I need a long Cup run, but I feel bad about taking out the Sharks, a div V team, so early. A terrible draw for them. I'm glad to be erasing bots now. And I wonder if part of the problem with matching human v human while bots are still available is that teams can go bot at any time. It may be an engine limitation is all, but strategically there would still be some who got an advantage when their opponent suddenly went bot (or quit caring).

This will be my third Regional Cup. I've managed to get to round six or seven each time, which I think is pretty good considering I've got a reasonably new team compared to a lot of the stalwarts.

What makes this next round interesting is I've matched up against a team I've played a few times before in Moose Jaw's CUP series. I've had the upper hand in most of these matches, but it looks like he's got a good squad. We'll see how this week fares.

As to everyone bot stomping and taking down new teams early, it's unfortunate, but we've all been that early stage team and we've all been stomped. (I'm still early stage and getting stomped or I'd be going further in than round 7). It's nice to see gradual improvement season to season and slowly improve the squad.

Peace
-Hit

Closer match than expected against a good Div. III team. Had I logged in and watched it live, I would've been treated to the sight of the Red Gremlins tying the game - twice - and staying strong through the 3rd quarter.

Up next: at least one Div. II team will be out after my next game - I'm playing another squad in my league.

I don't mind playing a bot next round.

I do mind playing a bot in 8th place at their 90,800 seat stadium. We'll be lucky to fill half that. I'll lose $200-$300k next round just by playing an away game instead of my place.

Upset alert? Jays Jammers are up on the Greys 7-0 as that game approaches halftime!