FA League Cup Returns With Focus on Quarterfinals Qualification

October 14 Matches (Rizal Memorial Stadium):
5:15pm – Stallion v Green Archers United
8:15pm – Loyola Meralco Sparks v Pachanga Diliman

October 14 Matches (Emperador Stadium):
5:15pm – Ceres – La Salle v Manila Jeepney
8:15pm – Forza v Team Socceroo

After an eight-day hiatus to accommodate the international break, the United Football League, the nation’s premier club football competition, returns at a crucial junction in the FA League Cup. With most clubs halfway through their group stage campaigns, the quarterfinals picture is set to take form in the next several days, with teams working hard to finish in the top four of their respective groups.

Former UFL double winners, Stallion, get their campaign back in motion on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, where they take on Green Archers United, a team in desperate need to add to its solitary point after three outings. With Stallion sitting on three points after two games, the pair sit outside of the qualification zone in Group A, just under fourth-placed Manila Jeepney, who boasts a four point total after three games.

While Stallion and Green Archers do battle in the Rizal Stadium, the official football club of Manila simultaneously takes on the mighty Ceres-La Salle at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City. The contest is expected to be an uphill climb for Jeepney, as they take on a Ceres side that has swept its first three hurdles, including the Loyola Meralco Sparks in their last outing.

Loyola’s 1-0 defeat against the Bacolod powerhouse on October 2 was Simon McMenemy’s first loss as head coach of the Sparks. He’ll be looking to bounce back when his side tangles with Pachanga Diliman in the later kickoff at the Rizal Stadium, in a battle of 2nd and 3rd placers in Group A. Both teams have six points after three outings, and will be looking to cement qualification into the quartifinal round with a win on Tuesday night.

The only other match taking place on the evening will be the crunch Group B contest between Forza and Team Socceroo at the Emperador Stadium. Both teams hold four points after four outings, but with Forza sitting in the envied fourth position because of a superior goal difference. Being the only 1st Division club outside of the qualification places in Group B, Socceroo will be more motivated than ever to overcome the formidable Forza.

Visit www.ufl.ph for updates and for the full list of fixtures and results.