Maybe Ibericos C.F. just needed to consolidate their hold on second spot before continuing their upward march.

“I had a conversation with Montana’s captain last week and, to be honest, I was expecting a little bit more from them,” writes captain Arturo Prieto in a thoughtful email following his side’s decisive 9-4 win. “But it’s also true that they were missing a couple of key players. I’m pretty sure the next game against them will be tighter.”

Ibericos battled through their own roster issues early in the season but have since steadied the ship. Focus will now turn on this week’s crucial encounter against the undefeated Reds.

Although his squad managed to handle the Russians just fine en route to their pre-season championship, Arturo believes a 5-3 loss to the same Reds back in June was mainly due to their failing to check top C3 Division striker Jamal Sevojan as closely.

“One thing is for sure,” prophesizes Arturo, “that’s not going to be happening again. It’s going to be a Russian Roulette for the Reds!”

POTG: A team of experienced role players at his disposal, Arturo singles out Ricardo Lirola and keeper Lino Adriano for their consistency and efficiency.

Have a good soccer story to share with the league? Write me at robert_scalia@hotmail.com or tweet me @gracebythegun