Welcome To Emperador Stadium

Emperador Stadium is an all-weather football pitch made of artificial turf. Developed by real estate developer Megaworld Corporation, it sits on a 15,000 square meter land in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City of Taguig. The stadium has a seating capacity of 2,000 and is home to the United Football League Philippines.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Philippine Army Move To Second, Team Socceroo’s Late Heroics Down Pasargad

30 January Results:
Team Socceroo 1-0 Pasargad
Philippine Army-GTI 2-0 Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr
Late goals were the trend in the UFL’s First Division on Thursday night at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill. Philippine Army-GTI grabbed second place with another impressive victory, while newly promoted Team Socceroo scored two minutes into added time to secure their first win in the nation’s top flight.
Having only narrowly avoided relegation last year, very little was expected of Army this season. Their infusion of Korean talent from General Trias International before the start of the League, however, has turned the side to a serious contender in the division. Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr learned this the hard way as they succumbed 2-0 to the Armed Forces side. The result puts Army just behind League leaders Loyola Meralco Sparks with seven points.
“They’re a very tough team,” said Pachanga head coach Noel Marcaida after the match. “Kung titingan mo yung Army noon and now, dati maraming butas, pero ngayon yung mga Koreans nag-fill in ng mga butas nila.”
John Cain opened the scoring in the eight minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to poke in a low cross. The goal gave Army the advantage, but shook Pachanga into action. The recent UFL Cup finalists went on to dominate the possession and create most of the opportunities, but couldn’t manage to find the equalizing goal. Three minutes from time, Dae Han Kang rose highest to send a looping header over Steve Yambou to seal the victory for Army.
“It’s not a problem,” said Army co-head coach Min Byung Jik regarding the perceived communication barrier between the Army players and the Korean additions. “Because we just play the sport, we can feel each other.”
Marcaida lamented his team’s lackluster finishing as Pachanga, who remain with six points, missed out on an opportunity to stay within touching distance of Loyola. “My players really performed well. We just couldn’t score the goals. We have to take our chances.”
Driven by their motto “Plenus Pectus” which means “full heart” in latin, last year’s Second Division conquerers put on a display that resonated with the club’s identity. “It feels great to get our first win,” said Socceroo assistant coach Rodrigo Davalos after the 1-0 win against Pasargad. “It was all or nothing. Plenus Pectus you know. We knew that if we stayed patient it would come.”
Aside from an excellent fingertip save by Rolando Cabaniero to deny Pasargad’s Jaham Taher a spectacular long range strike, the first half was a rather drab affair, with very little between the two sides. The restart saw Socceroo improve significantly, as they dominated possession and were clearly more threatening. Steve Minyem’s dismissal for a second yellow card with 30 minutes left didn’t do Pasargad any favors.
Coach Ayi Aryee’s side looked as if they had done enough to earn a point, but in the second of three added minutes, Lee Jeong Woo wriggled free at the edge of the area and unleashed an unstoppable shot to earn Socceroo their first win in the First Division. The victory lifted the team to seventh place, with four points.
1 February Games:
1:45pm – Dolphins United v Cimarron
4:00pm – Ceres-La Salle v Laos
6:15pm – Philippine Army-GTI v Global
8:30pm – Green Archers United Globe v Kaya FC
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Own goal from Kaya gives Stallion first UFL victory

InterAksyon.com · Wednesday, January 29, 2014 · 12:51 am

Defending champion Stallion Gilligan’s needed a bit of luck to beat Kaya FC, 1-nil, for its first victory in the United Football League on Tuesday at Emperador Stadium.

After a Stallion attack at the 36th minute failed to produce a goal, Kaya looked to get back on offense after securing the ball.

But Kaya defender Andrew Liauw made a huge miscue after his clearance attempt went into his team’s goal, handing Stallion a 1-nil lead that it held for the rest of the match.

It was Stallion’s first triumph after starting the season with two draws and a loss. The squad moved up to fifth place in the table with five points.

Kaya suffered its second loss along with two victories in its record to remain in a three-way tie for second place with six points.

Loyola blanks Green Archers to keep record perfect

Karl Decena, InterAksyon.com Tuesday, January 28, 2014 · 7:55 pm

The Loyola Meralco Sparks pulled away for a 3-nil victory against Green Archers United Globe to remain undefeated in the United Football League Tuesday at Emperador Stadium.
Star striker Phil Younghusband stamped his class for Loyola, scoring one goal and dishing an assist to help the Sparks notch their fourth straight win.

Younghusband opened the scoring by converting off an assist by Boyet Cañedo at the 16th minute to put Loyola ahead, 1-nil.

The Azkals star then showed his passing skills moments after as Younghusband dished a back pass to Matt Hartmann, who sank a goal from the left flank at the 35th minute to give Loyola a comfortable 2-nil halftime lead.

Green Archers had a golden chance to trim its deficit at the 62nd minute when Robert Mendy made an interception and found himself open for a goal.

With Loyola goalkeeper Baba Sampana out of position to defend the shot, Loyola defender Joaco Cañas used his right hand to deflect Mendy’s shot right in front of the goal.

But match referees failed to see Cañas’ handball violation, denying Green Archers a penalty kick.
The woes continued for Green Archers after some of its players, including star winger Chieffy Caligdong, were forced to exit the match due to injuries, further giving Loyola advantage.

Jake Morallo found the back of the net at the 90th minute to seal the victory for the Sparks.
Loyola tightened its grip on top of the table with four straight victories to start the season for 12 points.

Green Archers suffered its first loss after three consecutive draws for three point.

Loyola Stays Perfect, Stallion Grinds Out Victory

28 January Results:
Loyola Meralco Sparks 3-0 Green Archers United Globe
Stallion Gilligan’s 1-0 Kaya FC
Loyola Meralco Sparks went six points clear of their nearest rivals on Tuesday night, after defeating Green Archers United Globe, 3-0, at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill. Phil Younghusband was the star man once again for the Sparks, finishing the match with a goal and an assist to cap off another dazzling display. In the later match, reigning champions Stallion Gilligan’s held on to a slender lead to register their first win of the 2014 League.
“I think more than being at the top of the table, it’s the way the team is playing,” said Loyola head coach Vince Santos on his team’s formidable start to the triple round campaign. Younghusband opened the scoring in the 16th minute, guiding Robert Canedo’s low ball into the top corner. Twenty minutes later Phil turned provider, flicking on a pass into the path of Matthew Hartmann, who rifled a low shot past Green Archers keeper Patrick Deyto.
The second half was anything but smooth sailing for Loyola, though, as United came out reinvigorated after the break. Rodolfo Alicante’s side almost got their reward in the 60th minute, when Sparks defender Joaco Canas looked to have handled the ball to prevent Robert Mendy’s shot from entering the goal. The match officials failed to spot the incident, though, allowing Loyola to not only avoid a penalty, but also a red card from being shown to their influential center back.
Despite the inability to recreate the fluidity of their play in the first half, substitute Jake Morallo added insult to injury right before the final whistle, swiveling and firing into the net to make it three for the Sparks.
An own goal from Kaya left-back Andrew Liauw in the 36th minute proved to be enough for Stallion to get their title defense well and truly underway. With Ruben Doctora lurking in the box, Liauw attempted to sweep away OJ Clarino’s drilled cross, but ended up diverting the ball into his own net.
“That goal was just an accident, but I’ll take it,” said Stallion head coach Ernie Nierras after the match. Although quick to admit that the final moments of the game were “nerve-wracking,” as Kaya dominated possession in the second half, Nierras was fully aware that his players had produced a commendable display of drive and commitment. “Kaya always brings out the best in us.”
The victory propels Stallion two places up to fifth in the League standings, seven points behind leaders Loyola.
30 January Matches:
5:15pm – Pasargad v Team Socceroo
7:30pm – Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr v Philippine Army – GTI
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Team Socceroo Earns Point Against Stallion, Loyola Run Riot Again

25 January Results:
Stallion Gilligan’s FC 1-1 Team Socceroo
Loyola Meralco Sparks 4-0 Pasargad FC
Team Socceroo Earned their first ever point in the UFL First Division last Saturday, at the Emperador Stadium. After three successive defeats, last year’s Second Division conquerers fought tooth and nail to salvage a 1-1 draw against defending champions Stallion Gilligan’s FC.
“They played with a big heart. They showed real confidence,” said Socceroo head coach Franklin Cacacho, who oversaw his side endure a painful 7-1 mauling by Kaya just two days prior. “It’s like we’re an airplane. We’re still on the runway, but now we’re on the way up.”
Napoleon Bustillo opened the scoring 26 minutes into the match, tapping in after Ousseynou Diop had rampaged down the right flank. The goal made amends for Hamed Hajimahdi’s penalty miss in the game’s opening minutes. Stallion only held the lead for eight minutes, though, as Ikechukwu Duruachazie fired from the edge of the box to score the equalizer.
Stallion created most of the opportunities in the second half, but couldn’t breach a valiant Socceroo backline. The result means Stallion remain in seventh in the standings, with only two points in three matches. “We have to start winning games instead of tying,” said Coach Ernie Nierras after the match. “It’s going to be a tough week ahead for us.” The double champions next play Kaya FC before playing League leaders Loyola Meralco Sparks, who were magnificent once again against Pasargad FC.
Phil Younghusband and Simon Greatwich both scored two goals each, as the Sparks overcame the absence of several regular starters to notch their third straight win. “It’s good to know that anyone you give an opportunity to can perform,” said Loyola coach Vince Santos after the match. “They know that if they put in the extra effort on the training ground, they’ll get opportunities to play.”
It took only seven minutes for Phil to start the scoring, smashing in a rocket from outside the penalty box. Greatwich doubled the advantage shortly after, turning and shooting from inside the area after clever interplay found him in space. Right before half-time, Younghusband scored his second of the match, and his fifth of the League, easily beating his defender before cooly slotting in the ball. Greatwich, who started the game in central midfield, before being moved to right back, finished the game as a striker, which allowed him to round out the scoring with a well-taken long range strike in the 90th minute.
28 January Matches:
5:15pm – Loyola Meralco Sparks v Green Archers United
7:30pm – Stallion FC v Kaya FC
*Live nationwide on Aksyon TV
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Friday, January 24, 2014

Stunning Army Comeback Denies Green Archers First Win, Kaya Hit Socceroo For Seven

23 January Results:
Philippine Army 2-2 Green Archers United
Kaya FC 4-0 Team Socceroo HT
Green Archers United let three points slip once again as they registered their third straight draw in the 2014 League – this time to Philippine Army. Leading by two goals with four minutes left, and having dominated the match for large periods, the Archers looked a certainty to register their first win, but it all came crashing down – albeit with a bit of controversy.
Jovanie Simpron had opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, smashing home after being sent through for a one on one against Ed Sacapano. The perfect start allowed Green Archers to dictate proceedings for most of the match. Missed opportunites would come back to haunt Rodolfo Alicante’s side, though, as they spurned four chances before Paul Mendy tapped in their second from a corner kick in the second period.
Chieffy Caligdong was guilty of missing two golden chances, firing wide on both occasions with the goal gaping. Arnie Pasinabo and Park were equally guilty of wasting chances in the first half.
The lack of clincial finishing cost them dearly in the closing stages of the match. John Cain reduced the deficit with an impressive left-footed strike after being sent through on goal with a clever pass in the 86th minute. The momentum switched to Philippine Army after the goal, and their pressure paid off not long after.
Thomas Kang scored the equalizer from a corner kick, latching on to a knockdown with a low shot that was adjudged to be a goal. Archers keeper Patrick Deyto had gotten behind the strike, but only for the linesman to claim the ball had crossed the goal line.
The decision was unsurpisingly met with violent protests from the Green Archers, but they did little in preventing yet another draw for the club.
“Hindi ako mahilig mag comment sa referees (I don’t like to comment on referees), but you lose the game because of that decision,” said Green Archers head coach Rodolfo Alicante after the match. “We have to work on our finishing, pero nakikita natin kung gaano kahalaga ang referee sa game (but we see how important the referee is in a match).”
Army assistant coach Ricky Cain thought his team fully deserved the point they walked away with, but feels his team need a little more time to gel. “Yung goalkeeper nasa loob. Pagka collect niya nasa loob na yung bola (The goalkeeper was inside. When he collected the ball, it was already inside),” he said. “Nandun yung skills, nandun na lahat, kulang nalang yung pagkakaintindihan with the Koreans. (We have the skills, we have everything working already, the only thing missing is our chemistry with the Koreans).”
Thursday’s second match was far more cut and dry as Kaya went on a scoring spree against struggling Team Socceroo. It was the type of attacking performance that had not been seen from Kaya in many years.
Despite a promising start to the match, Team Socceroo found themselves on the wrong end of a 7-1 walloping. Emmanuel Mbata paced the winners with a first half hat-trick, with OJ Porteria adding a brace, and Chris Greatwich and Toshiyo Hosoe adding one each.
Socceroo’s lively start unraveled in the 19th minute when a penalty was awareded after a defender had handled the ball inside the box. Greatwich converted the resulting penalty, and Kaya never looked back.
Mbata got the final touch from a corner kick to register his first goal of the League. He got his second ten minutes later, smashing in from close range after some clever interplay on the right flank from Jovin Bedic and Eddie Mallari. A horrendous goal kick cost Socceroo their fourth, as Bedic gathered the ball before playing in Mbata to complete his hat-trick.
Hosoe marked his first start of the League with a headed goal five minutes after the restart. It was the OJ Porteria show after that, as the young striker used his pace and trickery to torment his defenders with two more goals for Kaya. Lee Jeong Woo scored the consolation for Socceroo.
“We showed we have goals in us,” head coach David Perkovic said after the match. “It took us a little while to get going. Once we got the first goal though, it was pretty steiaghtforward after that.”
25 January Matches:
13:45 – Cimarron FC v Laos FC
16:00 – Manila Jeepney v Agila FC
18:15 – Team Socceroo v Stallion FC
20:30 – Pasargad v Loyola Meralco Sparks
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Global Fight Back Again For Second Win; Stallion Sunk By Late Goal

21 January Results:
Global FC 3-1 Pasargad FC
Pachanga Diliman 1-0 Stallion FC
Ten days after securing a point against Green Archers United, defending double champions Stallion almost engineered a similar comeback against Pachanga Diliman. The title holders thought they had found a way back right before the final whistle, but were denied a penalty when Mario Javier Clarino was brought down in the box by Reza Amirkhizan.
“We lost to [Jimmy] Liman today,” said head coach Ernie Nierras about the referee after the match. “He’s the most valuable player today for Pachanga. He had an assist and didn’t call the penalty. That’s a penalty and everybody knows it.”
Nate Burkey broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, firing in a speculative effort that inexplicably snuck past Stallion goalkeeper Pedro Marenco. The play had started with referee Liman finding himself in the way of a pass as the title holders were playing their way out of their half. With the ball dropping to Davide Cortina, the midfielder released Burkey for the decisive counter attack. The striker’s scuffed left-footed effort looked like a routine stop, but to the surprise of everyone at Emperador Stadium, the ball rolled into the back of the net.
“It was a lucky game, but at the end of the day, a win’s a win,” said Pachanga head coach Noel Marcaida. “Masaya (I’m happy), but not satisfied with the performance.” Although there wasn’t much between the two sides, Marcaida believed his side just about deserved the result. “I think [we deserved to win]. We created more chances.”
The 1-0 scoreline made it two wins in three matches for Pachanga, while Stallion remain with a solitary point in the standings.
Global once again had to come from being a goal down to register their second win of the League. Pasargad center back Jaham Taher’s thunderbolt from just outside the center circle broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. It was an incredible strike that nestled into the top corner, providing the perfect start for coach Ayi Nii Aryee’s side.
The lead lasted only eight minutes, though, as Ben Starosta volleyed in the equalizer after being left unmarked inside the box. Firing into the ground, the ball bounced before beating Russel Pierson in goal. It was a fortunate development for Global, who were once again way below par in the opening period.
“I thought we started off really sloppy,” said Starosta, who was deemed the standout performer of the game. “But in the second half we knew what we needed to do. We showed great character to come back.”
A reinvigorated Global put Pasargad to the sword after the break, with substitute Milad Behgandom breaking the deadlock in a goal mouth scramble, before Marvin Angeles fired in the insurance goal ten minutes from time.
Echoing Starosta’s sentiment, head coach Leigh Manson was far from impressed at how his side started the game. “Maybe we thought the game was our game. We thought we had a right to take the three points, but nobody has a right to three points.” Although the result means Global have registered back-to-back wins, Manson isn’t getting carried away. “We still have an awful lot to do. We can still get an awful lot better.”
League action continues on Thursday at the Emperador Stadium.
23 January Matches:
5:15pm – Philippine Army v Green Archers United
7:30pm – Team Socceroo v Kaya FC

Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Global Down 10-Men Kaya, Loyola Hand Army Reality Check

18 January Results:
Manila Jeepney 8-1 Navy FC
Agila FC 4-1 Manila All-Japan
Loyola 5-1 Philippine Army
Global 2-1 Kaya FC
Perennial title contenders Global got their title challenge back on track after narrowly defeating rivals Kaya FC, 2-1, last Saturday. Kaya star OJ Porteria will undoubtedly be the center of all discussions as the striker turned from hero to villain in the span of ten minutes.
The gifted attacker opened the scoring three minutes into the match from an indirect free-kick, after Paolo Pascual, who earned a rare start in goal, inexplicably handled a back pass deep inside his box. Porteria looked to have doubled the lead ten minutes later, but amidst the celebrations, it was revealed that the forward had deliberately used his hand to score. The goal was subsequently disallowed, with Porteria being shown a straight red for his troubles.
Capitalizing on their man advantage, Global equalized on the half hour mark, with new signing Charles Pettys heading in Misagh Bahadoran’s cross. The go ahead goal came seven minutes later, with center back Valentine Kama bundling in from a corner kick. The second half saw Global dominate proceedings without really threatening Kaya too much, which Australian coach David Perkovic took solace in despite the disappointment of defeat.
“I’m extremely proud of my boys,” said Perkovic after the match. “I can’t ask for more than what they gave.” The Australian also had some harsh words regarding the decision to send Porteria off. “What OJ did was wrong and we’ll deal with that internally. But if this referee is refereeing again next week, it will be a farce. Decisions like those cost championships.”
After suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Loyola in his opening match, new Global coach Leigh Manson was happy to get his first win for the club, but was hardly getting carried away. “It feels better, the three points, than the last game,” he said “We’ve had majority of the ball, but we’re not creating enough. We want to excite. We want to play good football, but of course we want to win games.”
On Porteria’s sending off, Manson said, “I’d have to see that again, but red was perhaps a bit harsh. Kaya did very well with a man down.”
In the evening’s earlier match, Loyola continued the majestic form that has seen them win all their matches since the start of the season, demolishing Philippine Army 5-1. The revamped Armed Forces side was a lot more competitive than the scoreline reflected, however, with missed opportunities proving crucial in their demise.
Phil Younghusband opened the scoring in the 26th minute, tapping in Matt Hartmann’s shot that had gone wide. Center back Samuel Bonney nodded in the second ten minutes later from a corner kick, with Freddy Gonzalez smartly cushioning a header into his path. The evergreen striker got on the score sheet himself five minutes into the second half, converting a counter-attack after being teed up by Phil.
Former national team player Nestorio Margarse gave Loyola a slight scare when he scored from free-kick to cut the deficit. But substitute Lee Won Hyung restored the advantage in the 75th minute, calmly slotting home from an acute angle after being played in by Younghusband. Phil capped off another dazzling display with an expertly taken free-kick, making it two goals and two assists for the evening.
“It’s easy when you’re playing with good players,” said Younghusband after the game.” I feel like I’m just in the zone right now. When you’re feeling confident, you feel like you can do anything.”
In the Second Division matches, Manila Jeepney thrashed Navy, 8-1, while Agila dominated Manila All-Japan, 4-1.
(Tuesday) 21 January Matches:
17:15 Pasargad v Global
19:30 Pachanga Diliman v Stallion
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Friday, January 17, 2014

New-Look Army GTI Start Campaign In Style, Green Archers Draw Again

16 January Results:
Army GTI 4-0 Team Socceroo
Green Archers United 1-1 PSG
The new partnership of Philippine Army and General Trias International is likely to shake up the United Football League’s First Division after romping to a 4-0 victory over Team Socceroo in their debut. Bolstered with a strong Korean contingent, the team looked completely different from the side that barely escaped relegation last year.
With numerous players unavailable for the League due to conflicts with Armed Forces duty and certain individuals being discharged, Army were in dire need of support. This prompted UFL Cup veterans, General Trias, to approach the club regarding a partnership. The deal would see GTI handle the team’s financial problems, and provide key players in areas where the side was lacking. With approval from Army’s commanding officer, the deal was made official.
Organized and unrelenting as expected, but with creativity and swiftness in attack now as well, Army GTI were simply too much for Team Socceroo, who slump to their second straight defeat. The towering Song Woo started the rout, tapping in a square ball 14 minutes into the match. Seok Jeon Shin added the second ten minutes later from a well taken free-kick. Half-time gave Socceroo some respite, but in the 75th minute, Lauren Bedua (pictured above) added to their misery by capping off a stunning counter attack. Nam Gi Won fired home the final nail in the coffin two minutes from time, heading in from six yards out with minimal pressure from a corner kick.
“Nag click lahat ng posisyon,” said Army assistant coach Ricky Cain regarding his new-look roster. “We’ll keep looking for the win sa susunod naming mga laban.”
Last year’s Second Division champions have found settling into the top tier quite difficult, losing their first two games, while conceding six goals without scoring any of their own.
In the second match of the day, PSG were denied a winning start to the 2014 League by Green Archers United’s Reynald Villareal’s 70th minute header. The exciting contest was the perfect example of a game of two halves, as PSG dominated proceedings in the opening period, only to have their backs against the wall in the second.
“That was our worst start to a game,” said United coach Rodolfo Alicante. “We had four or five players who were off today. In the second half we changed a lot of things and we played better.” Simon Bayemeg’s incredible volley from way outside the box gave PSG the advantage halfway through the first period — a just reward for their enterprising play.
PSG keeper Russel Pierson, and United shot stopper Patrick Deyto both made spectacular saves in the closing stages of the match to keep the scoreline level after 90 minutes. The result means Green Archers have drawn their first two matches, with PSG debuting in the League with a well earned point.
18 January Matches:
13:45 Navy FC v Manila Jeepney (Second Division)
16:00 Agila FC v Manila All-Japan (Second Division)
18:15 Army GTI v Loyola Meralco Sparks
20:30 Kaya FC v Global FC
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Loyola Meralco Crush Rivals Global, Kaya Start Campaign With Win

14 January Results:
Kaya FC 2-1 Pachanga Diliman
Loyola Meralco Sparks 4-0 Global FC
Fresh from winning their first UFL trophy, Loyola Meralco Sparks continued their dominance by sweeping aside perennial title contenders Global, 4-0. The lopsided victory, which came as a shock to everyone in attendance at the Emperador Stadium, extends Loyola’s dominance over their rival, having knocked out Global in the quarterfinals of the recent UFL Cup as well.
The result was the worst possible start for new Global coach Leigh Manson, who took over from fellow Scot Brian Reid. “Not the debut that we wanted.” said Manson after the game. “I feel the difference between the two teams was we didn’t take the opportunities we were presented. Three goals from set pieces is a worry.”
It only take seven minutes for the scoring to begin, with Lee Joo Young’s long range effort wrong footing goalkeeper Roland Sadia. The goal turned out to be a sign of things to come as Loyola exploited every mistake presented to them. Right before half-time Phil Younghusband doubled the advantage from a clever free-kick routine. Lee and James Younghusband both faked shots that made the Global wall flinch, allowing Phil to rifle an unstoppable shot into the gap.
The goal was a difficult blow to take for Global, as they had dominated possession after going down early. After the break, all hopes of a comeback were swiftly squashed, as Freddy Gonzalez, who had made his first start in almost a year, headed in Loyola’s third. Matt Hartmann added insult to injury two minutes into added time with another free-kick effort that breached Global’s wall.
“We were able to utilize our speed well,” said Loyola coach Vince Santos after the match. “Now that we’ve won a title, there’s less pressure. We’re able now to express ourselves.”
In the earlier match, a new look Kaya FC impressed against UFL Cup runners-up Pachanga Diliman. Goals from Chris Greatwich, and newcomer Thomas Taylor did the damage, in a match where OJ Porteria stood out. Ariel Zerrudo scored a consolation goal for Pachanga in the 91st minute, much too late to mount a comeback of any kind.
After failing to contend for the title last year, Kaya are looking to get back to winning ways. Their debut in the 2014 League will certainly raise the hopes of the club’s supporters. “You don’t win the League by winning the first game, but it can certainly contribute to a successful campaign,” said Kaya’s Australian coach David Perkovic in the post-match press conference. “We showed some grit and determination. When we needed to defend we defended well. I’m pleased with that.”
16 January Games:
17:15 – Team Socceroo v Philippine Army
19:30 – PSG v Green Archers United
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Stallion Draw In First Outing, Pachanga Blank Socceroo

11 January Results:
Manila Jeepney 4-0 Manila All-Japan
Ceres-La Salle 4-0 Navy FC
Pachanga Diliman 2-0 Team Socceroo
Stallion 2-2 Green Archers United
The 2014 UFL League got off to an explosive start last Saturday, with two matches that highlighted just how tight the competition is expected to be this year. Pachanga Diliman got their campaign off to a winning start, while defending champions Stallion earned a precious point against Green Archers United.
Following their impressive runners-up run in the UFL Cup, Noel Marcaida’s troops returned from their high-altitude training in Benguet to dispatch of a stubborn Team Socceroo. Former national team player Nate Burkey got both goals for Pachanga. He opened the scoring 12 minutes before half-time, before adding a second from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. Newly promoted Socceroo weren’t swept aside easily, however, with missed opportunities in front of goal ultimately proving costly in their demise. Despite the early setback, last year’s conquerers of the Second Division look as if they will be a handful for any top tier side.
Defending champions Stallion survived going behind twice to salvage a point against Green Archers in the final match of the night. “I got away with the tie,” said title-winning coach Ernie Nierras. “We could’ve lost, easy.” All four goals were scored in a very open first half. Chieffy Caligdong took only seven minutes to open the scoring for United, his left foot effort from the edge of the area sneaking past Wilson Munoz between the sticks. The lead only lasted 15 minutes though, as new addition Napoleon Bustillo was fouled inside the Archers’ box. Former PSG captain Hamed Hajimahdi converted the spot kick.
Ten minutes later Green Archers were back in front, with Gabriel Olowoyeye tapping home after a mazy run by Caligdong on Stallion’s left flank. The champions refused to give in though, and their persistence paid off when new signing Rafael Gomez smashed in an uncleared corner kick with a thunderous left-footed volley. Green Archers dominated the second the half, but poor finishing saw Stallion hold on for a precious point.
“Maganda ito sa amin (it was good for us),” Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante said about the 2-2 result. “Pero we expected to win against Stallion. Bago ang players ng Stallion so I thought meron kaming konting advantage.”
In the earlier matches, Manila Jeepney and Ceres-La Salle made impressive Second Division debuts against Manila All-Japan, and Navy Fc, respectively. Both matches ended 4-0.
14 January Matches:
17:15 Pachanga Diliman v Kaya FC
19:30 Loyola Meralco Sparks v Global
Source: http://www.ufl.ph

Saturday, January 11, 2014

UFL 5th Season Kicks Off Today at Emperador Stadium


The 5th season of the United Football League opens today at the Emperador Stadium featuring two new Division 2 teams Manila Jeepney FC  and Ceres - La Salle FC.

City of Manila's Manila Jeepney FC, a participant in last year's UFL Cup faces Manila All-Japan FC in the Division 2 game opener at 1:45 pm. Negros Occidental's Ceres - La Salle FC, the champions in the 2013-2014 PFF National Men's Club Championship battles Philippine Navy FC at 4 pm.

Newly-promoted Team Socceroo FC makes its Division 1 debut as they play against Pachanga Diliman FC in the Division 1 opener at 6:15 pm.

Green Archers United FC seeks to improve their league position last year when they clash against reigning league champions Stallion FC on the opening day highlights at 8:30 pm.

This years league competition will be composed of nine Division 1 teams and thirteen Division 2 teams.