13 January 2014

Global, Loyola face off in early collision of UFL contenders


GLOBAL FC and Loyola Meralco test each other’s mettle in an early collision of perennial contenders in the United Football League on Tuesday at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.
Four days into the opening of the League, fans get a great treat with one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups as both clubs battle to jumpstart their respective campaigns.
Kickoff time is at 7:30 p.m., with the winner joining Pachanga-Diliman in the win column, which blanked newly promoted side Socceroo, 2-0, on opening night last Saturday.
Pachanga, promoted last year when it finished fifth in its maiden top flight campaign, sees action for the second time in four days as it takes on Kaya FC earlier at 5:15 p.m.
It will be the first meeting between Global and the Sparks since the UFL Cup quarterfinals two months ago when the eventual champion Sparks eliminated Global behind a 2-0 shutout.
And Global, still with a handful of Azkals in the fold, seeks to exact revenge against the Younghusbands-led Sparks, who are oozing with confidence following their breakthrough Cup conquest.
Their first-round League matchup marks the debut of new Global coach Leigh Manson, who welcomed the early acid test.
“I think we’re quite lucky to start the season with a real challenge,” said the Scottish coach, who replaced compatriot Brian Reid.
Apart from Reid, Ivorian center-back Tressor Guisso, and national team standouts Paul Mulders, and Ed Sacapaño have also parted ways with Global. Guisso and Mulders were released, while Sacapaño was transferred back to mother team Philippine Army.
Loyola dropped a few notable booters as well in utility player Chad Gould and Guamanian international Jonah Romero.

spin

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