Alabama law graduate joins Ceres-La Salle FC

Philippine Azkal Jason Abbott Sabio made his first appearance as a member of the Ceres - La Salle Football Club in the team’s press conference in Bacolod City yesterday.

Sabio, a resident of Huntsville, Alabama who studied law at the University of Alabama and is a Bar passer after earning his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, cum laude, is looking forward to playing with Ceres – La Salle after joining the team on April 9.

The 27-year-old player who was born in Manila and grew up in the United States,  said at the press conference that he hopes to bring  his international experience to the team as he had previously played against players from North Korea, Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei.

He played for the Philippine Azkals in 2011 but later took a leave in favor of his studies.

While he admitted being new to the team, he is getting to know his co-players also off the field.

Befriending teammates increases camaraderie as we learn from each other and is good for the team, Jason said, adding that while he recognizes the difficulty in playing against North Korea, Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei, they stand a good chance if they play with the mindset of a team.

Ceres-La Salle FC, which will represent the Philippines in the AFC President’s Cup Group B qualifier, will face champion club teams from the three countries at Panaad Park and Stadium May 6-10.

“Being a part of Ceres-La Salle is like being part of one big family as we look out for each other, we motivate each other, we improve together, we lost together and we win together,” he further said.

Jason said it is easy to feel at home in Bacolod. “It is truly the City of Smiles, everyone is warm and inviting.”*AVDC

Visayan Daily Star

Jason Sabio joins Kaya for an undisclosed fee

Manila, AUGUST 13 (Sugod.com) – Filipino international and former Rocket City United defender Jason Sabio has confirmed on Twitter that he had signed a contract to play for Kaya next season.

Sabio, 25, played his first international match as a 70th minute subsitute for Anton del Rosario when the Philippines won 2-0 against Mongolia at the Panaad Stadium.

As the start of next season draw closer, Kaya had recently revealed big name signings including new head coach Juan Cutillas, a former head coach of the Philippines national football team and Jason Sabio.

The UFL Cup which opens on October is one of the biggest football tournament in the country participated by clubs whose players are either former and current national team members with excellent foreign players.

Kaya finished fourth in the LBC United Football League first division last season.

sugod

Jason Sabio landed in Japan

Jason Sabio tweets :

"Touchdown safely. Narita evacuated. In plane for 3 hrs. Don't know how long I'll be on the plane. Ground shakes every so often."

Twitter

Simon Greatwich

"Araneta said @SimonGreatwich's United Airlines flight from Houston may have been diverted to Osaka.PFF is in contact with United for updates"

Sabio, Greatwich rejoin Azkals

MANILA, Philippines – Jason Sabio has left his law studies in the US to pursue his football dreams and together with midfielder Simon Greatwich, the duo are due to rejoin the Philippine Azkals in Japan Friday where the team is currently training for their all-important match against Mongolia four days from now in Ulan Bator.


It could not be determined how fit Sabio and Greatwich are after missing much of the Azkals training sessions.

The Fil-American Sabio, a second year University of Alabama law student whose mother is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, left sometime in late February to go to the US to tell his professors that he was temporarily stopping his studies to play for the national team.

The Crimson White newspaper in Alabama reported on Wednesday that Sabio “has decided to take a leave of absence from the University of Alabama. His reason? To dedicate himself to the Philippine national soccer team for nine months.”


“Law school will always be there,” Sabio said in the same interview. “I already have my bachelor’s, and I’ve spoken to the dean of the law school in depth, and he says I have to do it too.” Sabio said he’s excited to join his teammates.


“Magandang umaga! 12 hours from now I’m leaving Bama (Alabama in the United States)… I can’t wait,” Sabio, 24, posted on his Twitter account Thursday. “Bro, Simon (Greatwich) and I leave on Mar 10. It takes a day to get to Japan! I’m slated for March 11, 2:30 pm.”

The two will join the Azkals who will reportedly play again the Kanto Gakuin University football team Friday. The Kanto booters beat the Azkals, 4-0, in a friendly match on Wednesday.

Sabio debuted for the Azkals last Feb. 9 and played 26 minutes in the second half against the Mongolians, whom they beat, 2-0, in the first leg of their series in Bacolod City.

A 22-year-old varsity player of Hartwick College in New York, Greatwich made a lot of heads turn in the second half against Mongolia, nearly scoring on an overhead kick.

The Fil-British’s availability comes as a boost for the Azkals, considering that his older brother, Chris, Rob Gier and goalie Neil Etheridge will skip the match.

Manila Bulletin