No, I played on his console.
Also I don't mean luck as in your definition of "cheap". By luck I mean everybody on my team falls into the lava pits in the lava stage (the most common method of me losing) and then my opponent, with a uncharged shot from a speed character, makes a goal right past the goalie.
Now about your definition of cheap, you have to realize that everything in this game is counterable, from "Daisy Near the Goalie" to Toad Jumping. Plus Toad sucks anyway, he is easily beaten competition-wise by Boo because not only can Boo deke the goalie easier than toad, but his skillshot has SOME use. Teleport past the goalie is a common and counterable tactic, just march up to the opponent and tackle. The most important thing about this game is that you KEEP THE BALL. Never, EVER lose it without a huge fight, and when someone lobs or passes, intercept with the A button. Sometimes it can be worth giving an opponent an item just so you can get the ball.
Also my best rank was when this game was just released in the US, I got to rank 17 iirc. Yeah lol, I stayed at my friend's THAT long... we were totally into the game when it first came out and knew all sorts of tactics.
ps: If you're making the tourney with those rules, count me out... I use "cheap" tactics myself.
pss: My team is Yoshi, Birdo and Boo in front, Dry Bones in back.