Quarterfinal Showdown Approaches in the Arcandian Football League Championship

November 25, 2024

By Adriana Salazar, Senior Sports Correspondent

Arcandias – The 2024 Arcandian Football League (AFL) Championship has delivered some lifelong moments in its second round. As the road to the grand finale heats up, let's break down the results from this stage

Alvoria FC vs. Velorum FC

In front of a roaring home crowd at Arcandia National Stadium, Alvoria FC secured a 2-1 victory over the Velorum Power. The first half was a more of a strategic match with Velorum’s solid defense stopping any Alvoria momentum. However, Arcanum found their breakthrough in the 67th minute with a well-timed header from the center-back, Leonardo Alvarez. Velorum responded swiftly in the 71st minute with an equalizer courtesy of Carlos Perez. Just when the game seemed set to go to extra time, Mendes proved his worth, getting on the end of a perfectly delivered cross to clinch the win in the 87th minute. With this hard-fought victory, Alvoria FC will look to carry their momentum into the semifinals.

Diego Mendes after he secures a 2-1 victory over Velorum FC.

(Photo by Luarn Alburn, Arcandian Beacon)

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Ignis United vs. Nova Magna FC

In the second match-up, AMMC's Nova Magna team delivered a 1-0 win over Ignis United at Flamegrounds Stadium in Ignis. The match, saw Rafael Silva, AMMC's captain, score the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute—a stunning header that proved to be the match-winner. Ignis United, despite being the home favorites, couldn’t find a way past AMMC’s defense. Despite creating a handful of chances, Ignis United couldn’t convert, with their final attempt hitting the post in the final seconds. This hard-fought win has positioned AMMC as a dangerous force moving forward. They'll need to keep their defensive warm as they face Alvoria FC in the next round.

Thalassa Horizon FC vs. Coral Bay FC

In one of the most dramatic matchups of the round, Coral Bay FC edged out Thalassa Horizon 3-2 in an exhilarating extra-time clash. The match lived up to the hype as the teams went back and forth, trading goals until Sofia Torres stunned the home crowd with an incredible free-kick in the 113th minute to seal Coral Bay’s victory. Thalassa Horizon took the lead early in the first half with Miguel Santos putting his team ahead after 25 minutes. However, Coral Bay responded with goals from Carlos Gomez and Javier Sanchez bringing them back into the game. The match looked to be headed for extra time after Thalassa equalized in the 85th minute, but Torres’ moment of magic in extra time ensured that Coral Bay would take the victory and advance to the next round to face Lagoon Ventures in the semifinals.

Arcandias Commerce FC vs. Lagoon Ventures

Lagoon Ventures delivered a commanding performance to defeat Arcandias Commerce FC 2-0 at the Lagoon Ventures Arena in Aqua Verde. The visitors controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish, with Miguel Santos scoring both goals for Lagoon Ventures in the second half. Arcandias Commerce FC tried to push for an equalizer after Lagoon's first goal, but Lagoon's defense stood firm. Santos’ second goal, in the 71st minute, sealed the victory and sent the Lagoon Ventures team to the next stage.

Quarterfinal Preview

With Round 2 done, the championship is heating up as the remaining teams head to the Quarterfinals.

The road to the 2024 Arcandian Football League Championship final is down to four teams, and with these matchups on the horizon, it's anyone's guess who will emerge as the victor.