Templar Forsworn (Season 8 to present)
Manager: Cyphon88
- What is the greatest achievement this club had done under your management?
Well the obvious one was going from creation in the Tercera to winning the Primera in three seasons flat, and then winning the cup. I was showing off a bit. That run really wasn't beneficial in the long term development of the club, but hey ho. Playing off against teams who have several seasons prior to creation, and several seasons of team building was a good achievement, but it meant I'm even further behind in setting up long term domination as I have done in the GLOF league.
- What has been the low-point for the club?
Well I suppose the relegations. But the first was necessary to sort out the rebuild. The second was a consequence of not avoiding promotion as I intended to allow further development, and as predicted, I suffered the consequences. So I'll go with coming second in my second season.
- Who do you think is - or has been - the greatest player to play for the club?
Undoubtedly Chester Swaine. He ran our midfield for us through the first four or five seasons, with a delightful combination being a dynamic, moody leader. Doolan and Boyes will take over soon no doubt, but in context of success and supporting squad, there will be a statue of Swaine outside the Chapterhouse.
- Which team would you regard to be your biggest rivals/derby?
Dopey Dorpat obviously. But, They've always been in the driving seat for our matches and it's always been fun to frustrate them when I can. You may not have noticed, but I can be quite perverse like that. I also enjoy a good Badger game, because, well, it's always been about Maddison for them, and that annoys the hell out of me. The Commodores always annoyed me too, but they're biding their time now, waiting in the wings for a big cash splurge coming soon to rocket back up the leagues. Basically I like to sow a little rivalry wherever I go.
- Which opponent team scares you the most on game day?
VolNation. A very well run club who always bring their game. It used to be Atlético Luz Del Mar. But I've got Alaric's number and it's only a matter of time until I've got him sorted, and Marseille.
- What is the club’s goal or focus for this season?
Well this season is over. So the coming season is probably to bounce right back, CR pending, (will send update post CR). I was expecting an entrance into the Primera to be this coming season rather than being relegated down. So the additional season, against a league I should dominate, should mean that I'll come back with a punch.
- If you could have any player on an opposing team, who would it be - and why?
If you look at the league, you would see that the problem the Forsworn had this season was scoring goals, which has always been a weakness (our defence isn't quite where I'd have it right now either, but that's beside the point). On that basis it would have to be Rudolf Fäste, although Tapper Kärtmann would be in the running too.
- Where do you see this club in two seasons' times (i.e. Season 17)
Well, back in the Primera. Probably safely upper-to-mid-table. I'd hope that by that point I'd have strength and depth before I had to start the next phase of development which would knock us down a few places.
- BONUS QUESTION: Explain the background with the name; Templar Forsworm has one of the most unusual team names in Liga Mundo.
The Templar Forsworn were my second team in X11. The first was in the GLOF league and were named the Templar Blades, and they now own every inch of that league (entrants apply if they think they can take me down). The first team were named the Templar Blades due to the fact I joined from CN from the Templar Knights (as Elder Councillor, Marshal of Defence, FA, IA, Grand Master, Division Commander, Diplomat... you name it I did it, and now settled back into retirement). The Blades element came from Sheffield United, the football team I support. So when I came to another overtly CN league (ARK doesn't count) I thought it would be a good narrative to have them as the second club in my CN nation. Forsworn from the holy ground that is the Bramall Chapterhouse of the Templar Blades, and fierce rivals. Nothing better than having a witty exchange with other clubs. It gets dull otherwise, and something I've dropped off with since my real life has become significantly busier in the last year or so.
Team Pages[]
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