Hey everyone!!
First of hope you all have a great new year! I spent new years eve with my friends and family and we got a little carried away so am still recovering at the moment! :)
So here is my second season in the USA, and due to very little time I managed to complete my season with playing like three games a day!
But I did finish and I will bring it to you now, with a return to work I will again take a little longer to get through my seasons, but I will do my very best to get them done as quickly as I can.
So here we go!
Managerial C.V
— Black Aces (June 2011 – June 2018)
African Premier League : 2016
Super 8′s Winner : 2015, 2016
First Division : 2012
South African Knockout Cup : 2016
The African Champions League : 2017
— New York Red Bulls (January 2019 – Present)
U.S. Cup : 2019
International Career
— U.S.A (May 2017 — Present)
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Start of Season Activity
So the season began with some big money upgrading.
£3.7 million was invested in our training which will push them to five star standards, whilst £4.7 million was invested in our youth facilities which should help produce some talented youngsters from our academy.
So our finances did take a big hit after our big money investment but we still are in a good way.
So Diakite joined the favoured personal list but beyond that not much change. Our value did drop by six million but I think that will go back up after the facilities are completed.
Transfers In and Out
So a bit of action I started to re-build my squad, adding a few new players whilst selling of my un-needed ones.
Xavier and Shea were back up players but we did get a good amount for both, Chamberlain was my back up keeper but had to sell him after he kept on complaining! I also sold Petrone another back up full back.
I added a few younger players and I was pretty happy with them all, Grossman is a talented midfielder picked up for free and Acuna is a talented young goal keeper.
Ademar and Burt are both on dual nationality with the USA with the first being half Brazilian the second Canadian and both are promising players.
Whilst Zach Miller was signed as another talented youngster.
Andrew Grossman
Zach Miller
Results and Table Halfway Point
So we are so dominant at the moment! Am not sure what has happened but my team just seemed to have clicked and we are brushing sides away with ease.
Stand out result was our terrific 8-1 victory away LA Galaxy a rival of ours but we are so free scoring at the moment with goals coming for everywhere and everyone!!
The 400 Game Mark!!
Or 402! But I blame by Mum as she rang me at 400 games and when I came back I forget to take a picture and it wasnt until a few games later I remembered!
So 402 games but we did win my 400th game, but thats a combined total of the Black Aces, New York, and The US national side.
The NACL (North American Champions League)
So this was the group stage that we comfortably qualified from. Our biggest threat was Tijuana from Mexico but we beat them twice to qualify top and meet fellow American side Portland in the quarter finals.
Quarter and Semi Finals
So this was weird-ish as we met two American teams in the quarter and the semi finals!
Portland were no real match for my side as we ran out 5-2 winners after being twice behind, we managed to win two one away to book a semi final against our biggest rivals.
Super sub Dax McCarty came of the bench to smash in two superb goals and give us two massive away goals going into our home game, which was very poor!
But we made the final! And Pachuca stood in our way in the finals, which is played over two legs.
NACL Final — First Leg
What a game!!
I must admit we were lucky (again!) but we played so well despite losing Gale after 47 minutes. We took the lead after Miller raced through to open the scoring but we didnt have the lead for long as they soon equalised.
They missed a penalty which seemed to spur my team on a bit and we then leveled through Edison West with a fine header, but once again we fell behind until a brilliant goal by Rildo gave us a brilliant draw.
I dont think I have been that excited over a draw before! But with three away goals and a very strong home record we had a massive chance to win the NACL.
NACL Final — Second Leg
Yay!!
I wasnt expecting to win the NACL so quickly am doing so much better than last year!
I set myself a realistic four year plan to win it, but to win it after my second season well I was very surprised!
But Edison West was the hero heading in a very similar goal to the first leg I guess Pachuca didnt learn their lesson!
So thats the NACL, I must admit its was easier than I expected but I guess the USA and Mexico are so strong that other sides dont really have any chance.
Another Transfer!
So the super observant of you may have noticed the name of Noakes amongst or goal scorer’s in the last game against Real Salt Lake, thats why I bought another front man. Well not bought but I part exchanged! I swapped one of our back-up defenders for him so am pretty pleased with him.
Results and Table End of Season
So our fine form continued as we hit a record breaking 100 league goals losing only two games all season.
Our defence was brilliant, but I did take a look a Darren’s tactic as my defence always seemed to conceded from corners so having ‘borrowed’ his defensive set-up to them I found myself conceding a lot less and as such winning by bigger margins.
I found myself conceding probably 70% of my goals to corners which has been reduced but believe me is was driving me mad!
Everything I tried just failed every time so a big thanks to him and hopefully we can continue to concede less from them. :)
The MLS Playoff’s
So we made the final!
Toronto were given a wild card to compete in the playoff’s and they played very well an 87th minute winner from Zach Miller gave us a slender advantage and Diakite also left it later than I would have liked to put us into the eastern final against Columbus.
We were far too strong running out four zero winners booking a place against FC Dallas from the Western conference for the MLS title.
MLS Playoff Final vs FC Dallas
Yay! Take that playoff games!
So we did win! (I am just amazed as you are!) but to be fair it wasnt a brilliant game. The early goal from Jaramillo should have been the inspiration to push on and dominate the game but we looked more dangerous on the counter attack and Diakite made the game safe before half time.
Second half and we gave the ball away far more that I have ever seen! And our keeper was in good form to save any of the half chances that they did create so not a brilliant final but a great result and the MLS title was ours.
Player Ratings End of Season
So many many great performances this season with Gale being a real star, he is a defender but is also our penalty taker!
He has only missed one that I can remember but is very reliable from twelve yards and he is a defender. Zach Miller was amazing in both creating and scoring he played at wide right and upfront and was equally as good with Edison West tremendous at the back.
Jaramillo had another brilliant season and I cappped him for the USA side along with Zach Miller and Gale Agbossoumonde as I felt they deserved it.
Burt was also brilliant as Jaramiilo had a bad injury but he filled in very well until his return.
Star Man of the Season — Zach Miller
What a player and what a find for a freebie from Seattle. Scoring twenty times and creating fourteen goals he is a real star for the future he also scored in his USA debut when I picked him!! :)
Goal of the Season!!
So this may be a bit weird to post this, but my boyfriend thought is was so funny so I had to share it with you. :)
This won goal of the season as Gale (my center back) scored a volley from his own half!
End of Season Finances and Save Game Status
So finances remained the same as we didnt really lose anything nor really gained anything just a small profit going into our bank.
End of Season Round-Up
So what a season, easily one of the best I have ever had on this game. We ran away with the MLS title and won an epic NACL final thanks to away goals!
I am starting to enjoy the USA, at first I did really dislike it but because I just didnt understand what I was doing, however things make a lot more sense thanks to some great help from people on my last post.
Its quite a good place to manage as most teams are very well balanced and despite our amazing season it is a very competitive league. I am torn whether to stay or not as I feel that two years in quite a short stay as I planned for four and even though I have already won the NACL I still dont feel like I should move on yet.
I know I have won everything in the US but I think I may stay on at least for another season, I have set myself a series of target clubs in South America, Asia and a few in Europe so if any come up I will apply but for now I am quite happy where I am.
I have an exciting young team with loads of potential and I am still in charge of the US national side (my results on that will be posted next time) my goal is to win every champions league but I guess there is no rush as I also want to enjoy the teams I am playing and at the moment at New York I am!
So for the time being I will be staying stateside in New York, so thanks again for taking time to read this and as always I look forward to reading your opinions.
My posts will be spread longer apart due to work and things but I will try to get them completed as quickly as I can, so until then bye for now. :)
bigbaz
3 января, 2012 at 01:51
amazing season!! well done!
completely understand your decision to stay with New York, but im sure a big club will come knocking soon enough.
good luck for the rest and a happy new year to you too
bigbaz
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 19:33
Thanks!!
I was also amazed at just how well it went, true I will just wait for an ideal job rather than leaving and hoping to get one.
Am in no real rush as I want to enjoy the game rather than rushing to win every champions league as soon as I can. :)
DK1247
3 января, 2012 at 02:35
Congrats Ana! I’m glad you’re enjoying the MLS, though I’m sure a big club will come calling soon.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 19:36
Thanks!
Yeah I am starting to enjoy it now, thanks to all your help! :)
Its just so different but I do like it as it is so different! I have had some big-ish clubs come calling including Valencia and Liverpool but I’m quite happy where I am for now.
I will stay another season and then will take a look and see if any job catches my eye. :)
David Wiggins
3 января, 2012 at 03:27
adapted very quickly to Stateside Ana, another amazing title(s)! Fantastic goal too!
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 19:39
Thanks David!
Yeah, I finally got my head around the rules!
Its a good league I quite like it, the goal made me smile a volley from a defender inside his own half!
It never said anything about a fluke either, I think he meant to do it! :)
Rod
3 января, 2012 at 04:11
Espero que hayas comenzado bien el año Ana! I didn’t comment in your last posts but i was following the story, i don’t understand MLS but i know that is very competitive, and your season was incredible, you couldn’t ask for more. Those youngsters you brought seems very talented, and i agree with you that you should stay for a few years more, while you try to do important things with the national side.
I would love if you manage Boca Juniors in Argentina, that’s my favourite team, i also support Barcelona and Man City, but Boca is my life.
Espero con ansias tu próximo post! Saludos y felicidades en este 2012!
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 19:52
Gracias, usted es muy amable! :)
The MLS is quite confusing and hard to explain but if you can understand it its quite a good league to manage in.
It is very competitive as you cant really buy the best players as you would like due transfer funds and a salary cap.
I was very happy with the younger players, I am just scouting the USA with five separate scouts and they unveil a wealth of promising talent. I have pulled my scouts out of Africa and am focusing 100% on American players.
For the national side I want to qualify again and manage in the world cup before leaving, so thats in a couple of years time.
Oh!!, you may not like this then but River was one of my target clubs to maybe manage!
I have subscribed to Boca now as well so if they become available I will apply, but I’m sorry to say that River have dominated Argentina for many seasons on my game!
I’m a Barca fan! Plus a fan of Spanish football in general and I have so far resisted temptation to manage there! :)
John Martin
3 января, 2012 at 08:57
.Hey ana. What season both champions of the mls and the cl. You are also building for the future with buying some top quailty regens comlng in. Keep up the good work
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 19:56
Hi John,
Thanks! The NACL was the target but to win the MLS as well was a bonus.
My team is defiantly ready to dominate for many seasons I hope, and I have decided to buy only American players.
I have never really tried to win things with a team of all one nationality except South Africa but I could never get a work permit for anyone born outside of S.Africa!! :)
Alex
3 января, 2012 at 09:16
Another fantastic season, Ana. You dominated the MLS and North America, with some of your players looking quality. I’m interested to see how you did with the USA and Look forward to your next post.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:01
Thanks Alex!!
In terms of the USA national side we didn’t really play that many games, I refuse to play friendlies as I don’t see the point in them so we only had the world cup qualification 3rd round made up of Antigua, Honduras and Curcao!
So barring a major shock! We did qualify for the 4th and final round where Mexico, Canada etc are now there. But I will post up all the results next time.
I am delighted with some of our players we have a really strong squad, and even with four or five injuries we still look a very good team. Just need to add to it again!! :)
Johnny Karp
3 января, 2012 at 10:18
Congratulations on an amazing season Ana, you have assembled a fantastic team in a rather short period of time. With that in mind I’d say stick to the Red Bulls for one more season and enjoy your domination of North America ;)
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:05
Thanks Johnny! :)
I am surprised with the amount of quality born USA player there are. I can see why they tend to well in big international tournaments and the amount of excellent players in the lower teams is very strong.
I believe this team can dominate for a few years so why not enjoy it! I mean I did build this team but as always I want to make it even stronger and I am enjoying it so I can wait for one of my target clubs to become available! :)
Laxeyman
3 января, 2012 at 11:39
Amazing season Ana, well done! Absolutely brilliant, you completely dominated the MLS, some of the transfers you made were absolute bargains too :) Congrats!
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:08
Thanks Laxeyman!!
I agree! I love finding bargains especially when they become star player for my team. I have decided to stop buying foreign players and just by American players to help boost my national side.
john herries
3 января, 2012 at 12:10
Happy new year ana and congrats on another fantastic year. Def gonna do a pentagon challenge at some point. Am with tonbridge angels at the mo, just got promoted to the blue square premier league. Club finances very poor so having to sell some of my best players
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:12
Thanks John!!
Happy new year to you!! :)
Its an addictive challenge I love just going into a league where I know nothing and trying my best to learn!
I know the feeling! Last year when at FCAK I had to sell all my best players almost every season! But it does add to the challenge, annoying as it is!
So good luck on your game also! :)
CsAtlantis
3 января, 2012 at 12:38
Congratulations Anna on getting another Champions League title and actually winning a playoffs for once!
Well since you’ve already planned to stay for four seasons I agree with your decision, you should enjoy your time a bit more with the New York Red Bulls, after all you have some very nice looking players (You’ll also be competing in the World Club Championship too!)
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:15
Thanks!!
I know!! I was so happy! Those playoffs always haunt me so when I win one its always a nice surprise! :)
Well I feel two years is quite short so another season wont hurt I guess! Plus I am starting to understand and enjoy the MLS and I really like my squad too!
I did play the World club championships! But I totally forgot to take a picture so I will post that next time! :)
Kevin
3 января, 2012 at 12:44
Hola Ana
That’s a magnificent team you have put togehter in New York and you should remain the dominant force for the time being. I’m glad you are enjoying the MLS as it can be quite a fun league to be in once all the player transfer, trades etc stuff has been worked out. Well done on winning the NACL as well.
Happy New Year and by the way it’s -17C in Toronto this morning….a little chiller than Cumbria :)
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:18
Thanks Kevin!!
I agree its just when you first begin there is so many new things that I have never seen! But once you understand them it becomes fun to manage in as it is so different to every where else.
A little bit colder!! We are having the warmest winter we have ever had! So no snow at the moment just a bit of sun and lots of rain! :)
TheZiggy
3 января, 2012 at 14:32
Well done Ana. An absolutely superb season, in which you won everything possible, even finally winning a play-off. Congratulations. It’s great that you are enjoying it there, now that you understand how the league works.
I don’t blame you for staying in the US for a bit longer, while you wait to see if one the target teams you’ve picked out comes calling. The goal of the season is quite astonishing, and pretty outrageous.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:24
Thanks Ziggy!!
Not everything as we got knocked out of the US cup (domestic cup) but if I dont make the semi or the final I dont usually post them!
Winning a playoff was nice! Its rare so its nice when it does happen!
Yeah at the moment I have had some really great offers including Santos and Palmeiras but having managed in Brazil last year I was hoping for a job in Argentina for a change but the jobs I want are all doing well!
So I just have to hope they leave or get sacked!!
Honestly I dont think I have ever won a goal of the season award in any game I have ever played! So it was nice that it was such an amazing goal! :)
vaibhavc
3 января, 2012 at 15:41
That was pretty quick, to win the Champions League and MLS in your second season is something. And do you find yourself conceding too many goals of free-kicks? I seem to concede way too many, so thats why I am asking you.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:30
Thanks!
I agree, but only teams from the USA or Mexico can really go on to win it and there isnt that much between the two leagues.
I did find myself conceding lots of goals from free kicks being played into the box, but not from goals being scored from direct free kicks.
Infact set pieces were driving me mad as we always seemed to concede goals from them being crossed into our box even when I had lots of tall players with good jumping and heading stats.
Woody
3 января, 2012 at 17:45
a great season this year well done
i was suprised to see you win most games so comfortably and to win the champions league with ease in the early rounds and to win the play offs as well
anyway well done
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:35
Thanks!
Me too but like I said in my post something just clicked and we created so many chances every game that the results just came.
Throw into the fact that we improved at the back in defending set pieces and our results look even more impressive.
The early rounds can be deceiving as only teams from Mexico and the USA have any real chance and most of the other teams are made up of below average players with one or two decent ones.
Playoff win was nice though! But I have still lost way more than I have won. :)
Martin - F.M.J.S
3 января, 2012 at 18:25
Hi Ana
Well done Ana what a great season and some really good performances from your team. Good luck on your next season.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:36
Thanks Martin!!
I was very happy with how it went, so am hoping for more success in the upcoming season! :)
Darren Smith
3 января, 2012 at 18:52
While building a team and taking on challenges is what gets us all excited, I find that there’s nothing better than sitting back after a tough day and watching your team kick ass ;) Therefore staying in New York for a season is no biggey and I’d certainly welcome it. You’ve built a great side, so enjoy the success. Congrats Ana, an incredible season.
Ana Garcia
3 января, 2012 at 20:42
Thanks Darren!! :)
This is one of the better teams I have had, I would say that Cruzeiro on my last pentagon challenge was the best team I have ever managed but this one is very good.
Its also quite young with an average age of 23 so plenty of time for my team to mature and maybe push into my national side. Some have already but I will be looking for maybe two or three more to make that step up.
Am glad people want me to stay! I dint want to leave and hope a good job opens up I would would rather stay at New York and see my young team develop!
Bhargav
4 января, 2012 at 18:41
That’s so wild, Ana! You absolutely dominated the continent! I understand your decision to stay in my home city but at the same time I can’t wait to see the next leg of your journey!
Ana Garcia
5 января, 2012 at 18:40
Thanks!!
I really dont know where I want to go next so another year and then I can see if any job I fancy comes up!
Plus I want to see my team develop for another season at least. :)
Sears
5 января, 2012 at 16:35
Another terrific season Ana, best of luck next season!
Ana Garcia
5 января, 2012 at 18:41
Thanks Sears. :)
Martin Pickard
6 января, 2012 at 10:42
Hi Ana! Congrats on winning your second Champions League! I believe you have move on to pastures new but hey it your story…hope you can inflict the same damage as this season. I’m hoping the next league of your story see you end up in Europe…you didn’t manage to win the UEFA Champions League in FM11 so wanna see it ticked off your list :) role on the next update :)
Ana Garcia
6 января, 2012 at 18:49
Thanks Martin!!
I know what you are saying but I did make a list of target clubs in Asia, South America and Europe but even at this moment none have become available.
Maybe I should broaden my targets a little but I dont want to end up at a club in decline, or with a massive debt. I wont be at New York for to long maybe just next season but I have built probably one of my best ever teams on FM so I want to enjoy it for another season! :)
Usually never happens to me as I struggle from season to season! I have been offered a few big jobs in Spain but I have resisted so far and a few in England which I may try seeing as I never manage there.
Europe did elude me last year and in truth I have never been that successful in it, even at Real Union I only won it a handful of times in 30 odd years so will be a problem for me I think! :)