Round of 16 Pool Standings

The Round of 16 results are in and have proven the Power Rankings uncharacteristically accurate. As we've seen the last two years, the EPL is making its case as the strongest league in the world with English sides comprising four of the last 8.

Last year I made a huge deal of The Terrible Twos (aka Biggamag) sweeping all eight first round picks, citing the astronomical odds of the occurrence in World Soccer Daily's pool. Who'da thunk Team Jerusalem would go out and repeat the feat the very next year? Perhaps sweeping is not as crazy as I thought... or, more likely, the World's Game is rubbing off on our very own Middle Easterner -- even during the onset of March Madness. Regardless, the man doesn't have a lot of breathing room as Banana Island, Big Bend, and The Continentalist are nipping at his heels. Also of note is Eastern Influence surprisingly far out of the mix at this early stage. Could his 2 year run as CL Pool champ be coming to an end? Is SOB SOL? No doubt he's wondering if EI's already talked him out of his precious pesos. And lastly, I just have to point out that in totally whiffing on my first pass at the tabulations, the only change in standings order is CCFC dropping from 2nd down to 3rd. Sorry, Jerver, some guys just can't catch a break.

At any rate, the tables can definitely turn as we make it further into the tournament. Subsequent rounds are worth progressively more points, with the next round's picks worth 4 pts each. Stay tuned for the Final 8 draw this Friday.

Lastly, please don't hesitate to verify your score yourself... I can use the backup.