By Olmin Leyba
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals team manager Dan Palami yesterday said they have chosen former US skipper and World Cup veteran Thomas Dooley to lead them in the next stages of their mission.
Palami has interviewed five candidates as replacement of dismissed coach Michael Weiss and seemed to be impressed by Dooley the most.
“Very tough selection process, but quite confident that the selection of Thomas Dooley as Azkals coach will bring the team to another level,” Palami said on Twitter.
Social network and online sites went on fire with the announcement of Dooley’s hiring yesterday.
But Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said “there’s nothing official yet.”
“The PFF general secretary will make the official announcement, not any Azkals foundation or anything,” he said.
philstar
31 January 2014
Former US World Cup skipper Thomas Dooley named new coach of PH Azkals
From Karlo Sacamos
THE Philippine Football Federation has found hopefully the right man to guide the men’s national team to greater heights starting in this crucial year.
Thomas Dooley, a German-American mentor and former US national team skipper, has been named the new head coach of the Azkals, beating out five other high-profile candidates for the coveted position.
The development was confirmed by the Azkals’ official Twitter account, @PHI_Azkals, on Friday afternoon, ending weeks of speculation on the replacement of Michael Weiss.
“Very tough selection process, but quite confident that the selection of Thomas Dooley as Azkals coach will bring the team to another level,” Azkals manager Dan Palami posted on his own Twitter account, @dscpalami.
The 52-year-old Dooley has over two decades of playing experience under his belt, with most in the German Bundesliga.
But his most notable stint was with the US national team, for which he appeared in over 80 games and which he captained in the 1998 Fifa World Cup. He was also named US Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1993.
A Uefa-licensed soccer teacher, Dooley, though, last coached more than two years ago, when he was appointed as an assistant for the US national team in a match against Mexico.
He will now lead the Azkals in a series of friendlies, overseas training camps, and their most important tournament yet, the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in May when they vie for the lone ticket to the more prestigious AFC Asian Cup next year.
spin
THE Philippine Football Federation has found hopefully the right man to guide the men’s national team to greater heights starting in this crucial year.
Thomas Dooley, a German-American mentor and former US national team skipper, has been named the new head coach of the Azkals, beating out five other high-profile candidates for the coveted position.
The development was confirmed by the Azkals’ official Twitter account, @PHI_Azkals, on Friday afternoon, ending weeks of speculation on the replacement of Michael Weiss.
“Very tough selection process, but quite confident that the selection of Thomas Dooley as Azkals coach will bring the team to another level,” Azkals manager Dan Palami posted on his own Twitter account, @dscpalami.
The 52-year-old Dooley has over two decades of playing experience under his belt, with most in the German Bundesliga.
But his most notable stint was with the US national team, for which he appeared in over 80 games and which he captained in the 1998 Fifa World Cup. He was also named US Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1993.
A Uefa-licensed soccer teacher, Dooley, though, last coached more than two years ago, when he was appointed as an assistant for the US national team in a match against Mexico.
He will now lead the Azkals in a series of friendlies, overseas training camps, and their most important tournament yet, the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in May when they vie for the lone ticket to the more prestigious AFC Asian Cup next year.
spin
New Azkals coach is ready !
A new head coach for Philippines national team has been chosen , and PFF will annouce the new coach today according to Sun Star
The new head coach is THOMAS DOOLEY according to Guy Pakeman from FIFA Futbol Mundial program. "Hearing that former USA captain Thomas Dooley is the new head coach if the Philippines national team.!
Also Dooley's players from USA have tweeted that Dooley is going to be new coach for AZkals.
Im so sad to say goodbye to one of the best coaches i ever had today, goodluck coaching the Phillippines National Team Thomas Dooley!
I cried today, knowing that our Asst. coach Thomas Dooley is off to better things, coaching the Philippines Men's National Team !
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-dooley/5a/a07/7b0
The new head coach is THOMAS DOOLEY according to Guy Pakeman from FIFA Futbol Mundial program. "Hearing that former USA captain Thomas Dooley is the new head coach if the Philippines national team.!
Also Dooley's players from USA have tweeted that Dooley is going to be new coach for AZkals.
Im so sad to say goodbye to one of the best coaches i ever had today, goodluck coaching the Phillippines National Team Thomas Dooley!
I cried today, knowing that our Asst. coach Thomas Dooley is off to better things, coaching the Philippines Men's National Team !
Men's National Team Head Coach
Philippine Football Federation
January 2014 – Present (1 month) Manila
Head Coach Men's National Team
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-dooley/5a/a07/7b0
30 January 2014
National U eliminates UAAP football title holder Ateneo
ALSO-ran National University dethroned Ateneo, 1-0, in a highly-charged match Thursday in the UAAP Season 76 men’s football tournament at the Far Eastern University-Diliman pitch.
The match ended with both teams left with 10 men as Blue Eagles Lui Clavano and Bulldogs rookie John Nico Macapal were sent off in injury time for their second yellow card. There were eight yellow cards handed out in the hotly-contested duel.
Notching only its second win of the season, NU climbed to 10 points to stay in sixth place.
Skipper Paolo Salenga scored his sixth goal of the season in the 33rd minute for the Bulldogs, who still played aggressively despite being already out of playoff contention.
It was a frustrating result for Ateneo, which entered the game needing to sweep all of its three games and hope fourth-running University of Santo Tomas loses all of its remaining elimination round games to advance to the semifinals.
Instead, the Eagles will miss the Final Four, a year after they made an improbable run at the championship. The Blue Eagles are in last place with six points.
spin
Resolute Socceroo breaks top-tier duck by pouncing on 10-man Pasargad
From Karlo Sacamos
SOCCEROO’S perseverance finally paid off on Thursday when it registered its breakthrough victory in Division 1 of the United Football League following a 1-0 decision of an undermanned Pasargad at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
Living up to its “Plenus Pectus” motto, which means “full heart” in Latin, the newly promoted squad displayed the character to survive in the top flight as it got rewarded with a late goal from Jeong Woo Lee to break its duck after four starts.
The 2013 Division 2 champions thus moved two places up from the bottom of the nine-team standings to seventh place while relegating their victims to the cellar with their third loss in four games.
“It feels really good to get our first win. It was all or nothing,” Socceroo assistant coach Rodrigo Davalos said. “We knew if we stayed patient it would come.”
Inspired by a 1-1 draw against defending champion Stallion last time out, the Korean-loaded squad held Pasargad scoreless throughout the match.
Socceroo also took advantage of an Iranian-filled side that went a man down with still over 30 minutes remaining after Steve Minyem was ejected for getting booked a second yellow card in the 59th minute.
Just as the game seemed ready to end in a draw, Jeong, the 2013 Division 2 Golden Boot winner with 14 goals to show, flashed some individual brilliance from near the left corner to hack out the lone goal two minutes into stoppage time.
spin
29 January 2014
Pachanga battles Army, guns for solo second spot
By Karlo Sacamos
A WELL-rested Pachanga-PLDT Home Fibr aims to stay within striking distance of leader Loyola Meralco as it squares off with Philippine Army on Thursday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
With 12 points in four games, the unbeaten Sparks are starting to pull away from the field, but Pachanga tries to prevent that as it takes the field at 7:30 p.m. against a reinforced Troopers side that joined forces with the General Trias International team featuring several Korean players.
A victory for Pachanga will be its third in four games and will increase its point total to nine points, putting the former Division 2 champions in second place ahead of Kaya based on goal difference.
Pachanga is coming off a nine-day break, which coach Noel Marcaida’s wards used to work on an offense that left much to be desired despite its 1-0 win over defending champion Stallion two Tuesdays ago.
“Kailangan namin i-improve yung fluidity ng attack,” said Marcaida, who will continue to count on Nate Burkey, the goalscorer in the Stallion match, Ariel Zerrudo, and Reza Amirkhizan, among others.
Homegrown Filipinos Ed Sacapaño and Boogie Margarse, aside from the Korean standouts, banner the Troopers, who rallied to force Green Archers United to a 2-2 draw last time.
Socceroo hopes to ride the momentum of a notable result last time as it faces Pasargad in the curtain-raiser at 5:15 p.m.
The Division 1 rookies held Stallion to a 1-1 draw last time for its point in the top flight after starting the league at the cellar with three losses. And they hope for a triumph this time against the Iranian-laden Pasargad, which is in eighth place with also a point to show.
spin
Azkals preparations for AFC Challenge Cup
FEBRUARY
Azkals is scheduled to play a charity match for Yolanda victims against a Asean All Stars team in Bacolod in February. No date yet because there has been a conflict of schedule with Panaad Stadium. PFF may make a decision this week.
AFC Challenge Cup draw will be in Maldives
MARCH
Azkals will be playing away against Malaysia on March 1. The squad for this friendly will be mostly locally based players.
A friendly on FIFA match day March 5 is not yet confirmed. Earlier reports was that Azkals was going to play Azerbaijan in Dubai . This is the only match day were the best foreign based players can play before AFC Challenge Cup.
APRIL
Azkals is scheduled to play a 4-nations tournament in Pakistan in April with Pakistan , Afghanistan and Palestine. Doubtful if all teams will join this tournament especially if they are drawn in same group in AFC Challenge Cup.
Also plans for a European training camp in April , but also doubtful if Azkals go to Pakistan.
Training camps and friendlies except on March 5 will be in conflict with the match schedule in UFL.
MAY
AFC Challenge Cup is scheduled to start on May 19.
New head coach :
A new head coach for Azkals is expected to be announced not later than next week.
Azkals is scheduled to play a charity match for Yolanda victims against a Asean All Stars team in Bacolod in February. No date yet because there has been a conflict of schedule with Panaad Stadium. PFF may make a decision this week.
AFC Challenge Cup draw will be in Maldives
MARCH
Azkals will be playing away against Malaysia on March 1. The squad for this friendly will be mostly locally based players.
A friendly on FIFA match day March 5 is not yet confirmed. Earlier reports was that Azkals was going to play Azerbaijan in Dubai . This is the only match day were the best foreign based players can play before AFC Challenge Cup.
APRIL
Azkals is scheduled to play a 4-nations tournament in Pakistan in April with Pakistan , Afghanistan and Palestine. Doubtful if all teams will join this tournament especially if they are drawn in same group in AFC Challenge Cup.
Also plans for a European training camp in April , but also doubtful if Azkals go to Pakistan.
Training camps and friendlies except on March 5 will be in conflict with the match schedule in UFL.
MAY
AFC Challenge Cup is scheduled to start on May 19.
New head coach :
A new head coach for Azkals is expected to be announced not later than next week.
204 teams confirmed in 1st Ceres FC bootfest
By Jerome Galunan Jr.
A total of 204 teams from different football clubs in the country will converge in Bacolod City for the staging of the inaugural 1st Ceres FC Friendship 7-A-Side Football Festival on February 1, 2014.
This was disclosed yesterday by Match Commissioner Warren Concepcion, who revealed that more than 2,000 footballers and hundreds of parents are expected to join and witness, respectively, the one-day football festivity.
Playing venues for this event are the Ceres FC North Football Field, Ceres FC Football Field-Mandalagan and St. John’s Institute Explorer School Football Field.
Tournament Vice Chairman Nicolas Golez said the festival is a vision of Ceres FC Manager Leo Rey Yanson, which is aimed at providing football enthusiasts the opportunity to foster and exhibit sportsmanship in a competitive, safe, and friendly environment. It seeks to encourage and promote football development in Negros Occidental, Golez added.
The assembly will be a common ground for gathering all passionate football players, for them to gain knowledge and respect for each other by setting aside prejudice towards differences and replace it with by friendship and camaraderie, organizers said.
The festival, organized in coordination with the Negros Occidental Football Association and the Philippine Football Federation, will feature 10 age-groups – boys/girls or mixed, born 2006 and after; boys/girls or mixed, born 2004 and after; boys born 2002 and after; boys born 2000 and after; boys born 1998 and after; boys born 1996 and after; girls born 2000 and after; men born 1976 and before; ladies open; and men’s open.
Led by Yanson as overall chairman, the organizing committee of the festival is composed of Golez as vice chairman; Warren Concepcion, competitions director and match commissioner; Augustine Rivas, head of officials; Dennis Estaniel, referees assessor; and Norman Fegidero, head of the control and disciplinary committee./
WDJ link
28 January 2014
Stallions pounce on uncharacteristic Kaya error for breakthrough UFL win
From Karlo Sacamos
DEFENDING champion Stallion FC cashed in on an uncharacteristic early miscue by Kaya FC to hack out a 1-0 breakthrough victory in the United Football League on Tuesday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
After Kaya gifted them with an own goal 36 minutes into the game courtesy of Andrew Liauw, the Stallions showed enough resolve on defense in the second half to hold off their opponents and register the confidence-boosting win, their first in three games.
The Stallions, who hiked their point total to five points to move two places up in the standings to fifth place, dealt Kaya its second loss in four games and stayed provisionally in second spot.
“It’s very relieving,” Stallions coach Ernie Nierras said. “I’ll take the win. We’ll take it any way we can get it.”
“For whatever reason, they always bring out the best in us. Hopefully we’ll carry this over,” added the outspoken coach, whose team is in the midst of a tough schedule that will see it take on league-leading Loyola Meralco next.
Kaya controlled possession in the second half in an effort to overhaul the early error, but Ken Daniels and Miguel Tanton missed their share of attempts.
Nierras deployed Ousseynou Diop and Milan Arends in the midfield to disrupt the distribution of Chris Greatwich.
Stallions goalkeeper Pedro Marenco was booked for a yellow card for seemingly delaying the game when Kaya was on a last-gasp rally.
But the Spaniard was subbed to homegrown veteran Wilson Muñoz a few moments later as he appeared to injure his left shoulder.
“I guess some of the guys were upset because they thought he was faking it, but I’m not gonna sub a keeper and he’s never gonna want out just to waste time,” Nierras stressed.
spin
Sparks fly as sleek passing game pays dividends in three-goal romp vs Archers
By Karlo Sacamos
SPREADING the wealth once again, Loyola Meralco blanked Green Archers United, 3-0, on Tuesday night to sustain its scorching start in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill
The Sparks displayed another clinical passing game as they remained unbeaten after four starts and remained firmly on top of the nine-team standings with 12 points.
Phil Younghusband, Matthew Hartmann, and Jake Morallo scored one goal apiece — all from assists — for the Sparks, who kept the Archers winless with their first loss against three draws.
“We are the habits we create,” Sparks coach Vince Santos said. “Every training session we work on our (passing game). Possession for us is not just possession to keep the ball. It’s possession really to look for opportunity on goal.
“That’s the result of what we’ve been doing in training ever since."
Younghusband, who wore the captain’s armband anew with brother and skipper James out with an ankle injury, unlocked the Archers defense 16 minutes into the game when he scored off a Boyet Cañedo pass, before Hartmann doubled the lead off a Lee Joo Young through pass in the 35th minute.
Underscoring the Sparks’ slick passing game, Morallo punctuated the Sparks onslaught by scoring in the 90th minute in an offensive sequence that took all of 13 passes to complete.
The match, however, was again marred by a questionable non-call midway through the second half when Sparks defender Joaco Cañas clearly committed a handball that denied the Archers’ Robert Mendy a goal.
“It was really fast. I think my hand was beside me, but it was not like I extended it,” the Spanish center-back said.
His coach later defended Canas.
“Sometimes you try to make yourself as big as possible to protect goals and in the last minute you may do some movements, but I don’t think Joaco is the type of guy who would deliberately stick his hand to win the ball,” Santos defended.
27 January 2014
UFL on Aksyon Tv - Loyola aims to keep hot start going against Green Archers ; Stallion , Kaya clash
Karl Decena, InterAksyon.com
The Loyola Meralco Sparks look to continue their hot start as they take on Green Archers United Globe in United Football League action Tuesday at the Emperador Stadium.
Loyola will tangle with Green Archers at 5 p.m. followed by the nightcap between defending champion Stallion Gilligan’s and Kaya FC at 7:30 p.m. Both matches will be aired live on AksyonTV, the sports and news-related channel of TV5.
The Sparks are aiming to notch their fourth straight victory to tighten their grip of the lead in the table. They are currently dominating the competition, scoring 13 goals and giving up only one in their first three matches.
Green Archers is hoping to finally nail a victory after settling for three straight draws to start the season.
In the second match, Stallion also aims to grab its first triumph of the season as it battles Kaya.
Defending champion Stallion is on a slump, with two draws and one loss in its record.
Kaya is targeting to get its third victory of the season to improve its card of two wins and one loss.
Interaksyon
The Loyola Meralco Sparks look to continue their hot start as they take on Green Archers United Globe in United Football League action Tuesday at the Emperador Stadium.
Loyola will tangle with Green Archers at 5 p.m. followed by the nightcap between defending champion Stallion Gilligan’s and Kaya FC at 7:30 p.m. Both matches will be aired live on AksyonTV, the sports and news-related channel of TV5.
The Sparks are aiming to notch their fourth straight victory to tighten their grip of the lead in the table. They are currently dominating the competition, scoring 13 goals and giving up only one in their first three matches.
Green Archers is hoping to finally nail a victory after settling for three straight draws to start the season.
In the second match, Stallion also aims to grab its first triumph of the season as it battles Kaya.
Defending champion Stallion is on a slump, with two draws and one loss in its record.
Kaya is targeting to get its third victory of the season to improve its card of two wins and one loss.
Interaksyon
Global FC's Fil-Am recruit Pettys sets his sights on place in Azkals lineup
From Karlo Sacamos
THERE are a handful of overseas-raised Filipinos who have recently moved to the Philippines to showcase their talent starting in the United Football League.
And one booter who has quickly made his presence felt is Charles Pettys, a Filipino-American defender who is among Global’s prized acquisitions this year.
An Ohio native who traces his Filipino roots to Cebu, Pettys first tried out for defending champion Stallion a few months ago, but ended up signing with Global.
In just his second game for the former UFL champions, the 23-year-old right-back scored for the squad in its 2-1 victory over Kaya for its maiden victory in the league this season.
With a shortage of legitimate right-backs, the Philippine men’s football team can sure use the services of the 5-foot-11 Pettys, who didn’t hide his intention to be an Azkal someday.
“Of course, I want to play for the country. That’s why I’m here.”
Right-back has been a problematic position for the national team, with the versatile Carli de Murga and veteran Ray Jonsson unavailable for crucial Azkals matches last year.
Homegrown Jerry Barbaso got the start several times, while even natural midfielders James Younghusband and Manny Ott were tapped to man the position but looked out of place.
Now the Azkals could have a new option in Pettys, who scored a header off a Misagh Bahadoran cross in the Kaya game.
“I play defense, but I also like to attack,” said the right-back, who played for University of Kentucky in college.
For now, he’s enjoying his stay in the country.
“It’s been a dream come true to play here.”
spin
Boracay Beach Football : Sama Sama Cup in MAy
Now accepting Teams for Men's and Women's Open (Over 16's)
Interested teams should email sscup3@gmail.com or text 0905 357 5847. Limited space available
26 January 2014
UFL Div 2 - Sunday - Results and Standings
UFL Div 2 - Sunday
1.45 pm Dolphins 2-1 Forza
Goal scorers: DUFC- Enow Lewis 37' Jerome Cuyos 88' Forza- Mahamadou Sissako 29'
4 pm Navy 1-5 Union Int Manila
FT- PNFC 1-5 UIMFC Goal scorers: PNFC- Mohamed Diallo 17' UIM- Shayan Jafari 21' Curt Dizon 27' 44' 79' Rafael Castro 69'
6 pm Ceres 1-1 Air Force
Goal scorer: Ceres- Jayson Panhay 69' PAF- Ian Araneta 43'
8.30 pm Manila All-Japan 3-2 Nomads
MAJ- Chichiro Noda 15' Genki Nakamura 18' 80' Nomads- Loic Toullec 24' Ahmed Hwedi 51
STANDINGS AFTER SUNDAY'S MATCHES
1.45 pm Dolphins 2-1 Forza
Goal scorers: DUFC- Enow Lewis 37' Jerome Cuyos 88' Forza- Mahamadou Sissako 29'
4 pm Navy 1-5 Union Int Manila
FT- PNFC 1-5 UIMFC Goal scorers: PNFC- Mohamed Diallo 17' UIM- Shayan Jafari 21' Curt Dizon 27' 44' 79' Rafael Castro 69'
6 pm Ceres 1-1 Air Force
Goal scorer: Ceres- Jayson Panhay 69' PAF- Ian Araneta 43'
8.30 pm Manila All-Japan 3-2 Nomads
MAJ- Chichiro Noda 15' Genki Nakamura 18' 80' Nomads- Loic Toullec 24' Ahmed Hwedi 51
STANDINGS AFTER SUNDAY'S MATCHES
| 1 | • | Manila Jeepney FC | 3 | 9 |
| 2 | • | Airforce fc | 3 | 7 |
| 3 | • | Nomads | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | • | Agila | 3 | 6 |
| 5 | • | Ceres | 2 | 4 |
| 6 | ↑ | Union Internacional Manila | 2 | 3 |
| 7 | ↓ | Forza | 3 | 3 |
| 8 | ↓ | Laos | 3 | 3 |
| 9 | ↑ | Manila All-Japan | 3 | 3 |
| 10 | ↑ | Dolphins United | 3 | 3 |
| 11 | ↓ | Cimarron | 3 | 3 |
| 12 | • | Navy | 3 | 0 |
25 January 2014
Zamboanga - Football for Peace Festival
The PMC Football For Peace and Zamboanga Football Association will conduct the
Football for Peace Festival on February 15-16, 2014 at EAAB Football Field, Football Grounds, Zamboanga City.
Categories:
Under 10 - Born January 2004: 5-aside mixed category...
Under 12 - Born January 2002: 7-aside boys
Under 16 - Born January 1998: 7-aside males (note: 2 open players allowed per team)
No registration fee. Participating teams will include teams from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Cotabato.
All interested teams kindly inform us ASAP.
Point of Contact is LT Ryan Gandeza - 09166649549
Football for Peace Festival on February 15-16, 2014 at EAAB Football Field, Football Grounds, Zamboanga City.
Categories:
Under 10 - Born January 2004: 5-aside mixed category...
Under 12 - Born January 2002: 7-aside boys
Under 16 - Born January 1998: 7-aside males (note: 2 open players allowed per team)
No registration fee. Participating teams will include teams from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Cotabato.
All interested teams kindly inform us ASAP.
Point of Contact is LT Ryan Gandeza - 09166649549
Revamp of AFC Competitions
Muscat: In order to provide more number of international matches to Member Associations, the AFC Competitions Committee has decided to revamp the confederation’s national team competitions.
The committee, which met on the sidelines of the AFC U-22 Championship on Saturday, also decided to simplify the assessment criteria for participation in AFC club competitions.
Addressing the committee members, AFC President Shaikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa urged the Member Associations to adhere the changes that are proposed in the meeting.
“Competitions are the main products of AFC and I am happy that it is in the good hands,” said AFC President.
“We must market our product and generate income to sustain football across the continent.
“I am sure that the changes that happen will have big impact in Asian football and will benefit our Member Associations,” he added.
Under the new format, Asia’s showpiece event – AFC Asian Cup – will have 24 teams in the tournament proper instead of 16. The 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, to be held in Maldives in May this year, will be the last edition of this competition.
Furthermore, the qualification rounds for FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers will be merged for the preliminary round. Depending on the number of entries, the Member Associations will be divided into eight groups after preliminary stages. The eight group winners and four second best teams will qualify for the FIFA World Cup final round of qualifiers and also the AFC Asian Cup finals. Presently, only ten teams battle it out in the final round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The second and third-placed teams from the preliminary qualification round (24 teams) will compete for the remaining slots in the AFC Asian Cup finals in six groups of four teams each.
The final round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers will be separated.
Looking at the growing interest of MAs to participate in the next tier of AFC’s club competitions, the assessment criteria has been simplified.
The committee decided to rank the Member Associations based on their national teams and clubs’ performance over last four years in AFC competitions. Thirty per cent of points will be allocated for national teams’ performances while seventy per cent for the clubs’ showings.
Upon confirmation of the rankings, the MAs ranked 1 to 24 will be eligible to receive direct slots in the AFC Champions League. Apart from being in the top 24, the MAs will have fulfil club licensing criteria, have integrity programmes within the MA, organisation of professional league and its governance, facilities as required in the regulations and sound supporting system for logistical matters.
The MAs ranked 25 to 32 will be eligible to participate in AFC Cup group stage while MAs ranked 33 to 47 will be provided with an opportunity to play in AFC Cup playoff stage.
The assessment will be carried out in 2014 and will be applied for 2015 and 2016 while the assessment of 2016 will be applied for 2017 to 2020.
The meeting was chaired by the AFC Competitions Committee chairman and the President of United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) Yousuf Al Serkal. All decisions of this committee need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee to take effect.
afc.com
Socceroo holds defending champion Stallion to draw
by Karlo Sacamos
SOCCEROO came up with a huge surprise after starting its maiden Division 1 campaign in the United Football League with three losses, finally barging into the scoring table by holding titleholder Stallion to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
The 2013 Division 2 champions recorded its first point, scoring an equalizer just minutes after falling behind by a goal.
It wasn’t a victory, but it was positive development nonetheless for Socceroo, which has had a reality check in the top flight after going undefeated in 16 games in Division 2 last year.
“They played with a big heart, showed real confidence,” Socceroo coach Kleng Cacacho said. “It’s like an airplane: we’re on the runway, but we’re on the way up now.”
Socceroo, which stayed at the bottom of the standings , dealt the seventh-running Stallions their second draw against one loss for two points.
Napolean Bustillo gave the Stallions the early lead with a conversion 26 minutes into the game, before Ikechukwu Duruachazie knotted the count eight minutes later for Socceroo.
24 January 2014
UFL Saturday
UFL SATURDAY
DIV 2 :
1.45 pm Cimarron Fc 1-3 Laos Fc
Cimarron Starting XI: Francisco, Jaucian, Leung, Liza, Mercader, Misa, Roy, Rubio, Santos, Vitriolo & Yosse
Laos starting Xi : Starting XI: Atienza, Buenaflor, Elhabbib, Garmaroudi, Ghasemi, Guisso, Gumela, Lear, Maravilla, Toure & Villaespin
Goal Scorers:
Abou Toure - 19' (PK), 74' Laos Eric Yosse - 58' (PK) Diliman Mohamad Ghasemi - 76' Laos
4 pm Manila Jeepney 3-1 Agila
Manila Jeepney Starting XI: Atayde, Conmigo, Coulibaly, Enrile, Iliff, Kouassi, Lagrimas, Ndem A Kiyeck, Safarian, Valeroso & Villon
Agila Starting XI: Bakare, Bardaje, Dela Cruz, Poli, Tunde, Ugedi, Vagbe, Versario, Abad, Diarra & Raies
Goal Scorers: Guy Herve Ndem A Kiyeck - 43' Mark Alvin Valeroso - 61' & 93' Philip Zemen - 92'
DIV 1:
6.15 pm Team Socceroo 1-1 Stallion Fc
Team Socceroo Starting XI: Amistoso, Beleu-Ebi Timi, Cabaniero, Duruachazie, Khodarahmi, Lee, Montelibano, Muroaka, Park, Pinga & Talaroc
Stallion Starting XI: Arend, Basa, Bustillo, Clarino, Diop, Doroudian, Hajimahdi, Italia, Lozano, Marenco & Rota
Goal Scorers: Napoleon Bustillo - 26' (Stallion) Ikechukwu Duruachazie - 34'(Socceroo)
8.30 pm Pasargad Fc 0-4 Loyola Meralco Sparks Fc
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC Starting XI: Bonney,Cañas,Cañedo,Elnar,Fadrigalan,S. Greatwich,Hartmann,LY Lee,WH Lee,Sampana & Phil Younghusband
Pasargad FC Starting XI: Ahmed, Blanchard, Del Castillo, J. Delos Reyes, Elhabib, Mendiola, Ogochukwu, Taher, Ujam, Weidmar and Pierson
Goal Scorers: #10 Phil Younghusband - 7', 45' #14 Simon Greatwich - 11' 90'
DIV 2 :
1.45 pm Cimarron Fc 1-3 Laos Fc
Cimarron Starting XI: Francisco, Jaucian, Leung, Liza, Mercader, Misa, Roy, Rubio, Santos, Vitriolo & Yosse
Laos starting Xi : Starting XI: Atienza, Buenaflor, Elhabbib, Garmaroudi, Ghasemi, Guisso, Gumela, Lear, Maravilla, Toure & Villaespin
Goal Scorers:
Abou Toure - 19' (PK), 74' Laos Eric Yosse - 58' (PK) Diliman Mohamad Ghasemi - 76' Laos
4 pm Manila Jeepney 3-1 Agila
Manila Jeepney Starting XI: Atayde, Conmigo, Coulibaly, Enrile, Iliff, Kouassi, Lagrimas, Ndem A Kiyeck, Safarian, Valeroso & Villon
Agila Starting XI: Bakare, Bardaje, Dela Cruz, Poli, Tunde, Ugedi, Vagbe, Versario, Abad, Diarra & Raies
Goal Scorers: Guy Herve Ndem A Kiyeck - 43' Mark Alvin Valeroso - 61' & 93' Philip Zemen - 92'
DIV 1:
6.15 pm Team Socceroo 1-1 Stallion Fc
Team Socceroo Starting XI: Amistoso, Beleu-Ebi Timi, Cabaniero, Duruachazie, Khodarahmi, Lee, Montelibano, Muroaka, Park, Pinga & Talaroc
Stallion Starting XI: Arend, Basa, Bustillo, Clarino, Diop, Doroudian, Hajimahdi, Italia, Lozano, Marenco & Rota
Goal Scorers: Napoleon Bustillo - 26' (Stallion) Ikechukwu Duruachazie - 34'(Socceroo)
8.30 pm Pasargad Fc 0-4 Loyola Meralco Sparks Fc
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC Starting XI: Bonney,Cañas,Cañedo,Elnar,Fadrigalan,S. Greatwich,Hartmann,LY Lee,WH Lee,Sampana & Phil Younghusband
Pasargad FC Starting XI: Ahmed, Blanchard, Del Castillo, J. Delos Reyes, Elhabib, Mendiola, Ogochukwu, Taher, Ujam, Weidmar and Pierson
Goal Scorers: #10 Phil Younghusband - 7', 45' #14 Simon Greatwich - 11' 90'
Unbeaten Meralco Sparks proud to be winning with defense for a change
Loyola Meralco hopes to continue brandishing its vastly improved defense when it tangles with Pasargad on Saturday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
The unbeaten Sparks, who have conceded the least goals among the nine Division 1 teams with only one so far in the tournament, hope to tighten their grip of the top spot as they take on a Pasargad side laden with Iranians and Africans at 8:30 p.m.
Just an offensive powerhouse in the past, the Sparks showed marked improvement on defense in their breakthrough title run in the UFL Cup, where they only allowed two goals — while scoring a whopping 78 — in eight games.
The arrival of goalkeeper Baba Sampana, and center-backs Sam Bonney and Joaco Cañas can be credited for the defensive progress as the Sparks have boosted the back four that also has Roxy Dorlas and Alexandro Elnar.
But the title contenders have also their scorers and facilitators to thank for keeping a nearly flawless sheet in their first two victories.
“We’re doing well not just in the backline. I’m very happy with how our strikers and midfielders are joining in the pressing,” said Sparks coach Vince Santos, whose wards hammered Philippine Army, 5-1, last time.
“Maybe the backline is keeping it tidy in the back, but winning the ball early up on the pitch and just disrupting how the other team is conducting its offense gives them less opportunity to score.”
"So it’s a whole team effort. Everyone is defending,” added the former national player as his squad faces a Pasargad side that is running eighth in the nine-team standings with a draw and a loss to show.
Striker Phil Younghusband continues to lead the squad in the absence of older brother and skipper James Younghusband, who remains doubtful with a sprained left ankle.
While the Sparks have been undefeated, top-flight new boy Socceroo has been winless in its first three games and the 2013 Division 2 titlist is hoping for a change of fortune in its game against defending champion Stallion earlier at 6:15 p.m.
spin
23 January 2014
Kaya flaunts offensive might in rout of Socceroo
By Karlo Sacamos
KAYA FC flaunted its new-found offensive might to trounce Socceroo, 7-1, and sustain its promising start in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill Thursday night.
A scrappy, defensive team in the past, Kaya has transformed into a complete squad with the influx of offensive standouts as new acquisition Emmanuel Mbata registered a hat-trick in the first half, OJ Porteria added a brace in the second half, while Chris Greatwich, and Toshiya Hosoe chipped in a goal apiece.
“We showed we have goals in us,” said Kaya coach David Perkovic, whose squad scored the most goals and registered the biggest winning margin in the season so far.
Kaya’s second victory in three games also vaulted the perennial contender from fifth to second spot behind leader Loyola Meralco on goal difference.
Socceroo, in its maiden stint in the top flight after ruling Division 2 last year, remained winless after three starts and at the bottom of the nine-team standings.
After Greatwich opened the floodgates with a penalty striker 19 minutes into the game, Mbata underlined his offensive prowess by scoring three goals within only13 minutes (29’, 39’, 42’) to give Kaya a commanding lead at the half.
“He took some time adjusting to our system, so I’m very happy he played well tonight,” Perkovic said of Mbata, the leading scorer of Pasargad last year.
Hosoe joined the scoring party with a header five minutes into the second half, before Socceroo pulled a goal back courtesy of Lee Jeong Woo 10 minutes later.
Finally, Porteria, who became available after his red-card infraction against Global last time was reduced to a yellow, made the most of his chance as he found the back of the net in the 61st minute, before repeating his effort 20 minutes later.
spin
Unsinkable Troopers peg back Archers with big fightback from two goals down
By Karlo Sacamos
PHILIPPINE Army overhauled a huge deficit in what seemed to be a blink of an eye to hold Green Archers United to a stunning 2-2 draw in the United Football League on Thursday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
PHILIPPINE Army overhauled a huge deficit in what seemed to be a blink of an eye to hold Green Archers United to a stunning 2-2 draw in the United Football League on Thursday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
The Korean-reinforced Troopers turned what appeared to be a lost cause into an exciting encounter in the endgame where they rallied from a two-goal deficit in a matter of four minutes to avoid their second straight loss.
“Nandun na yung skills, nandun na lahat, kulang na lang yung pagkakaintindihan,” said Troopers assistant coach Ricky Cain, whose all-Filipino side forged a tie-up with General Trias International in the offseason.
The Troopers, who hiked their point total to four points, also added to the misery of an Archers side that has lacked the killer’s instinct in its first three games, which all ended in stalemates.
The Archers built an early lead as Jovanie Simpron unlocked the Army defense just three minutes into the game, before Robert Mendy doubled the lead in the second half with a strike off a Chieffy Caligdong assist.
But the Troopers mounted on a comeback that started in the 86th minute when John Cain scored with his left foot.
Only three minutes later, Kang Dae Han equalized with a disputable goal off a corner.
Archers goalkeeper Patrick Deyto saved the strike with both his hands, but the whole ball appeared to have moved past the goal line, according to the referee, prompting him to credit the goal.
Deyto was then booked for a yellow card for complaining.
“We have to work on our finishing,” said Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante, who team had numerous botched chances in the first half. “Pero nakita rin natin kung gaano ka-halaga ang referee sa game.”
spin