Defending champion Global FC and back-to-back league titlist Air Force headline the roster of teams seeing action in what is seen as a slam-bang United Football League Cup kicking off Oct. 8 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and he Uniersity of Makati pitch.
Global, which emerged as a force in the league last season, will go for back-to-back crowns in what is expected to be the most competitive Cup since Football Alliance started running the tournament three years ago.
So far, 28 teams have signed up for the Cup, which also dangles slots to the first division next season. The draw is slated Sept. 16.
Exciting changes have marked the buildup to the season with the league set to seal a P150 million television deal with TV5 that will pave the way for the live airing of UFL matches and teams beefing up the squads in anticipation of a tough season ahead.
Global, which lost only once in 20 matches in a remarkable campaign last season, isn't expected to have it easy this year, despite the inclusion of new players like Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado in the team.
The squad managed by Dan Palami has two titles already in 2011, claiming the Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win over Air Force in the final and the National Club Championship crown.
The Airmen, who bagged the league title by nipping Global on points on the final day of the season last June, will lead the host of challengers to Global's reign.
Kaya FC, which strengthened its lineup during the off-season with the inclusion of national players Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey, is also tipped to do well after skipping the competition last year.
Loyola FC, which is expected to have brothers Phil and James Younghusband in its fold, will also be a force to reckon with, along with other first division sides Green Archers, Navy and Army, which also boasts of several national players in its lineup.
Newly-promoted first division side Nomads is also joining the Cup. Nomads reached the quarterfinals of the Cup last season.
Also entered are second division teams Stallions, Pasargad, Dolphins, Union Internacionale Manila, Lions FC, Sunken Garden and Japan FC.
Among the new teams seeing action in the Cup, Pachanga seems to have the pedigree, having made the quarterfinals of the National Club Championships recently.
Also joining are Garuda, Forza, ABC Stars, Baguio, MFC, Manhur, Soccerroo, Atelier, Loyola 2, Laos, Schwarz and Manila Sudanese, which also reached the quarterfinals of the Cup last year.
UFL Website
No comments:
Post a Comment