Last Season's Champions & Runner-ups Put on a Show in Matchday 1

Match Report: London host Vienna MD1

By: Drew Peacock

At the conclusion of last season, we saw Vienna Kontinental (58 points) and London Wembley Wanderers (46 points) finish first and second in the standings. Last night, the two teams faced off to kick-off the third season of Fantasy Sim League. The visitors, Vienna, came to London with one new face in the starting lineup, American defender Conrad Cedar. In the off-season, talented striker Loord Bendtner left the club in favor of Deportivo Madrid. London also added a new player during the break as Frank Babatunde made the switch to London from Berlin. In the first half, the defending champions found themselves defending for their lives as London threw everyone into the attack straight away. Winger turned fullback turned midfielder Ibanez Lopez found himself back at fullback today for London and did something with his opportunity there, sending in a high volume of crosses. The first chance of the match fell to Amine Amzal in the 12th minute, but stud keeper Kang kept his cool and parried the shot wide. Vienna captain Mungo Scruyazelv took it upon himself to man mark London captain Amine Amzal for the entirety of the match. The first breakthrough of the game came through Henerz Dalesy in the 30th minute. What looked to be a goal kick, the referee called it back for a foul on Vienna fullback McRoyale. Amine Amzal put the free kick right into Dalesy who cleanly headed it home to give the hosts the lead. Unfortunately for them, the defense was caught sleeping as Max Jaxon leveled the game just two minutes later. Confusion at the back as both central defenders went to mark golden boot winner Moritz Hoffmann leaving Jaxon through on goal: 1-1. Vienna would take the lead before the half was over as Mateus Dos Reis found himself unmarked and made a smart run into the box, clean finish. The visitors took a 1-2 lead into half-time. Vienna was able to keep their resolve and kill off any chance of a London equalizer in the second half. Goal scorer Max Jaxon was awarded man of the match honors. We will be watching closely to see if London decides that changes are needed or if they will hold firm to their approach next matchday. Vienna's unbeaten streak in the lead extends to 23 games.