Band of Brothers Breaking Up

Soccer City FC has followed the story since April. The Brothers Elm (Victor, David, and Rasmus) powered Kalmar FF through the 2008 Allsvenskan campaign. The Elms, with winger Patrik Ingelsten who lead the league with 19 goals, played an entertaining, attacking football. The club's attack was just too much for most sides to overcome.

Sadly, the core is now being disassembled. This is the nature of today's global football machine. Brazilian César Santin who was another powerful attacking option left during the summer transfer period for Danish side FC Copenhagen.

Ingelsten, only 26-years-old, will more than likely move to a wealthier European club either in January or in the summer of '09.

As for the Brothers Elm, Victor is the first to leave. He will move to Dutch side SC Heerenveen this January. Only 22 and over 6 foot 3 inches tall, the midfielder should flourish in his new land. More call-ups to the Swedish national team are on the horizon for the most recognizable of the Elm troika.

David at 25-years-old is the eldest of the bunch. The forward was a key reserve for Kalmar FF and should remain with the club.

Rasmus is only 20 yet he has already begun to make a difference for both club and country having recently earned call-ups to Sweden's U-21 squad. Regardless if he remains or moves, the midfielder's future is bright.

A look forward to Kalmar's 2009 Allsvenskan campaign:

1. If Rasmus remains, he should continue to develop in the midfield and with the club's title in 2008, he will benefit from facing the bigger European clubs who make up the UEFA Champions League.

2. How much does midfielder Henrik Rydström have left? The captain was a big key to the club's success.

3. What about the Brazilians? Will midfielders Daniel Sobralense and Marcel Sacramento factor into the 2009 plans? The duo arrived in 2008 but failed to make massive waves.

4. Is Abiola Dauda legit? The Nigerian joined the club in 2008 and scored 8 goals. The forward is only 20-years-old and should improve upon his goal tally in 2009.

5. Does Patrik Ingelsten remain? Even with the loss of Victor Elm, the club enters as the clear favorite to repeat in 2009 if Ingelsten stays.