The Trequartista Sweeper - Previewing the UFL Cup Semifinal

Photo from Fritz Dalida of Soccer Central Philippines

The stakes get raised. With a new cup winner sure to be crowned, Global FC, Loyola Meralco Sparks, Penson Stallion Gilligan's and Green Archers United are raring to go this Tuesday at the fabled Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Kicking off the double header at 5pm is the star-studded matchup of Global FC and the Loyola Meralco Sparks. Global won Group A and beat Kaya FC in extra time to book their seat in the semifinals, while Loyola won Group C and easily dispatched Philippine Army to finalize their matchup with the league champions.

Both sides will be fielding their key stars but whilst the Loyola players called up for the upcoming friendly are reportedly going to be made available for the semifinal, no details have been made available from Global with regards to their players' availability, other than this statement. If the national team players are unavailable, expect Alex Obiang, Jerry Barbaso, Yu Hoshide and newcomer Kevin Capolei to shoulder the load alongside Izzo El-Habbib for Global against the self-styled "Wolfpack" of Loyola.

Global has yet to win against Loyola in its recent past, as it drew 1-1 and lost 4-3 in league action. Both B.Y. Jeong and Izzo scored on their league matches against each other.

The night cap will feature teams that needed penalty shootouts to gain entry into the semifinals. Group D winners Stallion survived the lone surviving play-in entrant General Trias International FC, while Group B winners Green Archers handled Division II champions Pachanga-Diliman.

Stallion has been dominant of GAU as of late, scoring five goals in both of their league matches, with three each coming from Ruben Doctora and Jovanie Simpron. On the other hand, Tating Pasilan has scored all three goals for GAU in their league matches against the Ernie Nierras-coached side.

No details have been made available with regards to Stallion's lone call-up to the national team, Jason de Jong, as to whether he will be playing, but someone who was previously ruled out has been made available, as starting GK Wilson Munoz will be wearing a mask in order to play in the semifinal.

In preparing for this matchup, GAU played against the national team on Saturday afternoon in the University of Makati, losing 5-0.

Expect UAAP standouts in Jesus Melliza, Ronnie Aguisanda and Patrick Deyto to help out Pasilan and Arnie Pasinabo in their effort to pull out a victory for GAU, while new addition from CFIM Rufo and Joaco aim to be the extra oomph needed to pilot the Stallion stampede towards the Cup.

Addendum to the Fan Conduct piece

Because pictures reveal things more than the norm. (h/t to Anton Sheker of Goal.PH)

The Trequartista Sweeper - On Fan Conduct

Photo from the UFL's Twitter Account (@UFLPhilippines)

It is natural that in the emergence of the sport of football in the Philippines, there always a corresponding growth with regards to the fans. Fans would then organize themselves into groups to express support their favorite player or team. That's fine. It encourages community-building and fellowship and creates camaraderie.

Concurrent with that growth, however, are side effects that leave much to be desired about the conduct of individuals if left unchecked. Here is an excerpt from Yahoo! PH's Bob Guerrero (@bhobg333)'s article on the recently concluded UFL Cup Quarterfinal match between Global FC and Kaya FC (I highlighted certain points of emphasis):

A note on the Ultras Kaya and their poor behavior that night. I have long admired the Kaya cheering squad, the Ultras Kaya for their energy, dedication and organization. They are the most enthusiastic cheering squad in the UFL. In fact just a few days ago I replied to a Tweet that praised them as the league's best.

But a lot of that respect went out the window on Tuesday.

Several of their supporters were repeatedly flashing dirty fingers at the Global side of the grandstand. Some also appeared to make loud and aggressive chants towards Global fans. At one point I could have sworn I heard them chanting "beat the wankers" at the direction of the Global supporters.

After the game they lit fireworks, which are illegal according to League rules, and UFL Match Coordinator Ritchie Gannaban tried to get them to extinguish them. According to Gannaban, the Ultras refused to put out the flames and some even taunted him. Says Gannaban "there are good fans and bad fans, and these are examples of bad fans. The bottom line is you have to respect everyone."

I'm with Gannaban here. I thought the Ultras Kaya behaved in puerile, reckless, and provocative manner. Thankfully the Global fans largely ignored the Ultras Kaya's heckling.

Do we want the UFL to be like some European leagues where opposing fans need to be kept apart by policemen and rows of buffer seats? I would hope not. Fan violence has killed hundreds, maybe even thousands in the history of Football, and the league is correct to nip this nonsense in the bud before it gets out of hand. The UFL should always be a place that is safe to bring kids. This stuff makes that difficult.

A cheering squad's function is to cheer on and motivate its team's players, not insult its opponents and their fans.

In my opinion the Ultras Kaya need a mature and clear-minded leader who will control their baser urges. Their conduct that night cannot possibly reflect the values and sportsmanship that Kaya Football Club represents, and I hope they clean up their act in future games. 

As what a friend tweeted out after the article was published, 

Football is suppose (sic) to be a gentleman's game, meaning dapat may breeding... Pati mga nanunod.

I presume taunting the UFL Assistant Technical Director (and Acting Tournament Director) is not exactly how a football fan should be acting in front of. I mean, he is an authority figure.

Yes, emotions do run high doing games, but it does not preclude us to then act foolish and boorish. Passion is part and parcel of being a fan of a particular team or of a player, but let's be responsible enough to provide proper restraint. Huwag na po natin paabutin na may aktual na masaktan pa sa atin. Unless, that is what some really intend precisely on doing. And that is precisely what is not needed in the growth of the sport to the public.

The Trequartista Sweeper - Revisiting the non-football aspect of the Group Stage

Last night saw the final set of matches that comprised the UFL Cup's Group Stage matches. As such, we finally have our quarterfinal pairings from the twenty teams into eight as bracketed below.

With that said, it would be an opportune to revisit the past and reveal some things that pique my interest.

1. Venues.

It's very clear that Metro Manila has a clear problem with regards to available football pitches. The one time they played matches at Nuvali during the Group Stage, everyone (fans and most especially the players) bemoaned its state of wretched-ness. With the football facility in McKinley Hill still remaining under construction, the UFL has played at an additional five more venues during the Group Stage proper: in Rizal Memorial, the University of Makati, the Marikina Sports Park, ASCOM and Nomads.

Having been blessed by some weird twist of fate to watch matches on these different venues except in ASCOM, there are some things that can or can't be worked out. It is important that there exists a cooperative relationship between public institutions and the UFL / Football Alliance with regards to pitch maintenance. This is especially apparent with places where local government is involved (the city governments of Makati and Marikina, respectively).

You can probably say that the last few games held at the University of Makati were a little bit tough to watch, but as much as there is clamor for matches to be played at Rizal Memorial, the reality is that we need that particular pitch to be ready for certain competitions that had previously been scheduled, especially since we hosted and are to host an Asian qualifier.

Santi Araneta remarked yesterday that real estate officials have already inquired on certain areas being developed into football areas. Hopefully, the facility at McKinley would be finished by the end of the year, ditto for the Moro Lorenzo Field in Ateneo.

Still, given our climate, there clearly is a need for artificial pitches. If not, then the grass pitches need to be maintained well. UFL commissioner Bonnie Ladrido remarked on the decent shape of ASCOM on Sunday, while Nomads looked great when Air Force and Sta. Lucia played that night. 

2. Information Dissemination.

Information is an important asset. Knowledge is something that matters for football fans, in particular with regards to updates on games and announcements. There were moments during the Group Stage where a definite announcement from the UFL could have solved matters. I recall a match involving Green Archers where people have been confused as to the announcement of kick-off of a particular match. It is admirable that the UFL has been trying their best to get the word out, especially now with the presence of a media officer who dispenses info on the website and on twitter, but it has be snappy and prompt. This will be apparent especially with regards to postponements, as seen by during the past weekend.

There is also a need for consistency with regards on game updates. That of course, will be the challenge of the one/s handling the UFL twitter account. This is something media as well as fans can help by also providing updates of the game if they are watching. Crowd-sourcing updates can be a good idea.

UFL Cup Schedule for October 2012 (as of October 15)

16 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / Marikina Sports Complex
17:15 Grp D - Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC vs Sta. Lucia FC
19:30 Grp C - Nomads FC vs Pachanga FC

18 OCTOBER 2012 (THURSDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
19:00 Grp B - Forza FC vs Dolphins United FC
21:00 Grp B - Green Archers United FC vs Diliman FC

20 OCTOBER 2012 (SATURDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
16:00 Grp A - Pasargad FC vs Team Socceroo FC
18:00 Grp A - Philippine Navy FC vs Global FC
20:00 Grp C - Pachanga FC vs Loyola Meralco Sparks FC

21 OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) / University of Makati & Nomads
18:00 Grp C - Laos FC vs Mendiola FC 1991 (University of Makati)
18:30 Grp D - Sta. Lucia FC vs Agila FC (Nomads)
20:30 Grp B - Dolphins United FC vs Kaya FC (Nomads)

23 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / RIZAL MEMORIAL SPORTS COMPLEX [TELEVISED]
17:15 Grp D - Philippine Air Force FC vs Philippine Army FC
19:30 Grp C - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Nomads FC

24 OCTOBER 2012 (WEDNESDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
19:00 Grp B - Forza FC vs Green Archers United FC

25 OCTOBER 2012 (THURSDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
19:00 Grp C - Mendiola FC 1991 vs Loyola Meralco Sparks FC
21:00 Grp C - Pachanga FC vs Laos FC

26 OCTOBER 2012 (FRIDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
19:00 Grp A - Team Socceroo FC vs Philippine Navy FC
21:00 Grp D - Sta. Lucia FC vs Philippine Air Force FC

28 OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI
16:00 Grp C - Nomads FC vs Mendiola FC 1991
18:00 Grp D - Philippine Army FC vs Sta. Lucia FC
20:00 Grp D - Agila FC vs Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC

30 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / University of Makati
19:00 Grp A - Gen. Trias International FC vs Pasargad FC
21:00 Grp D - Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC vs Philippine Air Force FC

October UFL Cup Schedule

Need the 2012 United Football League Cup schedule? Here it is.

09 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / RIZAL MEMORIAL SPORTS COMPLEX [TELEVISED]

17:15: Grp B - Diliman FC vs Kaya FC

19:30: Grp B - Green Archers United FC vs Dolphins United FC

11 OCTOBER 2012 (THURSDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

19:00: Grp C - Pachanga FC vs Loyola Meralco Sparks FC

21:00: Grp A - Gen. Trias International FC vs Team Socceroo FC

13 OCTOBER 2012 (SATURDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

16:00: Grp B - Dolphins United FC vs Diliman FC

18:00: Grp D - Agila FC vs Phil. Army FC

20:00: Grp D - Sta. Lucia FC vs Phil. Air Force FC

14 OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

16:00: Grp A - Team Socceroo FC vs Phil. Navy FC

18:00: Grp A - Gen. Trias International FC vs Pasargad FC

20:00: Grp C - Mendiola FC 1991 vs Loyola Meralco Sparks FC

16 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / No Venue Yet [TELEVISED]

17:15: Grp C - Nomads FC vs Pachanga FC

19:30: Grp B - Green Archers United FC vs Diliman FC

18 OCTOBER 2012 (THURSDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

19:00: Grp B - Forza FC vs Dolphins United FC

21:00: Grp C - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Laos FC

20 OCTOBER 2012 (SATURDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

16:00: Grp A - Pasargad FC vs Team Socceroo FC

18:00: Grp A - Phil. Navy FC vs Global FC

20:00: Grp D - Stallion FC vs Sta. Lucia FC

21 OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

16:00: Grp C - Pachanga FC vs Laos FC

18:00: Grp B - Forza FC vs Green Archers United FC

20:00: Grp B - Dolphins United FC vs Kaya FC

23 OCTOBER 2012 (TUESDAY) / RIZAL MEMORIAL SPORTS COMPLEX [TELEVISED]

17:15: Grp D - Phil. Air Force FC vs Phil. Army FC

19:30: Grp C - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Nomads FC

24 OCTOBER 2012 (WEDNESDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

19:00: Grp A - Pasargad FC vs Phil. Navy FC

21:00: Grp D - Sta. Lucia FC vs Agila FC

25 OCTOBER 2012 (THURSDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

19:00: Grp C - Laos FC vs Mendiola FC 1991

26 OCTOBER 2012 (FRIDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

19:00: Grp A - Team Socceroo FC vs Global FC

21:00: Grp D - Stallion FC vs Phil. Air Force FC

28 OCTOBER 2012 (SUNDAY) / UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

16:00: Grp C - Nomads FC vs Mendiola FC 1991

18:00: Grp D - Phil. Army FC vs Sta. Lucia FC

20:00: Grp D -Agila FC vs Stallion FC

The Other Teams in the UFL Cup

Here are the rosters of the Non-Division I teams participating in the Group Stages of the UFL Cup.

AGILA FC

New:
ALILAM, Paolo Gabriel
ANDRES, Jose Roberto
CALVO, Valentino
DE JESUS, Daniel Luis
MOLO, Nikko Paolo
MONTEMAYOR, Jin Daniel
PEREZ, Alvin
ROXAS, Juilan Vincent
RUSTIA, Jose Celerino
SORIANO, Jose Ignatius Mikael

Reactivated:
BELINA, Jerwin
LANSANG, Salvador (Loyola FC)
MABASA, Frank Lee Vic
MARINAY, Ryan

Retained:
JAUCIAN, Matthew Allan
MABANAG, Michael Jerremy
MADRONA, Mark Andrew
MADRONA, Paul Isiah
MARAÑON, Zaldy Jr.
MORTILLERO, Peter Ian
MURAYAMA, Yu
SALISAD, Randy
VALEROSO, Louie John
VALEROSO, Mark Alvin

Transferred:
VERSARIO, Dexter Dean (Loyola FC)

DILIMAN FC

Reactivated:
AMISTOSO, Fernando Anton Jr. (Agila FC)
BENEDICTO, Jan Michael
CASEM, Jon Mari Casey
FLORESTA, Severino V (ABC Stars FC)
GUTIERREZ, Miguel Alberto
LEDESMA, Jose Rafael
VAPOR, Johniel (Team Socceroo)
VERSALES, Kim Kristiane (Pachanga FC)

Transferred:
AMORES, Peter (Union Internactional - Manila)
CAMARA, Alex Fayah (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC)
DE-LUIS, Yves Luthi (Nomads Auction Manila FC)
MARTIR, Patrick Anthony (Agila FC)
MISA, Enrico Paolo (Pachanga FC)
MORDENO, Keith Israel (Dolphins United FC)
SCHAEFER, Michael (Nomads Auction Manila FC)

New:
ARANETA, Alfie
BARQUIN, Marvin Lloyd
CRUZ, Miguel Antonio
FRANCISCO, Albert
GENATO, Carlo
MARONILLA, Robert Francis
SOONG, Jason

Retained:
CLARINO, Randolfo Paolo
DATU, Christopher Andrew
LIZA, Francis John

DOLPHINS UNITED FC

New:
ARAÑEZ, Carl
BALLE, Harold
LACATAN, Aljon
MARALLAG, Ronald
PANAGUITON, Edwin Jr.

Retained:
BALEOS, Bryan
CLEMENTE, Jeremiah James
CLEMENTE, Timothy Titus
CONCEPCION, Michael Lemmuel
CUYOS, Jerome
DELA CRUZ, Marion Angelo
DELANTE, Anthony
DUMAGO, Allan
DUMO, Samuel
ECHIN, Romnick
EUPEÑA, Rex
LELIS, Bernard
PICATO, Raymond Anthony
SALENGA, Paolo
SALURIA, Joshua
SAMNOY, Alexander
TEODORO, Jester

Reactivated:
CABALLES, Mark Anthony

Transferred:
EVIOTA, Gerrick (Union Internacional - Manila)
GUNDA, Rachy (Union Internacional - Manila)

FORZA FC

Retained:
AGYEI, Isaac
BIOUMLA, Ruben
CAMPO, Henderson Jay
CASAL, Johann Joaquin
CIPRIANO, Ernesto Gabriel Jr.
NAVARRO, Jon Michael
PAJIBO, William
ROBERTS, Zico
TEENESEE, Harry Shoum
YUHICO, John Christopher

Transferred:
AUMAN, Allan Jr, (Green Archers United FC)
CANLAS, Jade (Green Archers United FC)
FRAIRE, Ivan (Green Archers United FC)
GARCIA, Miguel Angel (Green Archers United FC)
HUNGERFORD, Sean Marshall (Green Archers United FC)
LALUCES, Nico Patrick (Green Archers United FC)
MONTELIBANO, Luis Juan Miguel (Green Archers United FC)
PACQUIAO, Gerald (Green Archers United FC)
PASCAL, Dibi (Pasargad FC)

New:
EMESON, Austin Dakup
SMIT, Arie-Kim
VILLEGAS, Leo

Reactivated:
LO, Rogelio Jr. (Green Archers United FC)
MANAHAN, Ray Anthony
VALERIO, Solomon (Sunken Garden United FC)

LAOS FC

New:
ALMENTO, Jhomar
DANIELS, Kenshiro Michael
GUILLERMO, Adrian
HEGAZI, Gamil Gamal
OCHOTERENA, Nino
VILLAESPIN, Rezziel
VILLEGAS, Joel

Retained:
ALTICHE, Aaron
DIANO, Michael
DIAZ, William
GAMBANA, Vincent
HILVANO, Nilo
JUKES, Reginald Roel Jr.
LEAR, Rolly
LYTOLL, Ryan James
MORENO, Oliver
PATLUNAG, Al Ervin
REGENCIA, Raymond Albert
SERY, Remi Serge-Alain
TABALE, Perfecto Jr.
VILLANUEVA, Lester Lloyd

Transferred:
CORTES, Mark Angelo (Global FC)
GHASEMI, Mohammad (Global FC)
HWEDI, Ahmed Abdalla (Global FC)

PHILIPPINE NAVY FC

Reactivated:
BAUTISTA, Lynnard
CALUMPANG, Bern Anthony
DIMZON, Jimmy
MANEJERO, Michael
RIVAS, Aldrin
SOLATORIO, Adolfo Jr.
TUDENCE, Dave
VILIRAN, Gary
VILIRAN, Rockclint
ZAMORA, Lyndon

Retained:
BURDA, Stephen Juriel
CABURAL, Roberto
CAMINOS, Jose Alfe
CARIÑO, Arnold
DALAOTA, John Philip
KALALANG, Loreto
LEYBLE, Richard
PIÑERO, Marlon
ROSALIA, Benito Jr.

New:
DACERA, Clifford
DUMDUM, Hans Christian
INQUIG, Alain
MACAPAL, Mico
MULLIKEN, John Jaime
TORREMOCHA, June Roy

TEAM SOCCEROO

Retained:
ALEGRE, Frederico Miguel
AVELLANA, Jose
DINGLASAN, John Philip
GAUTIER, Janruther Francisco Rene
MURAOKA, Denstin Hideo
OKOH, Emmanuel
REYES, Joannes Paulus Mari
REYES, Jose Gaudencio
REYES, Michael Mari
TONDA, Jorge Luis

New:
ANGUS, Christopher
CASEIRO, Guilherme Manoel
CLAVANO, Jose Dominic
DE LEON, Maurice
DURUACHAZIE, Jude
FURONI, Diego
HASEGAWA, Guilherme
HIDALGO, Alexander
ISHIZUKA, Yuuri
KHIYAR, Alamin Nasser
LARSEN, Martin
NSYEN, Edikan Iboro

Reactivated:
BERHAN, Haisem Abdelwase
BRENES, Juan Pablo

Transferred:
INTIA, Paulo (Sunken Garden United FC)

GENERAL TRIAS INTERNATIONAL FC

AN, Hyo Geon
DO, Hoan Cheol
IM, Chae Hyeon
JEON, Shin Seok
KIM, Gu Young
KIM, Jin Wook
KIM, Jong Hyeok
LEE, Jae Ho
LEE, Jeong Mu
LEE, Kyu Hwan
MIN, Young Gi
MOON, Byung Hyun
NAM, Geun Young
NAM, Gi Won
PARK, Beom Jun
SEO, Seung Seok
SHIN, Gwang Yong
SONG, Ji Hun
SONG, Myung Soo

MENDIOLA FC 1991

New:
ABRIOL, Ralph Estephen
ALBAO, Anthony
ALHASSAN, Prince Yunusa
APACIBLE, Paolo Antonio
AYUBAN, Jemson
BALDO, Alejandro Jr.
CABUG, Raffy
CARLOS, Jon Aaron
FORNEA, David Franz
ORCULLO, Jerome
PEDIMONTE, Christopher Edim
SOBERANO, Jay Shaun

Transferred:
AGUIRRE, Edgardo Jr. (Agila FC)
ARBOLEDA, Fitch Johnson Davis (Agila FC)
CANDOLESA, Jesan (Philippine Navy FC)
JIAO, Jeremias (Philippine Navy FC)
LIMAN, Jeffrey (Philippine Navy FC)
MELLENDREZ, Vaughn (Philippine Navy FC)
MOLO, Nik Darrow (Agila FC)
PEREZ, Rolly (Philippine Navy FC)
SUMUDIVILA, Francis Dee (Philippine Navy FC)

Reactivated:
LIAO, Thomas Rene (Manhur FC)
ORCULLO, Gerald (Manhur FC)
VILLON, Dave Peterson (Agila FC)
VILLON, Mark Peterson (Philippine Navy FC)

STA. LUCIA FC

New:
ABDOULAYE, Doumbia
CLARINO, Jean
FUCOY, Jose Alberto
KIM, Dong Hyun
KIM, Jung Mook
KIM. Da Bin
LEE, Dong Bin
LEE, Dong Jhun
RIVERA, Mark
SANTOS, Bruno
SELOTERIO, Gission
SINORO, Ember

Transferred:
ALLADO, Marjo (Pachanga FC)
ALQUIROS, Nathaniel Andrew (Stallion FC)
BAEK, Seong Kab (Stallion FC)
CABALLERO, John Reginald (Union Internacional - Manila FC)
ESCOLTERO, Tommy (Stallion FC)
ESPINOSA, Ronie (Stallion FC)
IDE, Fabio Luis (Team Socceroo)
NIERRAS, Matthew (Stallion FC)
PINGA, Andres (Stallion FC)
RAMSAY, Derek Arthur (Pachanga FC)
VERGARA, Jhenver (Pachanga FC)

Reactivated:
VERGARA, Jimmy Jr. (Stallion FC)
WOLFF, Andrew James (Internacionale FC)

Trequartista Sweeper - Thoughts on the UFL Cup

The UFL Cup is scheduled to kick off later today, with UFL Division I Champion Global FC and runner-up Kaya FC going up against fellow Div I sides Pasargad and Green Archers United, respectively at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

This is how I broke the UFL Cup down and my own view as to how things would play out this year.

Order of Finish:

Group A: Global, Pasargad, Socceroo, Navy, General Trias
Group B: Kaya, Green Archers, Forza, Diliman, Dolphins
Group C: Loyola, Pachanga, Nomads, Laos, Mendiola
Group D: Air Force, Stallion, Army, Agila, Sta. Lucia

The UFL Cup 2012 Bracket.

Why did I arrive at this decision?

1. The reigning UFL Cup winners don't exactly have name guys on the lineup compared to the cavalcade of talent of the other teams, but they said so themselves, they thrived in the knockout format of the Cup compared to the League. I trust the Airmen can and will handle this better than most teams would.

2. Group D is the toughest group. The Ilonggo derby and a military derby means physicality will be present. Sort of sibling clubs Stallion and Sta. Lucia were drawn together and Agila was a top half team in Div II. Compare that to Group A, which already has the feel of a cakewalk. Of course, stranger things have happened in the sport of football.

3. Injuries are a wildcard, as always. i.e. Jason Sabio's groin, Aly Borromeo's knee.

4. Depth and balance. Global FC has almost half of the national team pool. That may be a disadvantage,

5. Why Kaya? I was impressed with how they played during the reunion match. And that was without a couple of players who were sidelined (Aly and Masai). Their new additions address needs.

Hey, I could be wrong, you know. The games truly decide which team will be hoisting the UFL Cup, not some prognosticator typing on a keyboard. So sit back, relax and observe the pageantry of club football.

The 2012 UFL Cup opening roster

The UFL Cup is already underway (although no play has commenced due to match postponements as a result of pitch unplayability). Fans have been anticipating who will be playing for the Division I clubs, as most teams have not publicly revealed their lineups until today. Interest is high given the influx of players flocking here.

The rosters of Division I teams, who have earned byes into the next stage of the UFL Cup (the draw involving them will be later this month, if I remember correctly), are to be revealed after the jump. If  you don't find your favorite player, either he's in Division II or wait until the January transfer window pops up, or something like that.

The Promotion / Relegation Conundrum

Tonight, club football in the Philippines resumes, with the Philippine Air Force Phoenix facing Pasargad FC at the University of Makati. Thus, the resumption of survival at the top and having to avoid the concept of relegation. As of the moment, this is the Division 1 table as it stands:

Division 1	GP	PTS
Global FC	9	21
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC	8	19
Kaya FC	8	18
Stallion Gilligan's FC	7	14
Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol FC	9	9
Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC	7	8
Nomads Auction Manila	8	8
Green Archers United FC	8	7
Pasargad FC	7	5
Phil. Navy Red Juice FC	9	4

And this is the current table for Division 2, which will resume action on Saturday night:

Division 2	GP	PTS
Pachanga FC	11	31
Diliman Victory Liner FC	11	29
Cebu Queen City United FC	11	25
Agila FC	11	21
Laos FC	11	15
Union Internacional Manila	11	14
Team Socceroo FC	11	14
Forza FC	11	12
Dolphins United FC	11	10
Manila All-Japan FC	11	7
Lions Meltique Beef FC	11	7
Sunken Garden United FC	11	6

Note that the bottom team in Division 1 and the bottom two teams of Division 2 are highlighted. They are the ones who will be relegated. Now who will replace those particular teams? The champion of Division 2 will be promoted to Division 1 to replace the last place team. As for the Division 2 cellar dwellers, since there is no Division 3, the current set-up (barring any changes from the UFL Executive and / or Technical Committee) is to find teams who participated in the UFL Cup to come in and replace the relegated sides.

With regards to this, earlier today, Bonnie Ladrido, drafted on his website a position paper presenting a possible revision to the relegation process pertaining to Division 1. Specifically, the revision in question is looking at two teams being relegated from Division 1 to Division 2 and the top two teams from Division 2 to Division 1. The third-worst team in Division 1 would then face the third-best team in Division 2 in a 2-leg format, with the winner gets to earn its slot in Division 1.

The logic of this, according to the paper, is to ensure the UFL is aligned with how other football leagues are set up, citing how other countries conduct similar relegation schemes. In addition, it also expounds on the value of increased competitiveness within the league with this particular scheme, as it would make for better storylines and a larger magnitude of drama at the end of the season.

Based on the current standings, the application of the proposal would show that Navy and Pasargad will be automatically relegated, with Pachanga and Diliman automatically promoted. The Division 1 play-in game would then involve Green Archers United and Cebu Queen City United (a tantalizing possibility especially if one of the legs is going to be held at the Queen City of the South).   

It is important to note though, that Mr. Ladrido is part of the management team of Diliman FC, the 2nd team in Division 2, but he did make it clear that this paper is the end result of a collaborative effort amongst the Division 2 teams during a Technical Committee meeting, and that it was his responsibility to write the paper. In addition, even before his team was included in the league, he already recommended such an expansion to the UFL management. He did stress that the decision still rests with the UFL as to amending the rules and that the clubs are to abide by them whether the position paper is accepted or not.

Reading the paper would make you nod your head in approval to what the essence of what it is, and so for football fans in the Philippines, it is something that the United Football League should look into, among other things, in its development alongside the growth of the sport in our consciousness.

Coming Soon on June 5!

On June 5, the best players from the United Football League will be facing off against the National Team stalwarts at the University of Makati football stadium.

Tickets will cost 100 pesos, which will be for the use of the PFF in their preparations for the World Cup Qualifier games against Sri Lanka. Check here for more details.