2014 Kerala Blasters FC season: Difference between revisions

Kerala Blasters
2014 season
General Manager	Prasanth Agarwal
Head Coach	David James
Stadium	Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
ISL	4th
Finals	Runners-up
Top goalscorer	League: Iain Hume (4); All: Iain Hume (5)
Highest home attendance	61,323 vs. Chennaiyin; (30 November)
Lowest home attendance	34,657 vs. Delhi Dynamos; (9 November)
Average home league attendance	49,111
Home colours	Away colours
	2015 →

Newer edit →

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Revision as of 19:00, 2 July 2021

The 2014 Kerala Blasters Football Club season was the first ever season of professional football played by Kerala Blasters. The club managed to secure qualification for the Indian Super League finals on 9 December 2014, after finishing the regular season in fourth position. They managed to make it to the final, but were defeated by Atlético de Kolkata through a stoppage time goal.

The Blasters signed the former England international, David James, as their first ever coach in August. They also drafted in India internationals such as Mehtab Hossain, Sandip Nandy, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Renedy Singh, Ishfaq Ahmed, and Nirmal Chettri. The Blasters also selected an international foreign player, Canadian international Iain Hume before signing on former Scottish internationals Jamie McAllister and Stephen Pearson outside the draft.

After starting the season with five straight away games, the Blasters found themselves with only four points. Once the team started playing home games they gained 11 points from the next five games. Another 4 points from their final four games were enough for the team to qualify for the finals. The finals started off very well for Kerala Blasters as they defeated Chennaiyin 3–0 away from home in the first leg of the semi-finals. Despite giving up that lead in the second-leg, an extra-time goal from Stephen Pearson ensured that the Blasters qualified for the final. In the final, the club were defeated 1–0 by Atlético de Kolkata through a last-minute strike by Mohammed Rafique.

Background

In early 2014, it was announced that the All India Football Federation, the national federation for football in India, and IMG–Reliance would be accepting bids for ownership of eight of the nine selected cities for the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), a franchise tournament modelled along the lines of the Indian Premier League for cricket.^[2] On 13 April 2014 it was announced that the rights to the Kerala franchise were won by former India cricket captain, Sachin Tendulkar, and serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educationalist, Prasad V Potluri.^[3] Then, on 27 May 2014, the team's official name was unveiled as 'Kerala Blasters FC' which is based on the nickname of co-owner Sachin Tendular, 'Master Blaster'.

Selection of the players for the first season started on 22 July when the Blasters, along with the other seven franchises, took part in the domestic draft to select the first fourteen Indian players in each team.^[4] India international Mehtab Hossain was the first draft pick made by Kerala Blasters and thus the first player in Kerala Blasters history.^[5] At the end of the draft, the Blasters were composed of fourteen players, including Hossain: Avinabo Bag, Sandip Nandy, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Luis Barreto, Milagres Gonsalves, Ramandeep Singh, Renedy Singh, Ishfaq Ahmed, Gurwinder Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Sushanth Mathew, and Godwin Franco.^[6]

On 13 August 2014, former England international goalkeeper, David James was announced as the first head coach of the club and the first marquee player in team history, thus coming in as a player-head coach.^[7] Then, on 21 August 2014, the team participated in the international draft in which each team selected seven foreign players to join their team.^[8] Former Newcastle United forward Michael Chopra was the first foreign player drafted by the Blasters.^[9]

Signings

Indian draft

Round	Position	Player	I-League club
1	MF	Mehtab Hossain	East Bengal
2	DF	Sandesh Jhingan	Mumbai FC
3	MF	Ishfaq Ahmed	Mohammedan
4	DF	Gurwinder Singh	East Bengal
5	DF	Nirmal Chettri	Mohammedan
6	MF	Sushanth Mathew	Rangdajied United
7	MF	Godwin Franco	Dempo
8	DF	Avinabo Bag	Pailan Arrows
9	GK	Sandip Nandy	Mohun Bagan
10	FW	Chinadorai Sabeeth	Mohun Bagan
11	GK	Luis Barreto	East Bengal
12	FW	Milagres Gonsalves	Salgaocar
13	DF	Ramandeep Singh	Air India
14	MF	Renedy Singh	Shillong Lajong

International draft

Round	Position	Player	Last Club
1	FW	Michael Chopra	Blackpool
2	FW	Iain Hume	Fleetwood Town
3	MF	Pulga	Kallithea
4	DF	Erwin Spitzner	Atlético Paranaense
5	FW	Pedro Gusmão	Atlético Paranaense
6	DF	Cedric Hengbart	Ajaccio
7	DF	Raphaël Romey	Bastia

Other signings

No.	Position	Player	Last club	Date	Ref
70	GK	David James	ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar	13 August 2014	^[10]
3	DF	Jamie McAllister	Yeovil Town	23 August 2014	^[11]
18	MF	Penn Orji	Mohammedan	1 September 2014	^[12]
27	FW	Andrew Barisic	South China	1 September 2014	^[12]
25	MF	Stephen Pearson	Bristol City	1 September 2014	^[13]
32	DF	Colin Falvey	Charleston Battery	4 September 2014	^[14]
29	DF	Saumik Dey	East Bengal	7 September 2014	^[15]
13	MF	Duleep Menon	Central Excise	27 September 2014	^[16]

Pre-season

18 September 2014 (2014-09-18) Friendly	Kerala Blasters	5–1	Kerala Police FC	Thrissur
	Sabeeth (2 goals) Chopra (2 goals)	Report		Stadium: Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium

24 September 2014 (2014-09-24) Friendly	Kerala Blasters	6–0	Sree Kerala Varma College	Thrissur
		Report		Stadium: Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium

25 September 2014 (2014-09-25) Friendly	Kerala Blasters	5–0	Central Excise	Thrissur
		Report		Stadium: Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium

27 September 2014 (2014-09-27) Friendly	Kerala Blasters	1–0	Mohammedan	Thrissur
		Report		Stadium: Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium

3 October 2014 (2014-10-03) Friendly	Vasco	0–4	Kerala Blasters	Goa
		Report

5 October 2014 (2014-10-05) Friendly	Cavelossim	1–4	Kerala Blasters	Goa
		Report

7 October 2014 (2014-10-07) Friendly	Churchill Brothers	0–1	Kerala Blasters	Goa
		Report

9 October 2014 (2014-10-09) Friendly	Salgaocar	1–2	Kerala Blasters	Goa
		Report

Indian Super League

The Kerala Blasters began their first ever season away from home against NorthEast United on 13 October. A goal from Koke lead to the Blasters losing that match 1–0 to open the season.^[17] Their second match was no better as the Kerala Blasters lost their second match of the season to Chennaiyin 2–1. Despite Canadian international Iain Hume scoring the first goal in Blasters history, Chennaiyin managed to grab the victory through goals from Elano and Bernard Mendy.^[18] The winless streak continued for the Kerala Blasters as they headed into their third match against Atlético de Kolkata. An equalizer from Iain Hume meant that the Blasters managed to draw the match 1–1 and thus earn their first ever point.^[19] The draw helped propel the momentum for the Kerala Blasters as they ended their first month of competitive football with their first ever victory against Pune City. The Blasters fell behind in the match early through a David Trezeguet goal in the 15th minute but Chinadorai Sabeeth managed to level the score in the 41st minute, becoming the first Indian player to score for the team ever. It was then Penn Orji who scored the winning goal in the 65th minute as the Kerala Blasters won 2–1.^[20]

The team then began what would be a long month of November for the team as they would have to play eight matches. Their first match came on 2 November against Mumbai City in Mumbai. The Blasters fell in the match 1–0 after Nicolas Anelka scored for Mumbai City from a free-kick.^[21] The team then returned to Kerala to play their first home game of the season of a three-game home stand against FC Goa on 6 November. After a goalless first half, it was Milagres Gonsalves who came up with the winning goal for the Kerala Blasters in the 64th minute as the Blasters won 1–0.^[22] Despite the opening home victory, the Kerala Blasters were unable to do more than achieve 0–0 in their next two matches against the Delhi Dynamos and Mumbai City respectively.^[23]^[24]

After their three-match home stand, the Kerala Blasters returned to the road as the took on the Delhi Dynamos in Delhi. A 61st-minute goal from Penn Orji was enough as the Blasters won the away tie 1–0.^[25] Five days later, the Blasters returned home to take on Atlético de Kolkata. Early goals from Iain Hume and Pedro Gusmão helped lead the Kerala Blasters to a 2–1 victory of the Kolkata side.^[26] The joy from the victory was short-lived though as the Kerala Blasters ended the month losing two matches in a row. Their first defeat occurred away from home to FC Goa on 26 November. A brace from Miroslav Slepička and another goal from André Santos lead to the Blasters losing 3–0.^[27] That defeat was followed with a 1–0 defeat at home to Chennaiyin.^[28]

With just two matches left before the finals entering December, the Kerala Blasters knew the two matches would be crucial for their season.^[29] Their first match occurred on 4 December against NorthEast United. Despite creating many chances upfront, the Blasters were held to a 0–0 result.^[30] That result meant that the final match of the regular season, at home to Pune City, would prove to be the decider between the two sides to see who qualifies for the finals.^[31] Due to a free-kick goal from Iain Hume and a fantastic performance from Sandip Nandy in goal, the Kerala Blasters came out victorious 1–0 and thus qualified for the finals.^[32]

13 October 2014 (2014-10-13) 1	NorthEast United	1–0	Kerala Blasters	Guwahati
19:00 IST	Koke 45'	Report		Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium Attendance: 29,500 Referee: Pratap Singh

21 October 2014 (2014-10-21) 2	Chennaiyin	2–1	Kerala Blasters	Chennai
19:00 IST	Elano 14' (pen) Mendy 63'	Report	Hume 50'	Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 19,430 Referee: Rahul Dsa

26 October 2014 (2014-10-26) 3	Atlético de Kolkata	1–1	Kerala Blasters	Kolkata
16:30 IST	Sahni 22'	Report	Hume 41'	Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Arumughan Rowan

30 October 2014 (2014-10-30) 4	Pune City	1–2	Kerala Blasters	Pune
19:00 IST	Trezeguet 15'	Report	Sabeeth 41' Orji 65'	Stadium: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Attendance: 8,227 Referee: Tejas Nagvenkar

2 November 2014 (2014-11-02) 5	Mumbai City	1–0	Kerala Blasters	Mumbai
19:00 IST	Anelka 45'	Report		Stadium: DY Patil Stadium Attendance: 20,439 Referee: Jarred Gillett

6 November 2014 (2014-11-06) 6	Kerala Blasters	1–0	Goa	Kochi
19:00 IST	Gonsalves 64'	Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 49,517 Referee: Jarred Gillet

9 November 2014 (2014-11-09) 7	Kerala Blasters	0–0	Delhi Dynamos	Kochi
19:00 IST		Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 34,657 Referee: Pranjal Banerjee

12 November 2014 (2014-11-12) 8	Kerala Blasters	0–0	Mumbai City	Kochi
19:00 IST		Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 41,362 Referee: Pranjal Banerjee

16 November 2014 (2014-11-16) 9	Delhi Dynamos	0–1	Kerala Blasters	Delhi
19:00 IST		Report	Orji 61'	Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 17,853 Referee: Jarred Gillet

21 November 2014 (2014-11-21) 10	Kerala Blasters	2–1	Atlético de Kolkata	Kochi
19:00 IST	Hume 4' Gusmão 42'	Report	Teferra 55'	Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 57,296 Referee: Ravshan Irmatov

26 November 2014 (2014-11-26) 11	FC Goa	3–0	Kerala Blasters	Margao
19:00 IST	Slepička 63', 79' Santos 69'	Report		Stadium: Fatorda Stadium Attendance: 19,752 Referee: Ranjit Bakshi

30 November 2014 (2014-11-30) 12	Kerala Blasters	0–1	Chennaiyin	Kochi
19:00 IST		Report	Pelissari	Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 61,323 Referee: Magho Singh

4 December 2014 (2014-12-04) 13	Kerala Blasters	0–0	NorthEast United	Kochi
19:00 IST		Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 43,299 Referee: Anthony Simoes

9 December 2014 (2014-12-09) 14	Kerala Blasters	1–0	Pune City	Kochi
19:00 IST	Hume 23'	Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 44,532 Referee: Samchista Doss

Table

Pos	Team v t e	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
2	Goa	14	6	4	4	21	12	+9	22	Advance to ISL Play-offs
3	Atlético de Kolkata (C)	14	4	7	3	16	13	+3	19
4	Kerala Blasters	14	5	4	5	9	11	−2	19
5	Delhi Dynamos	14	4	6	4	16	14	+2	18
6	Pune City	14	4	4	6	12	17	−5	16

Source: Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) play-off match
(C) Champion.

Results summary

Overall								Home						Away
Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
14	5	4	5	9	11	Template:Fb gd	19	3	3	1	4	2	Template:Fb gd	2	1	4	5	9	Template:Fb gd

Source: http://www.indiansuperleague.com/kerala-blasters-fc/schedules-results

Indian Super League finals

Semi-finals

The Kerala Blasters entered the finals as the fourth seed from the regular season and thus had to face the first seed, Chennaiyin in the semi-finals.^[33] The first leg of the semi-final turned out to be the Blasters' best offensive performance of the season as they came away with the 3–0 advantage. Ishfaq Ahmed scored the first goal for Kerala in the 27th minute before Iain Hume doubled the lead in the 29th minute. The match was set to finish 2–0 before Sushanth Mathew fired home the third goal for the Kerala Blasters.^[34] Despite having the advantage, the Blasters found themselves giving it away in Chennai. Strikes from Mikaël Silvestre and Jeje Lalpekhlua, as well as an own goal from Sandesh Jhingan saw the match end 3–0 to Chennaiyin and thus require extra-time to decide the tie. The match looked set to be going to penalties but it was Stephen Pearson who broke the deadlock in the 117th minute and send the Kerala Blasters into the final.^[35]

13 December 2014 (2014-12-13) Leg 1	Kerala Blasters	3–0	Chennaiyin	Kochi
19:00 IST	Ahmed 27' Hume 29' Mathew 90+4'	Report		Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 60,900 Referee: Pranjal Banerjee

16 December 2014 (2014-12-16) Leg 2	Chennaiyin	3–1 (a.e.t.) (3–4 agg.)	Kerala Blasters	Chennai
19:00 IST	Silvestre 42' Jhingan (o.g.) Lalpekhlua 90'	Report	Pearson 117'	Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Attendance: 25,327 Referee: Tejas Nagvenkar

Final

The final of the Indian Super League took place at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai against Atlético de Kolkata. The match remained at 0–0 until the very final minute of second stoppage time when Mohammed Rafique scored for Kolkata and thus take the title away from the Kerala Blasters.^[36]

20 December 2014 (2014-12-20) Final	Kerala Blasters	0–1	Atlético de Kolkata	Mumbai
18:00 IST		Report	Rafique 90+5'	Stadium: DY Patil Stadium Attendance: 36,484 Referee: Ravshan Irmatov

Player statistics

Season stats
#	Position	Player	GP	G
2	DF	Cédric Hengbart	13	0
3	DF	Jamie McAllister	6	0
4	DF	Ramandeep Singh	0	0
5	DF	Nirmal Chettri	12	0
6	MF	Renedy Singh	2	0
7	MF	Sushanth Mathew	5	1
8	FW	Michael Chopra	9	0
9	FW	Pedro Gusmão	7	1
10	FW	Iain Hume	16	5
11	MF	Ishfaq Ahmed	9	1
12	FW	Chinadorai Sabeeth	8	1
13	MF	Duleep Menon	0	0
14	MF	Mehtab Hossain	9	0
15	DF	Sandesh Jhingan	14	0
16	DF	Gurwinder Singh	11	0
18	MF	Penn Orji	13	2
21	MF	Godwin Franco	4	0
22	DF	Raphaël Romey	8	0
23	DF	Avinabo Bag	5	0
24	GK	Sandip Nandy	6	0
25	MF	Stephen Pearson	17	1
27	FW	Andrew Barisic	11	0
29	DF	Saumik Dey	10	0
30	GK	Luis Barreto	1	0
32	DF	Colin Falvey	9	0
44	DF	Erwin Spitzner	0	0
70	GK	David James	12	0
85	MF	Pulga	6	0
88	FW	Milagres Gonsalves	13	1

References

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[1] Gannavarapu, Akhilesh (29 January 2015). "Why India is the next big market for MMA". SportsKeeda. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2015.

[2] "Indian Super League sees interest from 30 franchise bidders". Business-Standard. 24 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[3] Basu, Saumyajit (13 April 2014). "Stars embrace soccer through Indian Super League". Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 June 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[4] Mergulhao, Marcus (19 July 2014). "ISL domestic draft to include 40 national players". Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2014.

[5] Thaly, Dattaraj (13 October 2014). "ISL: Mehtab Hossain key to success of Kerala Blasters". Zee News. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[6] "Indian players' draft process ends". The Hindu. 24 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[7] Mergulhao, Marcus (20 August 2014). "David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL". Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 August 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[8] Mergulhao, Marcus (14 August 2014). "ISL: Draft for overseas players on August 21". Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[9] "Michael Chopra, Bernard Mendy Star Picks in Indian Super League Draft". NDTV Sports. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.

[10] Mergulhao, Marcus (20 August 2014). "David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL". Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 August 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[11] Forsyth, Paul (14 December 2014). "Jamie McAllister on career switch to India". Scotsman. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[Penn_Andrew-12] 12.0 ^12.1 Paul, Abhishek (2 September 2014). "Committed to Kerala Blasters, says David James". India Today. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[13] "Motherwell: Stephen Pearson returns to Fir Park". BBC. 19 January 2015. Archived from the original on 6 April 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[14] Miller, Andrew (4 September 2014). "Charleston Battery's Colin Falvey is loaned to club for India". Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 8 October 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[15] "Kerala Blasters sign defenders McAllister, Falvey, Saumik for ISL". IBN Live. 7 September 2014. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[16] KH, Krishnakumar (30 September 2014). "Blasters' Talent Spotters Unearth a Local Gem". New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[17] "ISL: NorthEast United FC beat Kerala Blasters 1-0". Times of India. 13 October 2014. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[18] "Chennaiyin FC beat Kerala Blasters 2-1". Times of India. 21 October 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[19] "Kerala Blasters FC earn first point with draw". Indian Super League. 26 October 2014. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[20] Jitendran, Nikhil (30 October 2014). "FC Pune City 1-2 Kerala Blasters: James' side picks their first win". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[21] Netto, Brandon (2 November 2014). "Mumbai City 1-0 Kerala Blasters: It's Anelka show at DY Patil". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

[22] "ISL: Kerala Blasters FC Edge Past FC Goa 1-0". NDTV Sports. 7 November 2014. Archived from the original on 20 November 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[23] Chandra, Shikharr (9 November 2014). "Kerala Blasters 0-0 Delhi Dynamos: Harm van Veldhoven sent off in a game of missed chances". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[24] "ISL: Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC Settle for Goalless draw | Football News". NDTVSports.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.

[25] "ISL: Delhi Dynamos' Listless Show Continues, Lose 1-0 to Kerala Blasters". NDTV Sports. 16 November 2014. Archived from the original on 22 November 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[26] "ISL: Atletico de Kolkata denied a point as Kerala Blasters win 2-1". Zee News. 21 November 2014. Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[27] "ISL: FC Goa demolish Kerala Blasters 3-0". The Indian Express. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[28] Netto, Brandon (30 November 2014). "Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 Chennaiyin FC: Materazzi's side books a spot in the semis". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[29] Jitendran, Nikhil (4 December 2014). "Kerala Blasters - NorthEast United FC Preview: Battle of the low scorers". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[30] "Kerala Blasters 0-0 NorthEast United: Goal-less in Kochi". Goal.com. 4 December 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[31] Jitendran, Nikhil (8 December 2014). "Kerala Blasters - FC Pune City Preview: Qualification hangs in balance". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[32] "Kerala Blasters 1-0 FC Pune City: Hume sends James' side into the semis". Goal.com. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[33] Jitendran, Nikhil (12 December 2014). "Kerala Blasters - Chennaiyin FC Preview: Blasters hope to fulminate Blues' final hopes". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2015.

[34] Shah, Harsh (13 December 2014). "Kerala Blasters 3-0 Chennaiyin FC: Ishfaq stars as Blasters produce a stellar display". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[35] "ISL: Kerala Blasters FC beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 on Aggregate to Enter Final". NDTV Sports. 16 December 2014. Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

[36] "Atletico de Kolkata Defeat Kerala Blasters to Win Inaugural Edition of ISL". NDTV Sports. 20 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.

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@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
    | league topscorer   = [[Iain Hume]] (4)
    | season topscorer   = [[Iain Hume]] (5)
-   | average attendance = 49,111<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gannavarapu|first1=Akhilesh|title=Why India is the next big market for MMA|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/why-india-is-the-next-big-market-for-mma|accessdate=22 February 2015|work=SportsKeeda|date=29 January 2015}}</ref>
+   | average attendance = 49,111<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gannavarapu|first1=Akhilesh|title=Why India is the next big market for MMA|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/why-india-is-the-next-big-market-for-mma|accessdate=22 February 2015|work=SportsKeeda|date=29 January 2015|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702132554/https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/why-india-is-the-next-big-market-for-mma|url-status=live}}</ref>
    | highest attendance = 61,323 vs. [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]]<br/>(30 November)
    | lowest attendance  = {{nobreak|34,657 vs. [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]]}}<br/>(9 November)
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 {{main|Indian Super League}}
-In early 2014, it was announced that the [[All India Football Federation]], the national federation for football in India, and [[IMG (company)|IMG]]–[[Reliance Industries|Reliance]] would be accepting bids for ownership of eight of the nine selected cities for the inaugural [[Indian Super League]] (ISL), a franchise tournament modelled along the lines of the [[Indian Premier League]] for cricket.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Super League sees interest from 30 franchise bidders|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-super-league-sees-interest-from-30-franchise-bidders-114032300585_1.html|website=Business-Standard|accessdate=18 January 2015|date=24 March 2014}}</ref> On 13 April 2014 it was announced that the rights to the Kerala franchise were won by former [[India national cricket team|India cricket]] captain, [[Sachin Tendulkar]], and [[serial entrepreneur]], philanthropist, and [[educationalist]], [[Prasad V Potluri]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Basu|first1=Saumyajit|title=Stars embrace soccer through Indian Super League|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/Stars-embrace-soccer-through-Indian-Super-League/articleshow/33712666.cms#write|website=Times of India|accessdate=18 January 2015|date=13 April 2014}}</ref> Then, on 27 May 2014, the team's official name was unveiled as 'Kerala Blasters FC' which is based on the nickname of co-owner Sachin Tendular, 'Master Blaster'.
+In early 2014, it was announced that the [[All India Football Federation]], the national federation for football in India, and [[IMG (company)|IMG]]–[[Reliance Industries|Reliance]] would be accepting bids for ownership of eight of the nine selected cities for the inaugural [[Indian Super League]] (ISL), a franchise tournament modelled along the lines of the [[Indian Premier League]] for cricket.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Super League sees interest from 30 franchise bidders|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-super-league-sees-interest-from-30-franchise-bidders-114032300585_1.html|website=Business-Standard|accessdate=18 January 2015|date=24 March 2014|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102021629/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-super-league-sees-interest-from-30-franchise-bidders-114032300585_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 April 2014 it was announced that the rights to the Kerala franchise were won by former [[India national cricket team|India cricket]] captain, [[Sachin Tendulkar]], and [[serial entrepreneur]], philanthropist, and [[educationalist]], [[Prasad V Potluri]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Basu|first1=Saumyajit|title=Stars embrace soccer through Indian Super League|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/Stars-embrace-soccer-through-Indian-Super-League/articleshow/33712666.cms#write|website=Times of India|accessdate=18 January 2015|date=13 April 2014|archive-date=9 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609215152/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/Stars-embrace-soccer-through-Indian-Super-League/articleshow/33712666.cms#write|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, on 27 May 2014, the team's official name was unveiled as 'Kerala Blasters FC' which is based on the nickname of co-owner Sachin Tendular, 'Master Blaster'.
-Selection of the players for the first season started on 22 July when the Blasters, along with the other seven franchises, took part in the [[2014 ISL Inaugural Domestic Draft|domestic draft]] to select the first fourteen Indian players in each team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=ISL domestic draft to include 40 national players|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-domestic-draft-to-include-40-national-players/articleshow/38661087.cms|accessdate=18 January 2014|work=Times of India|date=19 July 2014}}</ref> [[India national football team|India]] international [[Mehtab Hossain]] was the first draft pick made by Kerala Blasters and thus the first player in Kerala Blasters history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thaly|first1=Dattaraj|title=ISL: Mehtab Hossain key to success of Kerala Blasters|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/indian-super-league-2014/isl-mehtab-hossain-key-to-success-of-kerala-blasters_1483937.html|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Zee News|date=13 October 2014}}</ref> At the end of the draft, the Blasters were composed of fourteen players, including Hossain: [[Avinabo Bag]], [[Sandip Nandy]], [[Chinadorai Sabeeth]], [[Luis Barreto]], [[Milagres Gonsalves]], [[Ramandeep Singh (footballer)|Ramandeep Singh]], [[Renedy Singh]], [[Ishfaq Ahmed]], [[Gurwinder Singh]], [[Nirmal Chettri]], [[Sushanth Mathew]], and [[Godwin Franco]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian players' draft process ends|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/indian-players-draft-process-ends/article6243493.ece|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=24 July 2014}}</ref>
+Selection of the players for the first season started on 22 July when the Blasters, along with the other seven franchises, took part in the [[2014 ISL Inaugural Domestic Draft|domestic draft]] to select the first fourteen Indian players in each team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=ISL domestic draft to include 40 national players|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-domestic-draft-to-include-40-national-players/articleshow/38661087.cms|accessdate=18 January 2014|work=Times of India|date=19 July 2014|archive-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708092736/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-domestic-draft-to-include-40-national-players/articleshow/38661087.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[India national football team|India]] international [[Mehtab Hossain]] was the first draft pick made by Kerala Blasters and thus the first player in Kerala Blasters history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thaly|first1=Dattaraj|title=ISL: Mehtab Hossain key to success of Kerala Blasters|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/indian-super-league-2014/isl-mehtab-hossain-key-to-success-of-kerala-blasters_1483937.html|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Zee News|date=13 October 2014|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123065908/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/indian-super-league-2014/isl-mehtab-hossain-key-to-success-of-kerala-blasters_1483937.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the draft, the Blasters were composed of fourteen players, including Hossain: [[Avinabo Bag]], [[Sandip Nandy]], [[Chinadorai Sabeeth]], [[Luis Barreto]], [[Milagres Gonsalves]], [[Ramandeep Singh (footballer)|Ramandeep Singh]], [[Renedy Singh]], [[Ishfaq Ahmed]], [[Gurwinder Singh]], [[Nirmal Chettri]], [[Sushanth Mathew]], and [[Godwin Franco]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian players' draft process ends|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/indian-players-draft-process-ends/article6243493.ece|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=24 July 2014|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310184728/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/indian-players-draft-process-ends/article6243493.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
-On 13 August 2014, former [[England national football team|England]] international goalkeeper, [[David James (footballer)|David James]] was announced as the first head coach of the club and the first marquee player in team history, thus coming in as a player-head coach.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Football/Indian-Super-League/Interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Times of India|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> Then, on 21 August 2014, the team participated in the [[2014 ISL Inaugural International Draft|international draft]] in which each team selected seven foreign players to join their team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=ISL: Draft for overseas players on August 21|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Draft-for-overseas-players-on-August-21/articleshow/40244205.cms|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Times of India|date=14 August 2014}}</ref> Former [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] forward [[Michael Chopra]] was the first foreign player drafted by the Blasters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Chopra, Bernard Mendy Star Picks in Indian Super League Draft|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/228601-michael-chopra-bernard-mendy-star-picks-in-indian-super-league-draft|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123065558/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/228601-michael-chopra-bernard-mendy-star-picks-in-indian-super-league-draft|archive-date=23 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+On 13 August 2014, former [[England national football team|England]] international goalkeeper, [[David James (footballer)|David James]] was announced as the first head coach of the club and the first marquee player in team history, thus coming in as a player-head coach.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Football/Indian-Super-League/Interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Times of India|date=20 August 2014|archive-date=22 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822193515/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, on 21 August 2014, the team participated in the [[2014 ISL Inaugural International Draft|international draft]] in which each team selected seven foreign players to join their team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=ISL: Draft for overseas players on August 21|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Draft-for-overseas-players-on-August-21/articleshow/40244205.cms|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=Times of India|date=14 August 2014|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021105648/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Draft-for-overseas-players-on-August-21/articleshow/40244205.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Former [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] forward [[Michael Chopra]] was the first foreign player drafted by the Blasters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Chopra, Bernard Mendy Star Picks in Indian Super League Draft|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/228601-michael-chopra-bernard-mendy-star-picks-in-indian-super-league-draft|accessdate=18 January 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123065558/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/228601-michael-chopra-bernard-mendy-star-picks-in-indian-super-league-draft|archive-date=23 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 ===Signings===
@@ Line 204: / Line 204: @@
 |{{flagicon|ISL}} [[Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja|ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar]]
 |13 August 2014
-|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Football/Indian-Super-League/Interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=20 August 2014}}</ref>
+|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=David James set to have a blast with Sachin Tendulkar in ISL|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Football/Indian-Super-League/Interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=20 August 2014|archive-date=22 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822193515/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/interviews/David-James-set-to-have-a-blast-with-Sachin-Tendulkar-in-ISL/articleshow/40469918.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 |3
@@ Line 211: / Line 211: @@
 |{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]]
 |23 August 2014
-|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Forsyth|first1=Paul|title=Jamie McAllister on career switch to India|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/jamie-mcallister-on-career-switch-to-india-1-3633812|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Scotsman|date=14 December 2014}}</ref>
+|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Forsyth|first1=Paul|title=Jamie McAllister on career switch to India|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/jamie-mcallister-on-career-switch-to-india-1-3633812|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Scotsman|date=14 December 2014|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702132558/https://www.scotsman.com/regions/jamie-mcallister-career-switch-india-2474756|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 |18
@@ Line 218: / Line 218: @@
 |{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mohammedan S.C. (Kolkata)|Mohammedan]]
 |1 September 2014
-|<ref name="Penn Andrew">{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Abhishek|title=Committed to Kerala Blasters, says David James|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-blasters-indian-super-league-david-james/1/380412.html|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=India Today|date=2 September 2014}}</ref>
+|<ref name="Penn Andrew">{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Abhishek|title=Committed to Kerala Blasters, says David James|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-blasters-indian-super-league-david-james/1/380412.html|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=India Today|date=2 September 2014|archive-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030201051/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-blasters-indian-super-league-david-james/1/380412.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 |27
@@ Line 232: / Line 232: @@
 |{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
 |1 September 2014
-|<ref>{{cite news|title=Motherwell: Stephen Pearson returns to Fir Park|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30889543|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=BBC|date=19 January 2015}}</ref>
+|<ref>{{cite news|title=Motherwell: Stephen Pearson returns to Fir Park|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30889543|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=BBC|date=19 January 2015|archive-date=6 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406145623/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30889543|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 |32
@@ Line 239: / Line 239: @@
 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Charleston Battery]]
 |4 September 2014
-|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Andrew|title=Charleston Battery's Colin Falvey is loaned to club for India|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140904/PC20/140909702|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Post and Courier|date=4 September 2014}}</ref>
+|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Andrew|title=Charleston Battery's Colin Falvey is loaned to club for India|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140904/PC20/140909702|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Post and Courier|date=4 September 2014|archive-date=8 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008182438/http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140904/PC20/140909702|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |-
 |29
@@ Line 253: / Line 253: @@
 |{{flagicon|IND}} Central Excise
 |27 September 2014
-|<ref>{{cite news|last1=KH|first1=Krishnakumar|title=Blasters' Talent Spotters Unearth a Local Gem|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Blasters-Talent-Spotters-Unearth-a-Local-Gem/2014/09/30/article2455606.ece|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=New Indian Express|date=30 September 2014}}</ref>
+|<ref>{{cite news|last1=KH|first1=Krishnakumar|title=Blasters' Talent Spotters Unearth a Local Gem|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Blasters-Talent-Spotters-Unearth-a-Local-Gem/2014/09/30/article2455606.ece|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=New Indian Express|date=30 September 2014|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202105328/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Blasters-Talent-Spotters-Unearth-a-Local-Gem/2014/09/30/article2455606.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |}
@@ Line 397: / Line 397: @@
 {{main|2014 Indian Super League season}}
-The Kerala Blasters began their first ever season away from home against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] on 13 October. A goal from [[Koke (footballer, born 1983)|Koke]] lead to the Blasters losing that match 1–0 to open the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: NorthEast United FC beat Kerala Blasters 1-0|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-FC-beat-Kerala-Blasters-1-0/articleshow/44805322.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=13 October 2014}}</ref> Their second match was no better as the Kerala Blasters lost their second match of the season to [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]] 2–1. Despite [[Canada men's national soccer team|Canadian international]] [[Iain Hume]] scoring the first goal in Blasters history, Chennaiyin managed to grab the victory through goals from [[Elano]] and [[Bernard Mendy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennaiyin FC beat Kerala Blasters 2-1|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/liveblog/44899660.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=21 October 2014}}</ref> The winless streak continued for the Kerala Blasters as they headed into their third match against [[Atlético de Kolkata]]. An equalizer from Iain Hume meant that the Blasters managed to draw the match 1–1 and thus earn their first ever point.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters FC earn first point with draw|url=http://www.indiansuperleague.com/kerala-blasters-fc/news/803-atletico-de-kolkata-and-kerala-blasters-fc-play-out-hard-fought-draw|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Indian Super League|date=26 October 2014}}</ref> The draw helped propel the momentum for the Kerala Blasters as they ended their first month of competitive football with their first ever victory against [[FC Pune City|Pune City]]. The Blasters fell behind in the match early through a [[David Trezeguet]] goal in the 15th minute but [[Chinadorai Sabeeth]] managed to level the score in the 41st minute, becoming the first Indian player to score for the team ever. It was then [[Penn Orji]] who scored the winning goal in the 65th minute as the Kerala Blasters won 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=FC Pune City 1-2 Kerala Blasters: James' side picks their first win|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/pune-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931487/report|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=30 October 2014}}</ref>
+The Kerala Blasters began their first ever season away from home against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] on 13 October. A goal from [[Koke (footballer, born 1983)|Koke]] lead to the Blasters losing that match 1–0 to open the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: NorthEast United FC beat Kerala Blasters 1-0|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-FC-beat-Kerala-Blasters-1-0/articleshow/44805322.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=13 October 2014|archive-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015173608/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-FC-beat-Kerala-Blasters-1-0/articleshow/44805322.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Their second match was no better as the Kerala Blasters lost their second match of the season to [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]] 2–1. Despite [[Canada men's national soccer team|Canadian international]] [[Iain Hume]] scoring the first goal in Blasters history, Chennaiyin managed to grab the victory through goals from [[Elano]] and [[Bernard Mendy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennaiyin FC beat Kerala Blasters 2-1|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/liveblog/44899660.cms|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=21 October 2014|archive-date=23 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023182741/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/liveblog/44899660.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The winless streak continued for the Kerala Blasters as they headed into their third match against [[Atlético de Kolkata]]. An equalizer from Iain Hume meant that the Blasters managed to draw the match 1–1 and thus earn their first ever point.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters FC earn first point with draw|url=http://www.indiansuperleague.com/kerala-blasters-fc/news/803-atletico-de-kolkata-and-kerala-blasters-fc-play-out-hard-fought-draw|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Indian Super League|date=26 October 2014|archive-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103030750/http://www.indiansuperleague.com/kerala-blasters-fc/news/803-atletico-de-kolkata-and-kerala-blasters-fc-play-out-hard-fought-draw|url-status=live}}</ref> The draw helped propel the momentum for the Kerala Blasters as they ended their first month of competitive football with their first ever victory against [[FC Pune City|Pune City]]. The Blasters fell behind in the match early through a [[David Trezeguet]] goal in the 15th minute but [[Chinadorai Sabeeth]] managed to level the score in the 41st minute, becoming the first Indian player to score for the team ever. It was then [[Penn Orji]] who scored the winning goal in the 65th minute as the Kerala Blasters won 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=FC Pune City 1-2 Kerala Blasters: James' side picks their first win|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/pune-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931487/report|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=30 October 2014|archive-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103114453/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/pune-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931487/report|url-status=live}}</ref>
-The team then began what would be a long month of November for the team as they would have to play eight matches. Their first match came on 2 November against [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]] in [[Mumbai]]. The Blasters fell in the match 1–0 after [[Nicolas Anelka]] scored for Mumbai City from a free-kick.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Netto|first1=Brandon|title=Mumbai City 1-0 Kerala Blasters: It’s Anelka show at DY Patil|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/mumbai-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931505/report|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=2 November 2014}}</ref> The team then returned to Kerala to play their first home game of the season of a three-game home stand against [[FC Goa]] on 6 November. After a goalless first half, it was [[Milagres Gonsalves]] who came up with the winning goal for the Kerala Blasters in the 64th minute as the Blasters won 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters FC Edge Past FC Goa 1-0|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/232645-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-edge-past-fc-goa-1-0|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=7 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120061050/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/232645-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-edge-past-fc-goa-1-0|archive-date=20 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the opening home victory, the Kerala Blasters were unable to do more than achieve 0–0 in their next two matches against the [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]] and Mumbai City respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chandra|first1=Shikharr|title=Kerala Blasters 0-0 Delhi Dynamos: Harm van Veldhoven sent off in a game of missed chances|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-delhi-dynamos/1931519/report|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=9 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC settle for 0-0 draw|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/Kerala-Blasters-Mumbai-City-FC-settle-for-0-0-draw/articleshow/45126553.cms|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Times of India|date=12 November 2014}}</ref>
+The team then began what would be a long month of November for the team as they would have to play eight matches. Their first match came on 2 November against [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]] in [[Mumbai]]. The Blasters fell in the match 1–0 after [[Nicolas Anelka]] scored for Mumbai City from a free-kick.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Netto|first1=Brandon|title=Mumbai City 1-0 Kerala Blasters: It’s Anelka show at DY Patil|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/mumbai-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931505/report|accessdate=12 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=2 November 2014|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102115859/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/mumbai-city-vs-kerala-blasters/1931505/report|url-status=live}}</ref> The team then returned to Kerala to play their first home game of the season of a three-game home stand against [[FC Goa]] on 6 November. After a goalless first half, it was [[Milagres Gonsalves]] who came up with the winning goal for the Kerala Blasters in the 64th minute as the Blasters won 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters FC Edge Past FC Goa 1-0|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/232645-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-edge-past-fc-goa-1-0|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=7 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120061050/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/232645-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-edge-past-fc-goa-1-0|archive-date=20 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the opening home victory, the Kerala Blasters were unable to do more than achieve 0–0 in their next two matches against the [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]] and Mumbai City respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chandra|first1=Shikharr|title=Kerala Blasters 0-0 Delhi Dynamos: Harm van Veldhoven sent off in a game of missed chances|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-delhi-dynamos/1931519/report|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=9 November 2014|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035220/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-delhi-dynamos/1931519/report|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC Settle for Goalless draw {{!}} Football News|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/isl-kerala-blasters-mumbai-city-fc-settle-for-goalless-draw-1509749|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702132938/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/isl-kerala-blasters-mumbai-city-fc-settle-for-goalless-draw-1509749|archive-date=2021-07-02|access-date=2021-07-02|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en}}</ref>
-After their three-match home stand, the Kerala Blasters returned to the road as the took on the Delhi Dynamos in Delhi. A 61st-minute goal from [[Penn Orji]] was enough as the Blasters won the away tie 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Delhi Dynamos' Listless Show Continues, Lose 1-0 to Kerala Blasters|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233159-isl-delhi-dynamos-listless-show-continues-lose-1-0-to-kerala-blasters|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=16 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122153504/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233159-isl-delhi-dynamos-listless-show-continues-lose-1-0-to-kerala-blasters|archive-date=22 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Five days later, the Blasters returned home to take on Atlético de Kolkata. Early goals from Iain Hume and [[Pedro Gusmão]] helped lead the Kerala Blasters to a 2–1 victory of the Kolkata side.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Atletico de Kolkata denied a point as Kerala Blasters win 2-1|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-atletico-de-kolkata-denied-a-point-as-kerala-blasters-win-2-1_1502819.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Zee News|date=21 November 2014}}</ref> The joy from the victory was short-lived though as the Kerala Blasters ended the month losing two matches in a row. Their first defeat occurred away from home to FC Goa on 26 November. A brace from [[Miroslav Slepička]] and another goal from [[André Santos]] lead to the Blasters losing 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: FC Goa demolish Kerala Blasters 3-0|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league-fc-goa-demolish-kerala-blasters-3-0/|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=26 November 2014}}</ref> That defeat was followed with a 1–0 defeat at home to Chennaiyin.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Netto|first1=Brandon|title=Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 Chennaiyin FC: Materazzi's side books a spot in the semis|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1931559/report|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=30 November 2014}}</ref>
+After their three-match home stand, the Kerala Blasters returned to the road as the took on the Delhi Dynamos in Delhi. A 61st-minute goal from [[Penn Orji]] was enough as the Blasters won the away tie 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Delhi Dynamos' Listless Show Continues, Lose 1-0 to Kerala Blasters|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233159-isl-delhi-dynamos-listless-show-continues-lose-1-0-to-kerala-blasters|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=16 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122153504/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233159-isl-delhi-dynamos-listless-show-continues-lose-1-0-to-kerala-blasters|archive-date=22 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Five days later, the Blasters returned home to take on Atlético de Kolkata. Early goals from Iain Hume and [[Pedro Gusmão]] helped lead the Kerala Blasters to a 2–1 victory of the Kolkata side.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Atletico de Kolkata denied a point as Kerala Blasters win 2-1|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-atletico-de-kolkata-denied-a-point-as-kerala-blasters-win-2-1_1502819.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Zee News|date=21 November 2014|archive-date=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930204933/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-atletico-de-kolkata-denied-a-point-as-kerala-blasters-win-2-1_1502819.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The joy from the victory was short-lived though as the Kerala Blasters ended the month losing two matches in a row. Their first defeat occurred away from home to FC Goa on 26 November. A brace from [[Miroslav Slepička]] and another goal from [[André Santos]] lead to the Blasters losing 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: FC Goa demolish Kerala Blasters 3-0|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league-fc-goa-demolish-kerala-blasters-3-0/|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=26 November 2014|archive-date=17 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117033718/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league-fc-goa-demolish-kerala-blasters-3-0/|url-status=live}}</ref> That defeat was followed with a 1–0 defeat at home to Chennaiyin.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Netto|first1=Brandon|title=Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 Chennaiyin FC: Materazzi's side books a spot in the semis|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1931559/report|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=30 November 2014|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306094309/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1931559/report|url-status=live}}</ref>
-With just two matches left before the finals entering December, the Kerala Blasters knew the two matches would be crucial for their season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - NorthEast United FC Preview: Battle of the low scorers|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/preview|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=4 December 2014}}</ref> Their first match occurred on 4 December against NorthEast United. Despite creating many chances upfront, the Blasters were held to a 0–0 result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters 0-0 NorthEast United: Goal-less in Kochi|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=4 December 2014}}</ref> That result meant that the final match of the regular season, at home to Pune City, would prove to be the decider between the two sides to see who qualifies for the finals.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - FC Pune City Preview: Qualification hangs in balance|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/preview|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=8 December 2014}}</ref> Due to a free-kick goal from Iain Hume and a fantastic performance from [[Sandip Nandy]] in goal, the Kerala Blasters came out victorious 1–0 and thus qualified for the finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters 1-0 FC Pune City: Hume sends James' side into the semis|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=9 December 2014}}</ref>
+With just two matches left before the finals entering December, the Kerala Blasters knew the two matches would be crucial for their season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - NorthEast United FC Preview: Battle of the low scorers|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/preview|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=4 December 2014|archive-date=3 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103183955/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/preview|url-status=live}}</ref> Their first match occurred on 4 December against NorthEast United. Despite creating many chances upfront, the Blasters were held to a 0–0 result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters 0-0 NorthEast United: Goal-less in Kochi|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=4 December 2014|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306123822/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united/1931567/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|url-status=live}}</ref> That result meant that the final match of the regular season, at home to Pune City, would prove to be the decider between the two sides to see who qualifies for the finals.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - FC Pune City Preview: Qualification hangs in balance|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/preview|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=8 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229090711/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/preview|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to a free-kick goal from Iain Hume and a fantastic performance from [[Sandip Nandy]] in goal, the Kerala Blasters came out victorious 1–0 and thus qualified for the finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters 1-0 FC Pune City: Hume sends James' side into the semis|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=9 December 2014|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305042544/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-pune-city/1931549/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|url-status=live}}</ref>
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 ===Semi-finals===
-The Kerala Blasters entered the [[2014 Indian Super League finals|finals]] as the fourth seed from the regular season and thus had to face the first seed, [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - Chennaiyin FC Preview: Blasters hope to fulminate Blues' final hopes|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1974051/preview|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=12 December 2014}}</ref> The first leg of the semi-final turned out to be the Blasters' best offensive performance of the season as they came away with the 3–0 advantage. [[Ishfaq Ahmed]] scored the first goal for Kerala in the 27th minute before [[Iain Hume]] doubled the lead in the 29th minute. The match was set to finish 2–0 before [[Sushanth Mathew]] fired home the third goal for the Kerala Blasters.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Harsh|title=Kerala Blasters 3-0 Chennaiyin FC: Ishfaq stars as Blasters produce a stellar display|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1974051/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=13 December 2014}}</ref> Despite having the advantage, the Blasters found themselves giving it away in Chennai. Strikes from [[Mikaël Silvestre]] and [[Jeje Lalpekhlua]], as well as an own goal from [[Sandesh Jhingan]] saw the match end 3–0 to Chennaiyin and thus require extra-time to decide the tie. The match looked set to be going to penalties but it was [[Stephen Pearson]] who broke the deadlock in the 117th minute and send the Kerala Blasters into the final.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters FC beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 on Aggregate to Enter Final|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217021819/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+The Kerala Blasters entered the [[2014 Indian Super League finals|finals]] as the fourth seed from the regular season and thus had to face the first seed, [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jitendran|first1=Nikhil|title=Kerala Blasters - Chennaiyin FC Preview: Blasters hope to fulminate Blues' final hopes|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1974051/preview|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=12 December 2014|archive-date=3 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103183848/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1974051/preview|url-status=live}}</ref> The first leg of the semi-final turned out to be the Blasters' best offensive performance of the season as they came away with the 3–0 advantage. [[Ishfaq Ahmed]] scored the first goal for Kerala in the 27th minute before [[Iain Hume]] doubled the lead in the 29th minute. The match was set to finish 2–0 before [[Sushanth Mathew]] fired home the third goal for the Kerala Blasters.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Harsh|title=Kerala Blasters 3-0 Chennaiyin FC: Ishfaq stars as Blasters produce a stellar display|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc/1974051/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Goal.com|date=13 December 2014|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702132558/https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/kerala-blasters-v-chennaiyin/d9h1c6kr2yng8cu24tukgm1gp|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite having the advantage, the Blasters found themselves giving it away in Chennai. Strikes from [[Mikaël Silvestre]] and [[Jeje Lalpekhlua]], as well as an own goal from [[Sandesh Jhingan]] saw the match end 3–0 to Chennaiyin and thus require extra-time to decide the tie. The match looked set to be going to penalties but it was [[Stephen Pearson]] who broke the deadlock in the 117th minute and send the Kerala Blasters into the final.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters FC beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 on Aggregate to Enter Final|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217021819/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 {{football box collapsible