ESPN article here.
Scout.com page here.
First Team JUCO All-American.
Nunez was a Rivals three star recruit out of HS.
Originally signed with Pitt in 2009.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Recruiting 2012 -- Bernardo Nunez
ESPN article here.
Scout.com page here.
First Team JUCO All-American.
Nunez was a Rivals three star recruit out of HS.
Originally signed with Pitt in 2009.
Loyola appeal ban on Matt Hartmann
By Francis Respicio, News5
The Loyola Meralco Sparks will appeal the indefinite suspension that the Philippine Football Federation meted out against midfielder Matthew Hartmann.
The Sparks� Vice Chairman Randy Roxas said that they have already sent a letter to the PFF stating their intent to appeal the case. According to Roxas, the team wants an explanation from the PFF Disciplinary Committee about the suspension.
In a letter dated January 25, 2012, the PFF advised the Filipino-British Hartmann of his suspension. Quoting the Disciplinary Committee�s decision, the letter read: �Effective immediately, the committee finds Hartmann ineligible to join any national football team. Further, effective immediately, the Committee disallows any football club or organization from fielding Hartmann in any PFF sanctioned tournaments.�
Loyola is part of the United Football League, which is sanctioned by the PFF.
In an earlier interview with News5, PFF president Nonong Araneta said that Hartmann�s suspension comes as a result of his departure from the Philippine Under-23 national team in the midst of the Southeast Asian Games football tournament. Hartmann, the captain of the squad, abandoned the team after a disagreement with coach Hans Michael Weiss.
Loyola is looking to appeal for a shorter suspension for Hartmann, and allowing the player to suit up for the Sparks in the UFL while the investigation is ongoing.
According to Roxas, Hartmann has filed an affidavit detailing the issues leading up to his walkout on the team, and has pleaded for leniency in his case.
Roxas added that Hartmann is disappointed by the PFF decision.
Loyola will be severely shorthanded in its next outing against Global FC on Wednesday. Apart from Hartmann, star striker Phil Younghusband will also miss the match after receiving a red card late in the Sparks� 4-1 loss to Stallion Gilligan�s last Saturday.
interaksyon
The Loyola Meralco Sparks will appeal the indefinite suspension that the Philippine Football Federation meted out against midfielder Matthew Hartmann.
The Sparks� Vice Chairman Randy Roxas said that they have already sent a letter to the PFF stating their intent to appeal the case. According to Roxas, the team wants an explanation from the PFF Disciplinary Committee about the suspension.
In a letter dated January 25, 2012, the PFF advised the Filipino-British Hartmann of his suspension. Quoting the Disciplinary Committee�s decision, the letter read: �Effective immediately, the committee finds Hartmann ineligible to join any national football team. Further, effective immediately, the Committee disallows any football club or organization from fielding Hartmann in any PFF sanctioned tournaments.�
Loyola is part of the United Football League, which is sanctioned by the PFF.
In an earlier interview with News5, PFF president Nonong Araneta said that Hartmann�s suspension comes as a result of his departure from the Philippine Under-23 national team in the midst of the Southeast Asian Games football tournament. Hartmann, the captain of the squad, abandoned the team after a disagreement with coach Hans Michael Weiss.
Loyola is looking to appeal for a shorter suspension for Hartmann, and allowing the player to suit up for the Sparks in the UFL while the investigation is ongoing.
According to Roxas, Hartmann has filed an affidavit detailing the issues leading up to his walkout on the team, and has pleaded for leniency in his case.
Roxas added that Hartmann is disappointed by the PFF decision.
Loyola will be severely shorthanded in its next outing against Global FC on Wednesday. Apart from Hartmann, star striker Phil Younghusband will also miss the match after receiving a red card late in the Sparks� 4-1 loss to Stallion Gilligan�s last Saturday.
interaksyon
Recruiting 2012--Julian Kaminoff
 |
| Dave Garret/Phillyburbs image |
Scout.com page here. Scout two star player. Position rank #167.
Philly.com says he's a big talent from a small school.
As a junior, he made Scout.com's sleeper alert.
Recruiting 2012--Bernard Davis
 |
| Real Deal image |
Sun-Sentinel list here.
ESPN two star player.
Davis had offers from Bowling Green, Georgia State and Western Michigan.
Recruiting 2012--Derek Beck V
 |
| Scott Bray/Bridgewater Patch image |
I've blogged about Beck a number of times in the past.
Beck is a 6-3 190 pd WR from Martinsville, NJ.
I don't believe I've linked to this article about him from Bridgewater Patch.com
Recruiting 2012---Robert Kitching
 |
| An Rong Xu image |
Post article here.
Rivals page here.
Kitching was first team all Brooklyn.
Kitching #75 in video Highlights.
Recruiting 2012--Jamal Roberts
Jamal Roberts, a 5-10 170 athlete from Tampa Bay area chose Kent State over UMass Monday.
Tuesday--January 31, 2012
From the UMass Website:
Jan. 30, 2012
UMass football Coach Charley Molnar and his staff will host a reception open to the public to announce the 2012 University of Massachusetts recruiting class at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Amherst Brewing Company.
The coaching staff will greet fans and introduce the entire recruiting class video at 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing Jason Germain in UMass Athletics at jag@admin.umass.edu
We look forward to celebrating with you Wednesday night. GO UMass!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe says the Super Bowl is an add for UMass.
News Day says Cruz and Welker were ignored in the draft.
WEEI says the Pats plan on being physical with Cruz.
James Ihedigbo and Medford's Coach Cullen go way back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buffalo Bills added former UMass assistant coach Andrew Dees to their staff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 30, 2012
UMass football Coach Charley Molnar and his staff will host a reception open to the public to announce the 2012 University of Massachusetts recruiting class at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Amherst Brewing Company.
The coaching staff will greet fans and introduce the entire recruiting class video at 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing Jason Germain in UMass Athletics at jag@admin.umass.edu
We look forward to celebrating with you Wednesday night. GO UMass!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe says the Super Bowl is an add for UMass.
News Day says Cruz and Welker were ignored in the draft.
WEEI says the Pats plan on being physical with Cruz.
James Ihedigbo and Medford's Coach Cullen go way back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buffalo Bills added former UMass assistant coach Andrew Dees to their staff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Azkals squad for UAE training camp in UAE ?
Nothing official about Azkals training squad for UAE.
Here is my probable squad for the training camp :
Sacapano ,Pascual ,Gier , del Rosario , Gener , Barbaso , Jonsson, Carli,Sabio, Juan Luis Aldeguer Guirado ,Marwin Angeles ,James Y , Angel , Margarse , Moy , Joshua Beloya ,Ruben Doctora JR , Misagh , Phil Y , Nate Burkey and Ian Araneta
Only 21 players , I think Weiss will bring two more players
Im not expecting too many fil-foreigners will add the squad and uncertain if Weiss will bring U21 players to UAE or they will stay home preparing for Brunei tournament.
Dennis Cagara ? Signed new German club . Not going to UAE
Roland M�ller ? No news that he will be going to UAE.
Simon Greatwich ? Vacation in Philippines , going home to USA ?
Chieffy Caligdong ? Injured
J. Christaens ? Injured
Manuell Ott ? No news that he will be going to UAE
Neil Etheridge ? Confirmed not going to UAE
Stephan Schr�ck, injured
Paul Mulders ? Confirmed not going to UAE
Jason de Jong ?
Jerry Lucena . Confirmed not going to UAE
Dennis Wolf . Probably not going to UAE
Comments ? Who should be in the squad for UAE ?
Here is my probable squad for the training camp :
Sacapano ,Pascual ,Gier , del Rosario , Gener , Barbaso , Jonsson, Carli,Sabio, Juan Luis Aldeguer Guirado ,Marwin Angeles ,James Y , Angel , Margarse , Moy , Joshua Beloya ,Ruben Doctora JR , Misagh , Phil Y , Nate Burkey and Ian Araneta
Only 21 players , I think Weiss will bring two more players
Im not expecting too many fil-foreigners will add the squad and uncertain if Weiss will bring U21 players to UAE or they will stay home preparing for Brunei tournament.
Dennis Cagara ? Signed new German club . Not going to UAE
Roland M�ller ? No news that he will be going to UAE.
Simon Greatwich ? Vacation in Philippines , going home to USA ?
Chieffy Caligdong ? Injured
J. Christaens ? Injured
Manuell Ott ? No news that he will be going to UAE
Neil Etheridge ? Confirmed not going to UAE
Stephan Schr�ck, injured
Paul Mulders ? Confirmed not going to UAE
Jason de Jong ?
Jerry Lucena . Confirmed not going to UAE
Dennis Wolf . Probably not going to UAE
Comments ? Who should be in the squad for UAE ?
Monday 30 January 2012
The Indonesia Honey Pot
For many years no football club would go near Indonesia. Scared off by terrorism and a perceived political instability overplayed by foreign embassies instead they concentrated their South East Asian efforts on the more visitor friendly countries of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Now, however, it appears Indonesia is once again open for business and everyone wants a slice of the pizza. Hot on the heels of Barcelona announcing they would be opening up academies here comes new that Inter Milan, due to visit the country later in May, would also be opening academies to tap into the expanding middle class.
With the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool already in the market it appears Europe�s elite clubs have found a new promised land and are falling over themselves to get established ahead of their rivals.
These academies are the language schools of football. Kids go in young, go through a number of levels and age groups and come out as, umm, footballers? Well, no, not quite. No amount of running round a football field in the newest boots wearing the latest replica shirt is going to turn a sparrow into a bird of paradise and parents throwing money at it won�t change that.
Of course no one is promising that little Johnny is going to come out of an academy playing like Lionel Messi. But parents, parting with hard earned cash, will be entitled to ask what they will be getting for their money. And the truth is not much really.
Every club that has dipped their toe in the Indonesian pool has talked about potential just as every multi-national looking to invest here. The potential of a burgeoning middle class with higher disposable incomes. They coo about Indonesia�s potential in football and point to a vibrant domestic league and sell out crowds at the Bung Karno as their proof.
Too often though they overlook the adjective that usually precedes the noun. Unfulfilled.
But what role do they envisage their academy playing in turning that around? It is very unlikely Indonesian football will find a Messi or a Ronaldo going through the ranks of a branded football academy. Instead they�re more likely to find kids with well off parents and a few bob to spend having their offspring live out their footballing fantasies. These kids from the top schools will in most cases have had their futures marked out for them by protective parents. Let the kids play football now because in the future they will be working in an air conditioned office, not getting drenched playing on cattle grazing surfaces with fans pelting rocks at them.
The European clubs of course care not one jot about that. Yes, it would be a marketing boon if a player does go through the academy and goes on to make a career professionally but the odds are sky high. Indonesia�s football future are playing barefoot in the kampongs far from the slick EPL or Serie A clubs� watchful eyes. They are training with their local team, their local Persi- or learning the trade at one of many SSBs (Sekolah Sepak Bola or Soccer Schools) that are littered haphazardly around the country.
When the big clubs talk about developing the game that is where they should be focusing their efforts, not on ticking mummy and daddy�s list of must do�s for their kids.
Academies are cheap, low cost, low risk ways of getting the brand out there and that is their main purpose.
There are other ways clubs could give something back, to really help develop the game in their chosen backyard. They could, for example build a stadium or relay a turf. Even better. They could take some of the brightest young coaches in the league and place them alongside their own coaches working on youth development or with the reserves. Give the coaches a chance to earn new ideas and see how other countries go about improving the talent pool.
Won�t happen of course. Improving coaches� ability is nowhere near as sexy as having a soccer school with your name getting regular mentions in the media. And even if one club did actually break the mould and try something so revolutionary it could have a detrimental effect on the coaches themselves.
Imagine spending 12 months with Ajax, Arsenal or Auxerre and returning to Indonesia brimming woth enthusiasm and ideas only to over ruled by a kretek smoking buffoon in batik telling you who which player to sign, who to substitute or a 14 kilometre run everyday does improve a player�s stamina.
Azkals tour UAE and Qatar - ticket news
13 February Al-Ahli (Qatar) vs Azkals in Doha , 7 pm at Al Ahli Stadium
Tickets are now available at AL AHLI Club , Cashier Section.
Ticket prices are as follows:
General Admission Group B - QR30
General Admission Group A - QR50
VIP - QR100
VVIP - QR150 (with access on the Azkals practice)
Pic : Al Ahli Stadium . Capacity : 20000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UAE games in DUBAI - Tickets will be available from 2nd February onwards!
From selected GIORDANO outlets, Orlando Sports outlets and Virgin Megastores in Dubai and across the UAE.
There are 3 price categories for the UAE games:
* Category B tickets are priced at AED 50
* Category A at AED 75
* VIP are priced at AED 165 per person.
Cebu Football - Erco beats SFC in 14th Aboitiz Cup
ERCO is slowly closing in on the top spot of bracket A in the Men�s Open of the 14th Aboitiz Football Cup after winning its assignment yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku Mandaue City.
Erco edged Subangdaku Football Club (SFC), 3-2, to solidify its second place standing with 12 points off four wins and two losses.
Erco has the same points as bracket leader Queen City United (QCU) A. But the latter has an edge with a goal difference (GD) of 24 points.
The men�s Open follows a cup-type format, which means that the top two teams in each bracket will advance to the crossover semifinals.
QCU A lost a chance to pad its points after losing to Don Bosco (DB) Magone, 0-2.
The team which had the most impressive win in bracket A was CrazyHorse, which logged a 14-0 rout of Don Bosco United Football Club (DBUFC) B.
The win brought CrazyHorse to third place with nine points to its name.
In bracket B, QCU B completed an 8-1 trashing of San Roque Royal United (SRRU).
San Roque Football Club (SRFC) made a leap from fourth to second place with a 5-0 demolition of Uptown United. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON
inquirer
Erco edged Subangdaku Football Club (SFC), 3-2, to solidify its second place standing with 12 points off four wins and two losses.
Erco has the same points as bracket leader Queen City United (QCU) A. But the latter has an edge with a goal difference (GD) of 24 points.
The men�s Open follows a cup-type format, which means that the top two teams in each bracket will advance to the crossover semifinals.
QCU A lost a chance to pad its points after losing to Don Bosco (DB) Magone, 0-2.
The team which had the most impressive win in bracket A was CrazyHorse, which logged a 14-0 rout of Don Bosco United Football Club (DBUFC) B.
The win brought CrazyHorse to third place with nine points to its name.
In bracket B, QCU B completed an 8-1 trashing of San Roque Royal United (SRRU).
San Roque Football Club (SRFC) made a leap from fourth to second place with a 5-0 demolition of Uptown United. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON
inquirer
Fandi's Part Time Job
Singapore legend returns to Malaysia. Fandi Ahamd has been appointed Technical Director of second tier Johor. He will only work two weeks a month because of commitments in Singapore.
He will get to meet English striker Richard Offiong who recently signed for the club.
Fowler's Future Questioned
After a few weeks of rumours it now looks like Muang Thong United coach Robbie Fowler will be playing in the new Indioan league thingy which is throwing plenty of cash at plenty of aging big names in the hope of boosting the game's profile.
Where does this leave Fowler's status as Muang Thong United player coach? How can he continue in the position when he is off in another country playing in a league that is not sanctioned by the local FA?
There's always been a feeling Fowler's appointment in the first place was little more than a publicity stunt by the club anyway. After a tophyless season perhaps now they can get back to concentrating on football and not bringing in big names for cameos and headlines.
ISL Weekend
The two top teams met last weekend as did two of the biggest teams and given the Javan centric nature of the country the focus was obviously on Persib and Persija. Played at the Jalak Harapat Stadium in front of 30,000 fanatic Bobotoh the hosts scraped through 1-0 thanks to a controversila first half pen by Miljan Radovic, his fifth goal of the season.
More action in West Java saw Pelita Jaya under new coach Rahmad Darmawan thump PSPS 4-0. Goals from Safee Sali, Greg Nwokolo and two from Alex Bajevski did the business.
Persiwa win just about all their home games and always have. Their 3-0 over Persisam saw them climb to second place in the table behind leaders Persipura who beat fellow title challengers Sriwijaya 2-1 in Jayapura. Former Sriwijaya midfielder Zah Rahan gave the home team the lead before Jufriyanto qualised on 81'. Brazilian striker Alberto Goncalves made it 2-1 moments later.
Arema's struggles continue, they were held 0-0 by PSAP and the famous Aremania seem to have deserted their heroes. Just 3,584 saw the game which is less than many Divisi Utama attendances.
1 - Persipura 10 7 2 1 30-12 23
2 - Persiwa 10 6 2 2 17-12 20
3 - Sriwijaya 10 6 1 3 22-10 19
8 - Keith Kayamba, Hilton Moreira (Sriwijaya)
7 - Alberto Goncalves (Persipura), Herman Dzumafo (PSPS)
6 - Marcio Souza (Arema), Safee Sali (Pelita Jaya), Mario Costas (Persela), Patrick Wanggai (Persidafon)
Injured Chieffy Caligdong could miss Dubai stint, AFC tilt
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines�A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Philippine Azkals co-skipper Chieffy Caligdong�s availability for the team�s training camp in Dubai next month and possibly, the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March.
The initial prognosis on the fleet-footed winger�s injury he sustained last Saturday in a United Football League game against Army revealed a partial ACL tear.
Caligdong said he is still awaiting the final word on his injury from Dr. Randy Molo.
�I�m still in pain and my knee is still swollen,� Caligdong told the Inquirer on the phone Monday.
Playing for Air Force Phoenix last Saturday, the Barotac Nuevo-born striker bumped knees with Army defender Wilson dela Cruz late in the first half.
With Caligdong doubtful, the Azkals could be without two of their standouts in one of their most important tournaments yet.
Skipper Aly Borromeo has already ruled himself out for the March 9-13 tournament as he also recovers from an ACL injury.
inquirer.net
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines�A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Philippine Azkals co-skipper Chieffy Caligdong�s availability for the team�s training camp in Dubai next month and possibly, the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March.
The initial prognosis on the fleet-footed winger�s injury he sustained last Saturday in a United Football League game against Army revealed a partial ACL tear.
Caligdong said he is still awaiting the final word on his injury from Dr. Randy Molo.
�I�m still in pain and my knee is still swollen,� Caligdong told the Inquirer on the phone Monday.
Playing for Air Force Phoenix last Saturday, the Barotac Nuevo-born striker bumped knees with Army defender Wilson dela Cruz late in the first half.
With Caligdong doubtful, the Azkals could be without two of their standouts in one of their most important tournaments yet.
Skipper Aly Borromeo has already ruled himself out for the March 9-13 tournament as he also recovers from an ACL injury.
inquirer.net
Palami wants Cebu
By Mike T. Limpag
Monday, January 30, 2012
IT WASN�T only former PH Under 23 team captain Matt Hartman who got suspended by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee but also team manager Dan Palami himself.
�I was also suspended from all football-related activities,� Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
Fortunately for Palami, his suspension was lifted after just one day.
The team manager�s suspension stemmed from his failure to answer allegations raised by Hartmann when the Disciplinary Committee conducted its investigation on the former captain leaving the team mid-way into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year.
�I was handed a letter that I was supposed to answer within 24 hours, but when our office got it, I was out of the country, so I was not able to send my reply,� said Palami.
The allegations were related to the room assignment of Azkal supporters and family members in the SEA Games.
Palami�s suspension was to last until he could answer the allegations raised by Hartmann, which he did, so he can now concentrate on the Azkals activities, which include looking at a possible training camp, or even international friendly, in Cebu later this year.
�It (suspension) lasted for about a day,� said Palami, who will be leaving with the senior team for a training camp in Dubai.
As to the former team captain, who is banned from both the national team and all football-related activities in the country, Palami said he can still file an appeal.
Meanwhile Palami said Fulham third-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will likely miss the Challenge Cup in Nepal next March due to club commitments.
�Neil most probably will not be released, but he will be playing for us on Feb. 29 against Malaysia,� said Palami.
With Neil getting tied to club duties, Germany-based Roland Muller is expected to take over.
�(Paul) Mulders already has the go signal to join us, I am also in constant contact with Dennis (Cagara) and Angel Aldeguer�s brother Juan Luis will be arriving on Feb. 5,� said Palami.
The manager added that Cebuano Ray Jonsson is also expected to play, while Stephen Shrock will also see action for one or two games.
However, Palami said it is still not sure whether Air Force spitfire Chieffy Caligdong, who got injured during their game against the Philippine Navy in the UFL, can play in the Challenge Cup.
�He has a partial ACL tear, so we are still waiting for the doctor�s assessment on whether he needs surgery,� said Palami.
A surgery will rule out Caligdong�s sting with the Azkals, who are already missing the services of team captain Alexander Borromeo due to an injury sustained last November.
The Philippines will have its Challenge Cup debut on March 9 against North Korea and will face India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.
Tajikistan, and India are former champions while North Korea is the defending champion.
After the Challenge Cup, the Azkals will be released back to their clubs for UFL duties but will team up anew late in May to prepare for a short tournament in Manila during the designated Fifa break in June.
�We are planning to invite Indonesia over so we could finally have that home game we didn�t have. We are also looking at Thailand or even Vietnam,� said Palami, whose team played their �home match� against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup 2010 semifinals in Jakarta.
�That will also be a chance for us to rack up points and rise in the Fifa rankings,� he said.
Aside from the Southeast Asian teams, Palami said he is looking at a major English Premier League club to complete the four-tournament friendly.
�The clubs usually have a short tournament in Hong Kong during that break and maybe, we can invite one over,� he said.
For the May training camp, Palami said he has already told the European-based players to spend their vacation in the Philippines so they can join the team training, which could be held in Cebu anew.
�I�m planning to put them in one place, maybe in Plantation Bay again so they can be with their families while at the same time train with the team,� said Palami.
During last year�s short training camp, the Azkals stayed at Plantation Bay and trained at the Aboitiz Sports Field pitch.
The manager added that he hopes Cebu will soon have a venue that can pass the Fifa standards so he can hold an international friendly here.
The only viable options for a match of such magnitude is the Cebu City Sports Center, whose field is under rehabilitation, and the planned University of San Carlos Stadium, which is still under construction.
�Cebu would be a very good location because the fans from the Visayas or Mindanao can just fly there,� he said.
Aside from the Challenge Cup, Palami is also busy with the U21 team that will see action in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei on Feb. 25 to March 3.
The team will be handled by the newly-hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic, who so far has impressed Palami.
The coach told Palami, who is also the manager of the U21 squad, to prepare a bonus since he is confident of finishing as runner-up or even champion of the U21 competition.
�I�d be happy to pay the bonus since I was already planning to give a bonus anyway if they win it,� said Palami.
Djordjevic has also been busy watching local football matches to gauge the players� skills.
�I think he went to all UFL games yesterday (last Sunday) and he�s also been watching the UAAP matches and he�s been talking to the coaches too,� said Palami.
Meanwhile, Palami said he is elated that the University of the Philippines has released its players to see action for the U21 team.
After the Brunei tournament, Palami plans to have friendly games between local senior and Under 23 teams in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu and the PH U21 team.
�We�re also planning to play Queen City in Cebu,� he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 31, 2012.
Monday, January 30, 2012
IT WASN�T only former PH Under 23 team captain Matt Hartman who got suspended by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee but also team manager Dan Palami himself.
�I was also suspended from all football-related activities,� Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
Fortunately for Palami, his suspension was lifted after just one day.
The team manager�s suspension stemmed from his failure to answer allegations raised by Hartmann when the Disciplinary Committee conducted its investigation on the former captain leaving the team mid-way into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year.
�I was handed a letter that I was supposed to answer within 24 hours, but when our office got it, I was out of the country, so I was not able to send my reply,� said Palami.
The allegations were related to the room assignment of Azkal supporters and family members in the SEA Games.
Palami�s suspension was to last until he could answer the allegations raised by Hartmann, which he did, so he can now concentrate on the Azkals activities, which include looking at a possible training camp, or even international friendly, in Cebu later this year.
�It (suspension) lasted for about a day,� said Palami, who will be leaving with the senior team for a training camp in Dubai.
As to the former team captain, who is banned from both the national team and all football-related activities in the country, Palami said he can still file an appeal.
Meanwhile Palami said Fulham third-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will likely miss the Challenge Cup in Nepal next March due to club commitments.
�Neil most probably will not be released, but he will be playing for us on Feb. 29 against Malaysia,� said Palami.
With Neil getting tied to club duties, Germany-based Roland Muller is expected to take over.
�(Paul) Mulders already has the go signal to join us, I am also in constant contact with Dennis (Cagara) and Angel Aldeguer�s brother Juan Luis will be arriving on Feb. 5,� said Palami.
The manager added that Cebuano Ray Jonsson is also expected to play, while Stephen Shrock will also see action for one or two games.
However, Palami said it is still not sure whether Air Force spitfire Chieffy Caligdong, who got injured during their game against the Philippine Navy in the UFL, can play in the Challenge Cup.
�He has a partial ACL tear, so we are still waiting for the doctor�s assessment on whether he needs surgery,� said Palami.
A surgery will rule out Caligdong�s sting with the Azkals, who are already missing the services of team captain Alexander Borromeo due to an injury sustained last November.
The Philippines will have its Challenge Cup debut on March 9 against North Korea and will face India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.
Tajikistan, and India are former champions while North Korea is the defending champion.
After the Challenge Cup, the Azkals will be released back to their clubs for UFL duties but will team up anew late in May to prepare for a short tournament in Manila during the designated Fifa break in June.
�We are planning to invite Indonesia over so we could finally have that home game we didn�t have. We are also looking at Thailand or even Vietnam,� said Palami, whose team played their �home match� against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup 2010 semifinals in Jakarta.
�That will also be a chance for us to rack up points and rise in the Fifa rankings,� he said.
Aside from the Southeast Asian teams, Palami said he is looking at a major English Premier League club to complete the four-tournament friendly.
�The clubs usually have a short tournament in Hong Kong during that break and maybe, we can invite one over,� he said.
For the May training camp, Palami said he has already told the European-based players to spend their vacation in the Philippines so they can join the team training, which could be held in Cebu anew.
�I�m planning to put them in one place, maybe in Plantation Bay again so they can be with their families while at the same time train with the team,� said Palami.
During last year�s short training camp, the Azkals stayed at Plantation Bay and trained at the Aboitiz Sports Field pitch.
The manager added that he hopes Cebu will soon have a venue that can pass the Fifa standards so he can hold an international friendly here.
The only viable options for a match of such magnitude is the Cebu City Sports Center, whose field is under rehabilitation, and the planned University of San Carlos Stadium, which is still under construction.
�Cebu would be a very good location because the fans from the Visayas or Mindanao can just fly there,� he said.
Aside from the Challenge Cup, Palami is also busy with the U21 team that will see action in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei on Feb. 25 to March 3.
The team will be handled by the newly-hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic, who so far has impressed Palami.
The coach told Palami, who is also the manager of the U21 squad, to prepare a bonus since he is confident of finishing as runner-up or even champion of the U21 competition.
�I�d be happy to pay the bonus since I was already planning to give a bonus anyway if they win it,� said Palami.
Djordjevic has also been busy watching local football matches to gauge the players� skills.
�I think he went to all UFL games yesterday (last Sunday) and he�s also been watching the UAAP matches and he�s been talking to the coaches too,� said Palami.
Meanwhile, Palami said he is elated that the University of the Philippines has released its players to see action for the U21 team.
After the Brunei tournament, Palami plans to have friendly games between local senior and Under 23 teams in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu and the PH U21 team.
�We�re also planning to play Queen City in Cebu,� he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 31, 2012.
Another chance for Matt Hartmann? For me, Yes!
WHEN I heard that U23 team captain Matt Hartmann left the team in the Southeast Asian Games I told myself, �this dude just kissed his international career goodbye.�
A few weeks back, when I learned how he went legalese with coach Michael Weiss, I thought he lost his marbles. When I learned how he justified his departure, by saying �that he wasn�t obliged to stay with the team and could leave anytime,� I thought this young dude deserved to be taught a lesson.
A ban from the national team should suffice.
A few weeks back, when I learned how he went legalese with coach Michael Weiss, I thought he lost his marbles. When I learned how he justified his departure, by saying �that he wasn�t obliged to stay with the team and could leave anytime,� I thought this young dude deserved to be taught a lesson.
A ban from the national team should suffice.
But a lifetime ban, too, in club football?
That�s a bit harsh. We are talking about a young man�s livelihood here, without a career, what is the guy going to do for a living? Stand in for Mr. Clean?
I hope Matt files an appeal, and I hope he gets his second chance in the UFL.
And even with the national team, too.
I�m a sucker for second, and even, third chances.
If not for a second chance, I wouldn�t be able to see the 1990s. If not for another chance, I wouldn�t be able to see the 2000s. And if not for yet another chance, I wouldn�t have survived 2001.
Career-wise, a second chance got me to Sun.Star Cebu, writing about the Philippine team back in 2000 and a third got me covering the SEA Games in 2005.
So a second chance, for me, shouldn�t be denied for Matt Hartmann, the one-time captain. Everybody deserves a second chance. A chance to make amends.
And yes, even with the national team.
But he has to earn it. He has to really earn it.
Matt�s stint with the national team was a privilege, not a right. And him saying that �he didn�t have to stay with the team because the PFF didn�t follow the protocol in informing his club of international duties� reeked of arrogance.
It�s a lame excuse that insults those who have worn the countries colors, and I�m not only talking about the football players.
But one thing that scares me though, is the power the Disciplinary Committee has shown. As a body independent of the PFF, I don�t think they realized what they have subjected Hartmann by barring him from club football.
But, as a law firm, don't they realize that the right to employment is fundamental?
What have they done?
They�ve just made the villain in the story, the victim.
They wanted to teach Matt a lesson, but this I ask, who will teach the Disciplinary Committee theirs?
Recruiting 2012--Stacey Bedell
 |
| Image credit unknown |
First he committed to Villanova.
Then in December he verbaled to James Madison.
Now several sources have him committing to UMass. Rivals has him verbaling to both UMass and JMU???
ESPN has him committed to UMass.
He also apparently received some late interest from Boston College.
Recruiting 2012-- Michael Boland
 |
| Rivals.com image |
Rivals page here.
Scout.com page here. Scout two-star player. Position rank #185.
Also had an offer from Tulane.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recruiting 2012- Dan Connaughton
ESPN reports that Dan Connaughton, a 6-3 272 pd OL from Sudbury chose Penn over UMass.
Connaughton had eight scholarship offers including Temple and UMass.
Connaughton had eight scholarship offers including Temple and UMass.
Monday-January 30, 2012
The NY Post has an article on Victor Cruz and the guy who beat him out for a scholarship to Rutgers.
The Boston Globe has a nice story on Cruz that includes his time at UMass.
The Patriot Ledger says Gronkowski and Cruz get a grip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hogs.net does a positional review on the Senior Bowl and says Emil Igwenagu did well. I watched the game on DVD yesterday afternoon. Emil was open on several plays, but they did not throw to him. His one catch was with about 5 minutes to go in the game. He looked smooth on the catch.
A Bleacher Report writer thinks Igwenagu solidified his chances of being drafted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Major FBS schools like UMass just got a boost from the NCAA in a new regulation banning "oversigning".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With two days to go before LOI Day, Boston College has just 13 verbals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe has a nice story on Cruz that includes his time at UMass.
The Patriot Ledger says Gronkowski and Cruz get a grip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hogs.net does a positional review on the Senior Bowl and says Emil Igwenagu did well. I watched the game on DVD yesterday afternoon. Emil was open on several plays, but they did not throw to him. His one catch was with about 5 minutes to go in the game. He looked smooth on the catch.
A Bleacher Report writer thinks Igwenagu solidified his chances of being drafted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Major FBS schools like UMass just got a boost from the NCAA in a new regulation banning "oversigning".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With two days to go before LOI Day, Boston College has just 13 verbals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Palami wants to bring Azkals back to Cebu
(This is the draft of my report--not a column--for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 31)
IT WASN�T only former PH Under 23 team captain Matt Hartman who got suspended by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee but also team manager Dan Palami himself.
�I was also suspended from all football-related activities,� Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
�I was also suspended from all football-related activities,� Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
Fortunately for Palami, his suspension was lifted after just one day.
The team manager�s suspension stemmed from his failure to answer allegations raised by Hartmann when the Disciplinary Committee conducted its investigation on the former captain leaving the team mid-way into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year.
Palami clarified that the PFF Disciplinary Committee is a body independent from the PFF and is comparable to an outside auditing firm that is hired by companies to check on their books.
�I was handed a letter that I was supposed to answer within 24 hours, but when our office got it, I was out of the country, so I was not able to send my reply,� said Palami.
The allegations were related to the billeting of Azkal supporters and family members in the SEA Games.
Palami�s suspension was to last until he could answer the allegations raised by Hartmann, which he did, so he can now concentrate on the Azkals activities, which include looking at a possible training camp, or even international friendly, in Cebu later this year.
�It (suspension) lasted for about a day,� said Palami, who will be leaving with the senior team for a training camp in Dubai.
As to the former team captain, who is banned from both the national team and all football-related activities in the country, Palami said he can still file an appeal.
Meanwhile Palami said Fulham third-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will likely miss the Challenge Cup in Nepal next March due to club commitments.
�Neil most probably will not be released, but he will be playing for us on Feb. 29 against Malaysia,� said Palami.
With Neil getting tied to club duties, Germany-based Roland Muller is expected to take over.
�(Paul) Mulders already has the go signal to join us, I am also in constant contact with Dennis (Cagara) and Angel Aldeguer�s brother Juan Luis will be arriving on Feb. 5,� said Palami.
The manager added that Cebuano Ray Jonsson is also expected to play, while Stephen Shrock will also see action for one or two games.
However, Palami said it is still not sure whether Air Force spitfire Chieffy Caligdong, who got injured during their 2-2 draw with the Philippine Army in the UFL, can play in the Challenge Cup.
�He has a partial ACL tear, so we are still waiting for the doctor�s assessment on whether he needs surgery,� said Palami.
A surgery will rule out Caligdong�s stint with the Azkals, who are already missing the services of team captain Alexander Borromeo due to an injury sustained last November.
The Philippines will have its Challenge Cup debut on March 9 against North Korea and will face India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.
Tajikistan, and India are former champions while North Korea is the defending champion.
After the Challenge Cup, the Azkals will be released back to their clubs for UFL duties but will team up anew late in May to prepare for a short tournament in Manila during the designated Fifa break in June.
�We are planning to invite Indonesia over so we could finally have that home game we didn�t have. We are also looking at Thailand or even Vietnam,� said Palami, whose team played their �home match� against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup 2010 semifinals in Jakarta.
�That will also be a chance for us to rack up points and rise in the Fifa rankings,� he said.
Aside from the Southeast Asian teams, Palami said he is looking at a major English Premier League club to complete the four-tournament friendly.
�The clubs usually have a short tournament in Hong Kong during that break and maybe, we can invite one over,� he said.
For the May training camp, Palami said he has already told the European-based players to spend their vacation in the Philippines so they can join the team training, which could be held in Cebu anew.
�I�m planning to put them in one place, maybe in Plantation Bay again so they can be with their families while at the same time train with the team,� said Palami.
During last year�s short training camp, the Azkals stayed at Plantation Bay and trained at the Aboitiz Sports Field pitch.
The manager added that he hopes Cebu will soon have a venue that can pass the Fifa standards so he can hold an international friendly here.
The only viable options for a match of such magnitude is the Cebu City Sports Center, whose field is under rehabilitation, and the planned University of San Carlos Stadium, which is still under construction.
�Cebu would be a very good location because the fans from the Visayas or Mindanao can just fly there,� he said.
Aside from the Challenge Cup, Palami is also busy with the U21 team that will see action in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei on Feb. 25 to March 3.
The team will be handled by the newly-hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic, who so far has impressed Palami.
The coach told Palami, who is also the manager of the U21 squad, to prepare a bonus since he is confident of finishing as runner-up or even champion of the U21 competition.
�I�d be happy to pay the bonus since I was already planning to give a bonus anyway if they win it,� said Palami.
Djordjevic has also been busy watching local football matches to gauge the players� skills.
�I think he went to all UFL games yesterday (last Sunday) and he�s also been watching the UAAP matches and he�s been talking to the coaches too,� said Palami.
Meanwhile, Palami said he is elated that the University of the Philippines has released its players to see action for the U21 team.
After the Brunei tournament, Palami plans to have friendly games between local senior and Under 23 teams in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu and the PH U21 team.
�We�re also planning to play Queen City in Cebu,� he said.
Former U-23 Azkal captain Matt Hartmann suspended indefinitely � PFF
Former Under-23 Philippine Men's National Football team captain Matthew Hartmann has been declared ineligible to join any incarnation of the Philippine team and has received a ban preventing him from being fielded by local clubs or organizations for an indefinite period of time, according to the Philippine Football Federation.
Hartmann was recently sent a letter by the PFF, informing him of the decision of the PFF Disciplinary Committee, based on a December 12, 2011 complaint filed against him.
The 22-year-old English-Filipino infamously left in the middle of the U-23 Azkals' Southeast Asia Games campaign last November in Jakarta, due to friction with head coach Hans Michael Weiss.
Prior to his departure, the Azkals dropped two matches, with Hartmann scoring an own goal in their opener against Vietnam.
After his return from Jakarta, Hartmann then got into a verbal confrontation during a tune-up with members of the De La Salle University men's varsity football team and their head coach Hans Smit.
Hartmann then signed with the UFL team Loyola Meralco Sparks for the 2012 season of the United Football League, but his suspension now leaves the club a man down.
It is not immediately known if Hartmann plans to appeal the suspension. - Adrian Dy/KBK, GMA News
GMA News
Hartmann was recently sent a letter by the PFF, informing him of the decision of the PFF Disciplinary Committee, based on a December 12, 2011 complaint filed against him.
The 22-year-old English-Filipino infamously left in the middle of the U-23 Azkals' Southeast Asia Games campaign last November in Jakarta, due to friction with head coach Hans Michael Weiss.
Prior to his departure, the Azkals dropped two matches, with Hartmann scoring an own goal in their opener against Vietnam.
After his return from Jakarta, Hartmann then got into a verbal confrontation during a tune-up with members of the De La Salle University men's varsity football team and their head coach Hans Smit.
Hartmann then signed with the UFL team Loyola Meralco Sparks for the 2012 season of the United Football League, but his suspension now leaves the club a man down.
It is not immediately known if Hartmann plans to appeal the suspension. - Adrian Dy/KBK, GMA News
GMA News
Sunday 29 January 2012
Bacolod Football - Two crowns for ABES in Carl Lopez bootfest
Andres Bonifacio Elementary School boys' Under 18 football team beat Handumanan, 1-0, while its boys' Under 12 ABES A squad tamed Wild Fox A, 2-1, to capture two titles in the 1st Councilor Carlos Jose �Carl� Valderrama Lopez 7-Aside Football Festival at the Bacolod City National High School pitch, Saturday.
Topping the eliminations in Under 18 against nine other teams, ABES went on to dominate the final match against Handumanan to secure the championship.
ABES' Jaymer Ciocon was named tournament Most Valuable Player, while his teammate Bell Bark Ortega received the best goalkeeper award.
In the Under 12 division, the boys from Andres Bonifacio beat 19 other clubs, including sister team ABES B in the semifinals, to school needed to tame sister team ABES B in the semifinals to arrange a title showdown against Wild Fox A.
Once again, ABES boys Adams Servanes and Sandy Remolado led the cast of individual awardees. Servanes was Under 12 MVP and Romolado, as best goal keeper.
In men's open category, UNO-Recoletos prevailed over Jackals A, 2-1, in the final match to win the title and the P3,000 cash prize. The Jackals received P2,000, while second runner-up Bacolod FC was given P1,000.
Recoletos' booter Michael Coral was MVP in the men's open event, while his teammate Jay Longno was adjudged as best goal keeper.
In the final match of girls' Under 14, Rizal Elementary school got away with a 1-0 win over St. Scholastica's Academy, with keeper Marikel Baleda bagging two individual awards � MVP and best goalie.
Rising Star Football Club was the recipient of the �Fair Play Award�, while Coach Ulyses Trillo was named best coach of the tournament.
Supervising the one day football festival was tournament director Emilio Goto, with match commissioners Dennis Estaniel, Leo Dayot and Catalino Valderrama Jr.
The competition drew participation from 50 teams from different football clubs in Negros Occidental.*NAB
Visayn Daily Star
Topping the eliminations in Under 18 against nine other teams, ABES went on to dominate the final match against Handumanan to secure the championship.
ABES' Jaymer Ciocon was named tournament Most Valuable Player, while his teammate Bell Bark Ortega received the best goalkeeper award.
In the Under 12 division, the boys from Andres Bonifacio beat 19 other clubs, including sister team ABES B in the semifinals, to school needed to tame sister team ABES B in the semifinals to arrange a title showdown against Wild Fox A.
Once again, ABES boys Adams Servanes and Sandy Remolado led the cast of individual awardees. Servanes was Under 12 MVP and Romolado, as best goal keeper.
In men's open category, UNO-Recoletos prevailed over Jackals A, 2-1, in the final match to win the title and the P3,000 cash prize. The Jackals received P2,000, while second runner-up Bacolod FC was given P1,000.
Recoletos' booter Michael Coral was MVP in the men's open event, while his teammate Jay Longno was adjudged as best goal keeper.
In the final match of girls' Under 14, Rizal Elementary school got away with a 1-0 win over St. Scholastica's Academy, with keeper Marikel Baleda bagging two individual awards � MVP and best goalie.
Rising Star Football Club was the recipient of the �Fair Play Award�, while Coach Ulyses Trillo was named best coach of the tournament.
Supervising the one day football festival was tournament director Emilio Goto, with match commissioners Dennis Estaniel, Leo Dayot and Catalino Valderrama Jr.
The competition drew participation from 50 teams from different football clubs in Negros Occidental.*NAB
Visayn Daily Star
Bacolod Football -Ceres, Dynamic, Real Negrense post wins
By Butch Bacaoco
Monday, January 30, 2012
YANSON Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) 2011 North Football League (NFL) Third Conference champion Ceres Football Club and two-time conference champion Dynamic Builders, as well as Real Negrense, scored emphatic wins against their respective opponents during the opening last weekend of the NFL 2012 season at the Ayala North Point football pitch in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
The three winners issued a strong message to all and sundry that they are very serious in their title bids in the 6-team tournament.
Defending champion Ceres FC started its title retention bid with a 4-1 domination of 3rd Conference 2nd runner-up Minuluan-Talisay. Ceres led 3-0 at the half behind the goals of Eliseo Palomo in the 9th minute, John Tromdita in the 21st and John Villaruel in the 36th minute.
Minuluan-Talisay tightened its defense and launched more aggressive attacks when play resumed. The team?s efforts paid off, as John Decatoria found his mark in the 71st minute.
However, Villaruel countered with incursion in the middle in the 76th minute to seal the game for Ceres.
Earlier in the second game, Dynamic Builders made mince-meat of Las Buenas Football Club, blanking the latter en route to a 7-0 victory.
Jason Panhay scored at the 13th minute, Ali Go quickly followed suit at the 16th minute and Roland Ian Treyes added another goal in the 20th minute to end the half, 3-0.
Go converted again in the 43rd minute when play resumed in the second half, Andy Coscolluela scored a minute later, and Go completed his hat trick at the 66th. Amber Tiongson sank another goal in the 80th minute.
Real Negrense posted a lopsided win against Trimaxi-Agro FC, scoring the first five goals in the first and another six goals in the second half against Trimaxi?s three goals in the game.
Luis William Claur ignited the onslaught in the 15th minute, William Flores at 31st; Luis Christian Claur in the 34th and 40th; Jose Tolete at 35th; Jason Castanilla made three goals at 46th, 74th and 77th minute; Wilson Valencia at 47th, Rex Obelario at 49th and Joe Gubatayan at 52nd minute.
Playing coach Eric Gallaga scored the first goal for Trimaxi in the 54th minute, Troy Fegidero at the 60th and Best de la Noche at the 70thminute.
Tournament commissioner Ramon Janeo said that the February 5, Saturday schedule of games will give fans a preview of what happened in the 2011 3rd conference when Ceres FC derailed the grand slam dreams of Dynamic, as both teams will face each other in the second game at 3:30 p.m.
Real Negrense and Las Buenas FC will meet n the first game at 1:30 p.m., then the main game will be between Trimaxi-Agro FC and Minuluan-Talisay at 5:30 p.m.
Janeo added that YGBC holds the football tournament to make Negrenses more aware and enjoy the beautiful game of football, in the same manner that they enjoy watching basketball and other mainstream sports.
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 30, 2012.
Monday, January 30, 2012
YANSON Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) 2011 North Football League (NFL) Third Conference champion Ceres Football Club and two-time conference champion Dynamic Builders, as well as Real Negrense, scored emphatic wins against their respective opponents during the opening last weekend of the NFL 2012 season at the Ayala North Point football pitch in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
The three winners issued a strong message to all and sundry that they are very serious in their title bids in the 6-team tournament.
Defending champion Ceres FC started its title retention bid with a 4-1 domination of 3rd Conference 2nd runner-up Minuluan-Talisay. Ceres led 3-0 at the half behind the goals of Eliseo Palomo in the 9th minute, John Tromdita in the 21st and John Villaruel in the 36th minute.
Minuluan-Talisay tightened its defense and launched more aggressive attacks when play resumed. The team?s efforts paid off, as John Decatoria found his mark in the 71st minute.
However, Villaruel countered with incursion in the middle in the 76th minute to seal the game for Ceres.
Earlier in the second game, Dynamic Builders made mince-meat of Las Buenas Football Club, blanking the latter en route to a 7-0 victory.
Jason Panhay scored at the 13th minute, Ali Go quickly followed suit at the 16th minute and Roland Ian Treyes added another goal in the 20th minute to end the half, 3-0.
Go converted again in the 43rd minute when play resumed in the second half, Andy Coscolluela scored a minute later, and Go completed his hat trick at the 66th. Amber Tiongson sank another goal in the 80th minute.
Real Negrense posted a lopsided win against Trimaxi-Agro FC, scoring the first five goals in the first and another six goals in the second half against Trimaxi?s three goals in the game.
Luis William Claur ignited the onslaught in the 15th minute, William Flores at 31st; Luis Christian Claur in the 34th and 40th; Jose Tolete at 35th; Jason Castanilla made three goals at 46th, 74th and 77th minute; Wilson Valencia at 47th, Rex Obelario at 49th and Joe Gubatayan at 52nd minute.
Playing coach Eric Gallaga scored the first goal for Trimaxi in the 54th minute, Troy Fegidero at the 60th and Best de la Noche at the 70thminute.
Tournament commissioner Ramon Janeo said that the February 5, Saturday schedule of games will give fans a preview of what happened in the 2011 3rd conference when Ceres FC derailed the grand slam dreams of Dynamic, as both teams will face each other in the second game at 3:30 p.m.
Real Negrense and Las Buenas FC will meet n the first game at 1:30 p.m., then the main game will be between Trimaxi-Agro FC and Minuluan-Talisay at 5:30 p.m.
Janeo added that YGBC holds the football tournament to make Negrenses more aware and enjoy the beautiful game of football, in the same manner that they enjoy watching basketball and other mainstream sports.
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 30, 2012.
TU people needs Peoples
An idea of the Brandon Peoples' running style.
Just by sheer dumb luck, I ran into Brandon Peoples the other night.
I was coming out of the LA Fitness Center and holding the door right in front of me was a young man wearing an Archbishop Wood jacket and "B. Peoples" across the back.
"Welcome to Temple," I blurted out.
He flashed a broad smile and an inquistive look.
"How'd you know that?" he asked.
I told him I'm a big Temple football fan.
We shook hands.
Potential TU backups at RB
(numbers represent rushing figures during each player's final high school season while playing the tailback position:
Kenny Harper, Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz (2010) _ 17 carries, 179 yards, three touchdowns (mostly played defense).Darius Johnson, Philadelphia Overbrook (2007) _ 147 carries, 1051 yards, nine touchdowns (his last high school year was indeed 2007).
Brandon Peoples
Brandon Peoples, Archbishop Wood (2011) _ 103 carries, 1,013 yards, 22 touchdowns.
Spencer Reid, Harriton (2010) _ 142 carries, 960 yards, 12 touchdowns.
Note: Khalif Herbin and Jalen Fitzpatrick, currently tabbed as slot receivers, had the most mind-boggling senior year rushing stats but those came out of the quarterback position. Herbin (Montclair, N.J.), had 105 carries, 1,950 yards and 43 touchdowns. Fitzpatrick, from Harrisburg, finished his senior year with 1,116 yards rushing with 13 TDs on 115 carries.
Sources: tedsilary.com, pennlive.com, NJ.com., Gainesville Sun.
"Good luck, man," I said.
"Thanks," he said.
(Geez, I should have asked him if he was related to Gary Peoples. I used to play fullcourt noontime pickup basketball 20 or so years ago at the Doylestown YMCA with a great player from Abington named Gary Peoples. The next time I see Brandon, I will ask.)
If I had left LA Fitness five SECONDS later or five seconds earlier, I might have never crossed paths with Brandon Peoples until he arrived at Temple. Funny how those things happen. Heck, I did not even know he worked out at the same place I do. (And I only go to that LA Fitness because they have the TVs attached to the cardio machines.)
Meanwhile, I've thought about that "good luck" remark for the past couple of days.
A real smart man once said that luck is result of opportunity and hard work.
It appears to me now that the opportunity part is right there for Brandon Peoples.
Matty Brown is the No. 1 back and he's earned it. Heck, I might be prejudiced by I think Matty Brown is the best running back in the Mid-American Conference by far and that's not an indictment of the MAC as it is my belief that Matty is THAT good.
The opportunity comes right behind Brown and that's where Peoples comes into play.
Right now, Temple's backups at tailback are (in no particular order) Spencer Reid, Jalen Fitzpatrick, Kenny Harper and Darius Johnson. None of them had particular distinguished high school careers running the football.
Peoples, on the other hand, did have an outstanding career running the football.
What was that Bill Parcells said?
Oh yeah: "The best predictor of future success is past success." (I wish Al Golden would have consulted that mantra before signing Vaughn Charlton, but that's a whole other story.)
Temple is about to sign a megastar in Montrell Dobbs, but it appears as though Dobbs won't be eligible for the 2012 season.
It does not look like that Addazio will reach out and get a big-time JUCO at the last minute, like Tiger Powell of Lake City, Fla.
That leaves the incoming recruits, led by Peoples.
I used to get Brandon and his cousin, Desmond, confused.
They both have the same last name.
They both played for Archbishop Wood.
I solved that by associating Brandon Peoples with another BP (Bernard Pierce).
If this BP has even half the career the other BP had, Temple's peoples (fans) will be pleased.
Azkals meet big bumps in AFC buildup
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ
AT the rate the national team preparations are going, German coach Michael Weiss cautioned local fans not to expect any miracles when the Azkals compete in the AFC Challenge Cup in Katmandhu, Nepal in March.
"As far as the Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, they are far from ideal," Weiss said after the nationals were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Global in a recent tune-up match at the Rizal Memorial Football field.
"The performance does not give us so much hope. Every single individual did not perform as far as they were expected given the demands of a big tournament in six weeks� time," he noted. "My impression as you can see is that they are distracted. Why, I don�t know."
Considered the tougher of the two groups in the Nepal tourney, the Filipinos are bracketed in Group B with India, Tajikistan and North Korea, the 2006, 2008 and 2010 AFC Challenge Cup titlists, respectively.
Comparing the performance of the Filipino booters the previous weekend when they battled the visiting Icheon City squad of South Korea to a 1-all draw before losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout, Weiss said his charges� showing in the tune-up game was "like day and night."
But he quickly added he would not consider the performance "traumatic," citing the two side�s practices were limited to once a week due to the players� commitments with their respective UFL clubs.
Weiss said the Azkals� coming training camp Dubai would be crucial to their build-up for the AFC Challenge Cup.
"Especially now with the situation in the Philippines (with the UFL), it is important to have the team day by day, to work on team strategy, set pieces, we have to work on ball possession, the whole football package," he said, adding he�s hopeful the UFL players would be released for the camp.
The German mentor said he�s looking forward to re-establishing team chemistry among the Azkals "and possibly get us closer together."
At least 20 to 22 players were listed and their visas secured for the Middle East training stint, but Weiss said he will only know who exactly will be available "once we are there."
The Azkals are expected to have three tune-up games during the two-week camp, namely against the Azerbaijan national team coached by former German national team mainstay Berti Vogts, top Qatari club Al-Ahrabi and the Australian Under-23 Olympic team.
Despite the numerous handicaps, Weiss said he and his wards would give the AFC Challenge Cup their best shot but admitted that "with the limited training it won�t be easy."
malaya
AT the rate the national team preparations are going, German coach Michael Weiss cautioned local fans not to expect any miracles when the Azkals compete in the AFC Challenge Cup in Katmandhu, Nepal in March.
"As far as the Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, they are far from ideal," Weiss said after the nationals were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Global in a recent tune-up match at the Rizal Memorial Football field.
"The performance does not give us so much hope. Every single individual did not perform as far as they were expected given the demands of a big tournament in six weeks� time," he noted. "My impression as you can see is that they are distracted. Why, I don�t know."
Considered the tougher of the two groups in the Nepal tourney, the Filipinos are bracketed in Group B with India, Tajikistan and North Korea, the 2006, 2008 and 2010 AFC Challenge Cup titlists, respectively.
Comparing the performance of the Filipino booters the previous weekend when they battled the visiting Icheon City squad of South Korea to a 1-all draw before losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout, Weiss said his charges� showing in the tune-up game was "like day and night."
But he quickly added he would not consider the performance "traumatic," citing the two side�s practices were limited to once a week due to the players� commitments with their respective UFL clubs.
Weiss said the Azkals� coming training camp Dubai would be crucial to their build-up for the AFC Challenge Cup.
"Especially now with the situation in the Philippines (with the UFL), it is important to have the team day by day, to work on team strategy, set pieces, we have to work on ball possession, the whole football package," he said, adding he�s hopeful the UFL players would be released for the camp.
The German mentor said he�s looking forward to re-establishing team chemistry among the Azkals "and possibly get us closer together."
At least 20 to 22 players were listed and their visas secured for the Middle East training stint, but Weiss said he will only know who exactly will be available "once we are there."
The Azkals are expected to have three tune-up games during the two-week camp, namely against the Azerbaijan national team coached by former German national team mainstay Berti Vogts, top Qatari club Al-Ahrabi and the Australian Under-23 Olympic team.
Despite the numerous handicaps, Weiss said he and his wards would give the AFC Challenge Cup their best shot but admitted that "with the limited training it won�t be easy."
malaya
Guirado caps Global's win over Nomads
By Joey Villar
Global FC drew strength from the return of leader Angel Guirado as it smashed Nomads Auction Manila, 5-1, to move to a share of second spot in the United Football League at the Nomads field in Para�aque City.
After engineering the first half onslaught to put Global 4-0 up, Guirado, back from suspension after being tossed out for a red card during a shock 1-2 defeat to Army Fritz & Macziol last Jan. 15, joined the scoring parade with a 54th minute goal that capped the lopsided victory.
It was Global�s second straight win starting with a 2-0 bashing of Pasargad FC a week ago when Guirado served out the automatic one-game suspension. Global joined LBC-backed Kaya � which was playing Navy Red Juice at press time for the solo lead � and Loyola Meralco Sparks at No. 2 with six points each.
And now Guirado, one of the more popular members of the Azkals headed by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, is back.
Midfielder William Espinosa opened up the scoring with a goal just two minutes gone in the match and after half an hour, the goals came in succession thanks to Abdalla Ahmed Hwedi (31�), Carlos de Murga (41�) and captain Badrelin Elhabbib (45�).
The Nomads, which fell to their first loss to remain in the middle of the pack with four points, averted an embarrassing shutout, thanks to Steven Borril�s goal on the 62nd minute when the game was already decided.
Earlier, Pasargad leaned on Charlie Sutcliffe�s equalizing goal on the 62nd minute to escape with a 1-1 draw with the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United to nail down its first point.
The Archers, also winless after two previous outings, were on their way to snaring their first triumph after Shag Shapay Johnson gave them a 1-0 lead on the 53rd minute, until Sutcliffe struck.
philstar
Global FC drew strength from the return of leader Angel Guirado as it smashed Nomads Auction Manila, 5-1, to move to a share of second spot in the United Football League at the Nomads field in Para�aque City.
After engineering the first half onslaught to put Global 4-0 up, Guirado, back from suspension after being tossed out for a red card during a shock 1-2 defeat to Army Fritz & Macziol last Jan. 15, joined the scoring parade with a 54th minute goal that capped the lopsided victory.
It was Global�s second straight win starting with a 2-0 bashing of Pasargad FC a week ago when Guirado served out the automatic one-game suspension. Global joined LBC-backed Kaya � which was playing Navy Red Juice at press time for the solo lead � and Loyola Meralco Sparks at No. 2 with six points each.
And now Guirado, one of the more popular members of the Azkals headed by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, is back.
Midfielder William Espinosa opened up the scoring with a goal just two minutes gone in the match and after half an hour, the goals came in succession thanks to Abdalla Ahmed Hwedi (31�), Carlos de Murga (41�) and captain Badrelin Elhabbib (45�).
The Nomads, which fell to their first loss to remain in the middle of the pack with four points, averted an embarrassing shutout, thanks to Steven Borril�s goal on the 62nd minute when the game was already decided.
Earlier, Pasargad leaned on Charlie Sutcliffe�s equalizing goal on the 62nd minute to escape with a 1-1 draw with the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United to nail down its first point.
The Archers, also winless after two previous outings, were on their way to snaring their first triumph after Shag Shapay Johnson gave them a 1-0 lead on the 53rd minute, until Sutcliffe struck.
philstar
Azkals confront Uzbeks, Aussies in AFC tuneup
By Olmin Leyba
The Philippine Azkals look to hone their skills against two Olympics-aspiring sides � Uzbekistan and Australia � in their Middle East training camp from Feb.7-17 in preparation for their AFC Challenge Cup campaign in March in Nepal.
Organizers of the Azkals� Tour yesterday announced that Phl XI will kick off their three-game slate against Uzbekistan on Feb. 11 in Dubai, then battle Qatari club Al Ahli SC two days later in Doha, and wrap up with a game against Qantas Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai.
It was not immediately clear whether it will be the U-23 team or the national team from Uzbekistan that will engage the Azkals in a friendly. In their Facebook page, organizers said it will be the national team (senior) but according to Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright, they will play the U-23 crew.
�Uzkebistan is a very strong football team, whether it�s the U-23 or the senior team. They are in the top four in Asia and their U-23 is in the eliminations for the Olympics,� Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said.
The Uzbekistan White Wolves� senior team was a semifinalist in the last AFC Asian Cup while their U-23 squad currently holds the Group B lead in the preliminary round 3 of the AFC Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics with five points (1-2-0).
The Olyroos of Australia are in the same group as Uzbeks U-23, occupying third with three points (0-3-0). The two battled to a scoreless draw last November and will meet again on Feb. 5 at the resumption of continental qualifiers for London.
The only local club in the Azkals� itinerary, Al Ahli SC, competes in the Qatar Stars League, the highest professional league in Qatari football.
�Our main objective in this camp is to put the players together for practices and practice matches. It�s very important that we give them the chance to play as a team against good teams in preparation for the Challenge Cup,� said Araneta.
The Azkals were supposed to take on Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 6 to start their camp. But visa problems forced the Avram Grant-coached Black and Whites to call off their UAE trip and the Azkals couldn�t get a new opponent for that date on short notice.
philstar
The Philippine Azkals look to hone their skills against two Olympics-aspiring sides � Uzbekistan and Australia � in their Middle East training camp from Feb.7-17 in preparation for their AFC Challenge Cup campaign in March in Nepal.
Organizers of the Azkals� Tour yesterday announced that Phl XI will kick off their three-game slate against Uzbekistan on Feb. 11 in Dubai, then battle Qatari club Al Ahli SC two days later in Doha, and wrap up with a game against Qantas Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai.
It was not immediately clear whether it will be the U-23 team or the national team from Uzbekistan that will engage the Azkals in a friendly. In their Facebook page, organizers said it will be the national team (senior) but according to Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright, they will play the U-23 crew.
�Uzkebistan is a very strong football team, whether it�s the U-23 or the senior team. They are in the top four in Asia and their U-23 is in the eliminations for the Olympics,� Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said.
The Uzbekistan White Wolves� senior team was a semifinalist in the last AFC Asian Cup while their U-23 squad currently holds the Group B lead in the preliminary round 3 of the AFC Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics with five points (1-2-0).
The Olyroos of Australia are in the same group as Uzbeks U-23, occupying third with three points (0-3-0). The two battled to a scoreless draw last November and will meet again on Feb. 5 at the resumption of continental qualifiers for London.
The only local club in the Azkals� itinerary, Al Ahli SC, competes in the Qatar Stars League, the highest professional league in Qatari football.
�Our main objective in this camp is to put the players together for practices and practice matches. It�s very important that we give them the chance to play as a team against good teams in preparation for the Challenge Cup,� said Araneta.
The Azkals were supposed to take on Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 6 to start their camp. But visa problems forced the Avram Grant-coached Black and Whites to call off their UAE trip and the Azkals couldn�t get a new opponent for that date on short notice.
philstar
Sunday--January 29th, 2012
The Boston Globe has a story with a section on Emil Igwenagu's time at the Senior Bowl.
The Worcester Telegram asks if Igwenagu could be the next Victor Cruz.
I havn't watched the game yet, but Emil had one catch for 14 yards according the official stats.
I get a fair amount of e-mail looking to hype some sort of sports website. I usually don't respond to that sort of thing, but I'm going to show this one about a guy writing a book on the NFL draft. I'm linking to it because he has an article on Igwenagu.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says James Ihedigbo was born to be a Patriot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Shea of MassLive.com talks to a Notre Dame beat writer who says Charlie Molnar is a "terrific hire" for UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell replaces Hedi Watney at NESN.
This is slide #5 from a Bleacher Report article on Dell.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm pleased to say my presence did not jinx UMass yesterday, as the Minutemen defeated St. Louis 72-59. The crowd of 8399 was the largest since 2007.
That was the best looking UMass hoops team, Mrs Blog and I have seen in some time. They're fun to watch.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Worcester Telegram asks if Igwenagu could be the next Victor Cruz.
I havn't watched the game yet, but Emil had one catch for 14 yards according the official stats.
I get a fair amount of e-mail looking to hype some sort of sports website. I usually don't respond to that sort of thing, but I'm going to show this one about a guy writing a book on the NFL draft. I'm linking to it because he has an article on Igwenagu.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says James Ihedigbo was born to be a Patriot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Shea of MassLive.com talks to a Notre Dame beat writer who says Charlie Molnar is a "terrific hire" for UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell replaces Hedi Watney at NESN.
This is slide #5 from a Bleacher Report article on Dell.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm pleased to say my presence did not jinx UMass yesterday, as the Minutemen defeated St. Louis 72-59. The crowd of 8399 was the largest since 2007.
That was the best looking UMass hoops team, Mrs Blog and I have seen in some time. They're fun to watch.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 28 January 2012
Fair Play: The Juan who could be a footballer
(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 30)
FROM a distance, Juan Esquer looked like one mean fighting machine. Moments before the fight started, as he stood there in the ring, he looked like my cousin Aris who is also my uncle.
During my birthday celebration years ago in Moalboal, my cousin, who dabbled in boxing in the Philippine Military Academy, punched me in the stomach because it was their tradition and it hurt like hell.
Juan looked like one mean fighter.
He reminded me, too, of Juan Manuel Marquez with the way he threw those punches, and the way he seemed to have a solid head and shoulders. He seemed, ready, too, to take on what Milan Melindo could throw and then some.
And, after a supporting bout that ended in less than two minutes, we were in for a showdown. Right?
Wrong!
Damn Juan channeled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo in what was the most comical fight I�ve ever seen�live and on TV.
ABS CBN should send clips of the fight in one of those funny shows and get a buck or few.
In the fourth round, Juan got hit in the family jewels and yes it must have hurt but I don�t think it warranted the show he put up�rolling across the court, attempting to stand and failing a few times.
And that was just the start of the performance worthy of an academy.
In the seventh round, after an exchange near the corner, Juan was writhing again, holding on to his family jewels and referee promptly waived the fight off.
Perhaps Juan�s corner should have reminded their boxer�dude, there�s a damn giant screen monitor in the venue!
And what did the replay show? Juan hitting Melindo below the belt and El Metodico hitting the Mexican on the chest, just about where my cousin Aris hit me.
And there was Juan, holding on to his balls as if his life depended on it, writhing in pain, milking it for all it�s worth only to get disqualified by the referee.
I was with my kababayans Doc Joel Pascual, whose son Paolo plays for the national team and Global FC, and Mark Concha. Prior to watching the boxing match, the two were at the Azkals Sports Bar and Grill to catch the latest UFL action.
And we all had the same thought. �Football player siguro ning Mexicano!�Doc Joel, who is also a fan of Jun Intor said, �Mas maayo pa siguro sila nag-atbang ni Flash Mongo.�
What a crappy way to end a fight.
Heck, he looked like football star Rivaldo, who, after getting hit by an errant clearance in the head�in the freakin� head�was next seen holding on to his balls.
After the fight, Juan passed by us and he was still pointing to his balls. But when it was time for pictures, the darn Mexican looked like a tourist on a stroll that I�m wondering if he�s still laughing on the way to the bank.
Have you ever been in a group who were having a picture taking and somebody got left out? And that somebody ran to the middle of the pack as the photographer was counting 1..2..3.�
Juan did that and more. He even grabbed Donnie Nietes to have a picture with him, and somebody up in the balcony shouted, �Tumbaha na Don!�
While talking to Donnie, he was pointing to his balls and for a minute I was afraid he�d actually show �em to the world champion. There were a couple of girls, too, who had no plans to have a picture but Juan wouldn�t have it, so he grabbed them.
This from a guy who said during the press con that he was going to show Melindo a real Mexican fighter? Nuts!
And when ring announcer Ted Lerner said they still had a trophy to award�for the winning team in the Philippines vs. World contest�the jeering got so loud he had to say, �No it�s not for the Best Actor.�
While Juan was a disappointment, I liked what I saw in Melindo, who didn�t let the Mexican�s antics go into his head.
He kept his composure and he didn�t rush his punches the way other boxers out to score points with the crowd, would.
I also liked Lorenzo Villanueva, who pummeled Diego Ledesma in the first round for his 22nd knockout in 23 straight wins.
As for Esquer? Unless he�s facing Flash Mongo, he can keep his cajones in Mexico.
But thanks to him, I forgot all about the Australian Open women�s finals results.
FROM a distance, Juan Esquer looked like one mean fighting machine. Moments before the fight started, as he stood there in the ring, he looked like my cousin Aris who is also my uncle.
During my birthday celebration years ago in Moalboal, my cousin, who dabbled in boxing in the Philippine Military Academy, punched me in the stomach because it was their tradition and it hurt like hell.
Juan looked like one mean fighter.
He reminded me, too, of Juan Manuel Marquez with the way he threw those punches, and the way he seemed to have a solid head and shoulders. He seemed, ready, too, to take on what Milan Melindo could throw and then some.
And, after a supporting bout that ended in less than two minutes, we were in for a showdown. Right?
Wrong!
Damn Juan channeled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo in what was the most comical fight I�ve ever seen�live and on TV.
ABS CBN should send clips of the fight in one of those funny shows and get a buck or few.
In the fourth round, Juan got hit in the family jewels and yes it must have hurt but I don�t think it warranted the show he put up�rolling across the court, attempting to stand and failing a few times.
And that was just the start of the performance worthy of an academy.
In the seventh round, after an exchange near the corner, Juan was writhing again, holding on to his family jewels and referee promptly waived the fight off.
Perhaps Juan�s corner should have reminded their boxer�dude, there�s a damn giant screen monitor in the venue!
And what did the replay show? Juan hitting Melindo below the belt and El Metodico hitting the Mexican on the chest, just about where my cousin Aris hit me.
And there was Juan, holding on to his balls as if his life depended on it, writhing in pain, milking it for all it�s worth only to get disqualified by the referee.
I was with my kababayans Doc Joel Pascual, whose son Paolo plays for the national team and Global FC, and Mark Concha. Prior to watching the boxing match, the two were at the Azkals Sports Bar and Grill to catch the latest UFL action.
And we all had the same thought. �Football player siguro ning Mexicano!�Doc Joel, who is also a fan of Jun Intor said, �Mas maayo pa siguro sila nag-atbang ni Flash Mongo.�
What a crappy way to end a fight.
Heck, he looked like football star Rivaldo, who, after getting hit by an errant clearance in the head�in the freakin� head�was next seen holding on to his balls.
After the fight, Juan passed by us and he was still pointing to his balls. But when it was time for pictures, the darn Mexican looked like a tourist on a stroll that I�m wondering if he�s still laughing on the way to the bank.
Have you ever been in a group who were having a picture taking and somebody got left out? And that somebody ran to the middle of the pack as the photographer was counting 1..2..3.�
Juan did that and more. He even grabbed Donnie Nietes to have a picture with him, and somebody up in the balcony shouted, �Tumbaha na Don!�
While talking to Donnie, he was pointing to his balls and for a minute I was afraid he�d actually show �em to the world champion. There were a couple of girls, too, who had no plans to have a picture but Juan wouldn�t have it, so he grabbed them.
This from a guy who said during the press con that he was going to show Melindo a real Mexican fighter? Nuts!
And when ring announcer Ted Lerner said they still had a trophy to award�for the winning team in the Philippines vs. World contest�the jeering got so loud he had to say, �No it�s not for the Best Actor.�
While Juan was a disappointment, I liked what I saw in Melindo, who didn�t let the Mexican�s antics go into his head.
He kept his composure and he didn�t rush his punches the way other boxers out to score points with the crowd, would.
I also liked Lorenzo Villanueva, who pummeled Diego Ledesma in the first round for his 22nd knockout in 23 straight wins.
As for Esquer? Unless he�s facing Flash Mongo, he can keep his cajones in Mexico.
But thanks to him, I forgot all about the Australian Open women�s finals results.
Hendrie's Woes
Former Bandung FC, from the short lived LPI, striker Lee Hendrie has been declared bankrupt in England, owing the tax man a lot of money.Two options for the lad. One is he could return to south east Asia. Singapore for example have appointed a French bankrupt to be their CEO. Or he could ask Harry Redknapp for financial advice. Old Teflon 'arry could be a wise influence on the player.
Reports suggest Hendrie was earning 24,000 GBP a week...more than I ever earned in a year when I lived in England and while he was with Bandung he was reportedly on $550,000 a year.
All that money and he's skint.
What Is The Connection Between FAS & Etoile?
Etoile FC were allowed to play two seasons in the S-League despite having failed to provide the full $500,000 banker's guarantee that foreign clubs have to put up, it is believed.
That is one reason why the club, facing debts 'a few times more' than the $100,000 that has been reported, has been struggling to repay money owed to players from last season.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) normally requires foreign clubs to furnish a $500,000 performance bond when they join the league. The money can then be drawn upon if a club defaults on payments - from the rental of stadiums to player salaries. If a club pulls out of the S-League, like Etoile did on Jan16, the money will then be returned.
But the French club struggled to put up the banker's guarantee when it arrived in January 2010. The league's then-director of finance Tan Bong Him said at the time: 'All new clubs have the option to furnish their payments by instalments. Both Etoile and Beijing (Guoan Talent), have met their first instalment obligation and they have till March to complete their final payment.'
SOURCE - The Straits Times
COMMENT - First the former CEO of Etoile is appointed deputy CEO of SLeague. Then a newspaper discovers he is bankrupt back in France, his home country. The FA announce one of their investigations they love so much, the ones where they throw hefty fines, deduct points and talk tough at clubs and players, before announcing that in fact he is not bankrupt and will make an announcement 'soon'.
In Singapore business school speak 'soon' is synonymous with Indonesia's jam karet.
Anyway now we find this. That Etoile had not paid any bond up front like other foreign teams must do. The really funny thing, and I mean rolling on the floor kicking your legs in the air, tears flowing down your eyes hilarious, is that Etoile must make their final payment by March!
Or what? Whatcha gonna do? Kick em out the league? They've already gone. Fine them? They have no money.
You know what? A bit more transparency from the offices of the Football Association might go a long way. Because the way things are it appears everyone there is in damage control mode. Delay follows delay, obfuscation mixes with opaqueness and what you end up with is the image of people rushing round trying to hush things up and protect themselves rather than actually getting busy with running the game of football.
Malaysia Super League 28/01
PKNS v Sabah 2-2
LionsX11 v Terengganu 0-1
Felda United v Perak 1-2
T Team v Selangor 1-2
Sarawak v Negeri Sembilan 2-2
Kelantan v KL 3-0
Kedah v Johor FC 1-3
1 - Kelantan 5 4 1 0 11-3 13
2 - Terengganu 5 4 0 1 7-2 12
3 - Perak 5 4 0 1 6-3 12
Good day for the away teams with just a single home win. The north east continue to rule to roost while after an unbeaten three match run LionsX11 slipped up at home..to another team from the north east
UFL - Sunday`s matches, Kaya and Global win
Div 2 : Cebu Queen City United FC 1-2 Agila FC
2:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
Agila: Montellero (40'), Villon (44') Cebu Queen City United: Aguilar (1')
Div 2 : Union Internacional Manila 1-5 Diliman Victory Liner FC
4:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
Diliman XI Leung (GK), Zerrudo (C), Appiah, Bambico, Liza, Manlunas, Mercader, Permanes, Rances, Santiago, Santos
24 min Zerrudo 0-1 (Diliman Fc)
1-1
41 min 1-2 Zerrudo (Diliman Fc)
45 min 1-3 Frimpong (Diliman Fc)
1-3 HT
1-4 Santos(Diliman Fc)
1-5 Santos
1-5 FT
Div 1: Pasargad 1-1 Green Archers United
4:00 pm UMak
Pasargad XI: Fernandez M, Ghasemi, Golkah, Khodarahmi, Labra, Madadi, Mahdavi, Sheehan, Torres, Ujam, Vangrunderbeek
Archers XI: Johnson, Marcellana, Olowoyeye, Pacquiao, Pasilan, Pasinabo, Saraga, Soliman, Unabia, Villaflor, Villareal
0-0 HT
0-1 Shapay Johnson (Green Archers )
Pasargad red card
1-1 Pasargad
1-1 FT
Div 1: Nomads Auction Manila 1-5 Global
4:30 pm Nomads
Global: Espinosa (2'), Hwedi (31'), De Murga (41'), B. Elhabbib (45'), Guirado (54')
Nomads: Borrill (62')
Div 2 :Laos FC 0-1 Team Socceroo FC
6:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
0-1 Michael Reyes (Team Socceroo)
0-1 HT
0-1 FT
Div1 : Philippine Navy Redjuice 1-2 Kaya
6:00 pm UMak
Kaya Starting XI: Beloya, Burkey, Del Rosario A., Garmaroudi, Kigbu, Moy, Omura, Romero, Sabio, Santos, Semblat
Navy Starting XI: Burga, Caminos, Candolesa, Fadrigalan, Flores, Kalalang, Liman, Mellendrez, Pinero, Sendino, Talipan
1-0 Mellendrez ,(Navy)
1-1 Beloya (Kaya )
1-1 HT
2-1 Dagroh (Kaya)
2-1 FT
2:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
Agila: Montellero (40'), Villon (44') Cebu Queen City United: Aguilar (1')
Div 2 : Union Internacional Manila 1-5 Diliman Victory Liner FC
4:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
Diliman XI Leung (GK), Zerrudo (C), Appiah, Bambico, Liza, Manlunas, Mercader, Permanes, Rances, Santiago, Santos
24 min Zerrudo 0-1 (Diliman Fc)
1-1
41 min 1-2 Zerrudo (Diliman Fc)
45 min 1-3 Frimpong (Diliman Fc)
1-3 HT
1-4 Santos(Diliman Fc)
1-5 Santos
1-5 FT
Div 1: Pasargad 1-1 Green Archers United
4:00 pm UMak
Pasargad XI: Fernandez M, Ghasemi, Golkah, Khodarahmi, Labra, Madadi, Mahdavi, Sheehan, Torres, Ujam, Vangrunderbeek
Archers XI: Johnson, Marcellana, Olowoyeye, Pacquiao, Pasilan, Pasinabo, Saraga, Soliman, Unabia, Villaflor, Villareal
0-0 HT
0-1 Shapay Johnson (Green Archers )
Pasargad red card
1-1 Pasargad
1-1 FT
Div 1: Nomads Auction Manila 1-5 Global
4:30 pm Nomads
Global: Espinosa (2'), Hwedi (31'), De Murga (41'), B. Elhabbib (45'), Guirado (54')
Nomads: Borrill (62')
Div 2 :Laos FC 0-1 Team Socceroo FC
6:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
0-1 Michael Reyes (Team Socceroo)
0-1 HT
0-1 FT
Div1 : Philippine Navy Redjuice 1-2 Kaya
6:00 pm UMak
Kaya Starting XI: Beloya, Burkey, Del Rosario A., Garmaroudi, Kigbu, Moy, Omura, Romero, Sabio, Santos, Semblat
Navy Starting XI: Burga, Caminos, Candolesa, Fadrigalan, Flores, Kalalang, Liman, Mellendrez, Pinero, Sendino, Talipan
1-0 Mellendrez ,(Navy)
1-1 Beloya (Kaya )
1-1 HT
2-1 Dagroh (Kaya)
2-1 FT
Azkals Tour UAE and Qatar - Update
Azkals vs Uzbekistan
Saturday, 11 February 2012 @ 20:00
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai
Home of Al Nasr SC
----------------------------------------------------
Azkals vs Al Ahli Sports Club
Monday, 13 February @ 19.30 , Doha , Qatar
-----------------------------------------------------
Azkals vs Qantas Australian U-23s
Thursday, 16 February 2012 @ 20:00
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai
Home of Al Nasr SC
Azkals Tour Facebook
Saturday, 11 February 2012 @ 20:00
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai
Home of Al Nasr SC
----------------------------------------------------
Azkals vs Al Ahli Sports Club
Monday, 13 February @ 19.30 , Doha , Qatar
-----------------------------------------------------
Azkals vs Qantas Australian U-23s
Thursday, 16 February 2012 @ 20:00
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai
Home of Al Nasr SC
Azkals Tour Facebook
UFL 2012: Stallion FC outplays Sparks
Stallion Gilligan's FC outplayed Loyola Meralco Sparks, 4-1, to book another upset win on Saturday in the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
It was Stallion FC�s second straight win against a UFL title contender after dealing defending champion Philippine Air Force a defeat last Wednesday by the same scoreline.
Stallion now occupies the top spot with nine points as it remained unbeaten after three matches.
The Sparks suffered their first setback after two straight victories for third place with six points in the league table.
Phil Younghusband scored the first goal of the match in the 10th minute.
Antonio Albor equalized the match with a 14th-minute strike while Ruben Doctora nailed the go-ahead goal three minutes later.
Koreans Yoon Byeong Jun and Lee Joo Yong connected in the second half to extend the Stallion's lead.
In the first match, Philippine Navy forced reigning titilist Air Force to a 2-2 draw.
Luis Brillantes got Navy going after a 0-2 deficit with a 17th-minute goal before Meliton Pelayo booked the match-tying goal in the 62nd minute.
Surgeant Montillano opened the match with a 10-minute goal after a Chieffy Caligdong through ball. Caligdong would then score two minutes later sending a laser strike to the back of the net for an early 2-0 lead.
Nevertheless, Air Force took its first point of the league after two straight defeats. Navy, which has a better goal difference, takes seventh place. � JVP, GMA News
GMA news
It was Stallion FC�s second straight win against a UFL title contender after dealing defending champion Philippine Air Force a defeat last Wednesday by the same scoreline.
Stallion now occupies the top spot with nine points as it remained unbeaten after three matches.
The Sparks suffered their first setback after two straight victories for third place with six points in the league table.
Phil Younghusband scored the first goal of the match in the 10th minute.
Antonio Albor equalized the match with a 14th-minute strike while Ruben Doctora nailed the go-ahead goal three minutes later.
Koreans Yoon Byeong Jun and Lee Joo Yong connected in the second half to extend the Stallion's lead.
In the first match, Philippine Navy forced reigning titilist Air Force to a 2-2 draw.
Luis Brillantes got Navy going after a 0-2 deficit with a 17th-minute goal before Meliton Pelayo booked the match-tying goal in the 62nd minute.
Surgeant Montillano opened the match with a 10-minute goal after a Chieffy Caligdong through ball. Caligdong would then score two minutes later sending a laser strike to the back of the net for an early 2-0 lead.
Nevertheless, Air Force took its first point of the league after two straight defeats. Navy, which has a better goal difference, takes seventh place. � JVP, GMA News
GMA news
Source: RU leaning toward Flood
 |
| Call me naive, but I believe him. |
"I was offered an opportunity to interview for the head coaching job at Rutgers yesterday and I declined. I'm not going anywhere. Temple is where I wanted to be all along and this university is better-positioned to do great things than Rutgers."
Cue the thunderous applause from the 10,006 fans in attendance.
Band breaks out into T for Temple U.
Students storm the court at halftime to slap Daz on the back.
Owls finish up their rout of St. Joe.
As we all know this is not a perfect world and that probably won't happen.
(Don't say I didn't throw the suggestion out there, though.)
Still, Temple fans should calm down.
I have a good friend who I worked with here, now working in North Jersey, who said his paper is earlier today was about to break the story that Florida International University (FIU) coach Mario Cristobal will accept the head coaching job. If that fails, current assistant Kyle Flood would be the fall-back choice.
Now it looks like Cristobal doesn't see the Rutgers' job as the Alabama of the North (only Rutgers' fans are that delusional) and he's going to pass.
That opens up the, err, floodgates for Flood.
Flood would not be the big splash RU fans are looking for but Greg Schiano's leaving for Tampa Bay made the timing bad all around.
Pernetti was given permission to speak with Addazio, but that never made it past the phone call stage according to my source.
The guy is a first-rate reporter and I believe him.
Still, I long for the days when Temple football had coaches like Harry Litwack, John Chaney and Fran Dunphy, guys who see the Owls as a destination not just a step along the way.
I long for the days when Temple football had a guy like Bruce Arians, who did not take the Virginia Tech job when it was flat-out offered to him (not just an interview), saying, "I couldn't leave my Temple kids."
I long for the days when we had a guy like Wayne Hardin, who turned down the offensive coordinators' job with the Dallas Cowboys to stay and do big things at Temple.
Before the game with Wyoming, Steve Addazio said he was that kind of guy, saying that he loved Temple and could see this as his last stop.
I sense that Steve is different than Al Golden in that he is principled and loyal enough not to leave after one year at Temple.
Saturday--January 28th, 2012
Emil's Senior Bowl bio here.
The Senior Bowl is sold out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liam Coen and defensive players from the CAA talk about Victor Cruz's days in the CAA.
ESPN's Blog says Cruz is trying to emulate Wes Welker.
During the NFL lockout, Cruz got a call and looked at the ID; it said Eli Manning was on the line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says many local recruits are choosing MAC schools.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philly.com says Rutgers is interested in Temple's Steve Addazio.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off topic, but today's basketball game between 15-5 UMass and 16-4 St. Louis should be a good one. Since we moved to Jaffrey, Mrs. Blog and I try to drive down to Amherst to see some of the weekend hoops games. Over the last few years, we haven't seen many wins. Today would be a good one to break the streak.
This WEEI article mentions the game and has video of Raphael Putney's Dr. J-style dunk.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 27 January 2012
ISL Catch Up
Handful of games played midweek in Indonesia. Persipura returned to the top of the table beating Persiram in an almost local derby while Sriwijaya dropped points at Persiwa where no team gets anything beyond fed up. Persiba, who also rarely drop points at home, won their second local derby on the spin, defeating Mitra Kukar 3-1 at their tiny Persiba Stadium.
Elsewhere Persib beat PSPS 2-1, Persidafon beat Deltras by the same score and Gresik United, who are also called Persegres (!) in some reports, drew 1-1 with Persisam.
Big game this weekend sees first against second. Persipura v Sriwijaya at the Mandala Stadium. Tomorrow has Persib hosting Persija at the Jalak Harupat; a truly firey affair!
UFL - Saturday`s matches , Stallions crush Loyola !
Philippine Air Force Phoenix 2-2 Philippine Army Fritz & Macziol
2:00 pm Rizal Memorial Stadium
Philippine Air Force Phoenix Starting XI: Ballo-Allo, Barsales, Bayona, Bermejo, Bulaquina, Caligdong, Jaugan, Mercado, Montillano, Soriano, Tonog
Philippine Army Fritz & Macziol Starting XI: Bedua, Betita, Bretana, Brillantes, Cain, Dela Cruz, Gempisaw, Gener, Margarse, Pelayo, Sacapano
12 min 1-0 Motillano (Air Force)
12 min 2-0 Caligdong (Air Force)
17 min 2-1 Brillantes (Army)
2-1 HT
62 min 2-2 Pelayo (Army)
2-2 FT
Emelio Caligdong injured.
Pachanga FC 8-1 Forza FC
2:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
4-1 HT
8-1 FT
Goals Pachanga : Bedic,Gonzales(3),Espinosa,Ashime(2),Palomo! Congratulations!!
Forza FC : Agyee
Stallion Gilligan's 4-1 Loyola Meralco Sparks
4:00 pm Rizal Memorial Stadium
Stallion Fc XI : Doctora(C), Munoz(GK), Park, Lee, Nam, Italia, Hugo, Braga, Pi, Yoon, Albor
Loyola Meralco Sparks Starting XI: Cortina, Cuaresma, Dorlas, Mark Hartmann, Jeong, Ozaeta, Park, Versario, Yoshioka, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband
10 min 0-1 Phil Younghusband
14 min 1-1 Albor
17 min 2-1 Ruben Doctora JR
2-1 HT
70 min 3-1 Yoon
Phil Younghusband red card
87 min 4-1 Lee
Manila All-Japan FC 1-5 Sunken Garden United FC
4:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
HT Update (2nd Division): Manila All-Japan 1-1 Sunken Garden United.
MAJ: Sagiya Daisuke (31')
SGU: Romnick Jover (2')
1-2 Romnick Jover
1-3 Jose Abraham
1-4 Romnick Jover
1-5 Ogar Ogar
Dolphins United FC 1-1 Lions Meltique Beef FC
6:00 pm Turf at Bonifacio Global City
Livestream of matches in Rizal : Link
Pampanga football tournament
The XANG-LI UNITED FC is hosting a 7 A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT (Age groups, men's and women's open) at the Pampanga Agricultural College on February 4 and 5, 2012. FOR DETAILS CALL or TEXT: Lt Col Auro - 0915-563-8475 or Roy Auro Jr. - 0916-269-7608.
Tarlac FA Facebook
Scoreless Draws In UAAP Football
By JONAS TERRADO
January 27, 2012, 10:48pm
MANILA, Philippines � League-leading University of Santo Tomas and defending champion University of the Philippines were held to scoreless draws on Thursday in the 74th UAAP men's football action at the Ateneo pitch.
The Growling Tigers were caught by surprise by University of the East while the Fighting Maroons were also forced to a standoff by La Salle even without their suspended striker and PH U-23 mainstay Jinggoy Valmayor.
UST kept its hold of the lead with two wins, two draws and no defeats for eight points while UP remained in second spot with a 1-3-0 slate for six points.
In the other game, Jesus Melliza scored a rare hat trick as Far Eastern University trounced Ateneo, 3-1. The Tamaraws won their first game of the season to stay in third at 1-2-1 for five points.
Melliza did the trick in the 18th, 20th and 69th minutes to power FEU to the victory.
Meanwhile, women's action in both volleyball and softball resume today at The Arena in San Juan and Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, respectively.
Manila Bulletin
January 27, 2012, 10:48pm
MANILA, Philippines � League-leading University of Santo Tomas and defending champion University of the Philippines were held to scoreless draws on Thursday in the 74th UAAP men's football action at the Ateneo pitch.
The Growling Tigers were caught by surprise by University of the East while the Fighting Maroons were also forced to a standoff by La Salle even without their suspended striker and PH U-23 mainstay Jinggoy Valmayor.
UST kept its hold of the lead with two wins, two draws and no defeats for eight points while UP remained in second spot with a 1-3-0 slate for six points.
In the other game, Jesus Melliza scored a rare hat trick as Far Eastern University trounced Ateneo, 3-1. The Tamaraws won their first game of the season to stay in third at 1-2-1 for five points.
Melliza did the trick in the 18th, 20th and 69th minutes to power FEU to the victory.
Meanwhile, women's action in both volleyball and softball resume today at The Arena in San Juan and Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, respectively.
Manila Bulletin
Sparks go for solo lead vs Stallions
The Loyola Meralco Sparks try to live up to their top billing as they dispute the solo lead with a surprisingly tough Stallion Gilligan side today in the first division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch.
Led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks pulled off a 3-2 victory over the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United two weeks ago and a 2-1 triumph over the Armymen to show the way with the idle Kaya FC and darkhorse Stallion Gilligan�s FC with six points apiece. A win counts for three points, a draw one point and a loss none.
The Stallions, ranked outside of the top four, continued to defy the odds as they opened the season with a 6-0 rout of Navy Red Juice a couple of weeks ago and a shock 4-1 win over reigning League and Cup titlist Air Force Phoenix last Tuesday.
�This Loyola game will be a big test for us,� said Stallion team manager Ernest Nierras.
Kaya, meanwhile, plays Navy Red Juice at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the University of Makati field, looking for a victory and a continued share of the lead with the winner of the Sparks-Stallions duel.
While focus will be on the Younghusbands, Lee Joo Young will be the marked player as the Korean leads the field in goals scored with five, including a hat trick in that lopsided win over Navy.
philstar
Led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks pulled off a 3-2 victory over the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United two weeks ago and a 2-1 triumph over the Armymen to show the way with the idle Kaya FC and darkhorse Stallion Gilligan�s FC with six points apiece. A win counts for three points, a draw one point and a loss none.
The Stallions, ranked outside of the top four, continued to defy the odds as they opened the season with a 6-0 rout of Navy Red Juice a couple of weeks ago and a shock 4-1 win over reigning League and Cup titlist Air Force Phoenix last Tuesday.
�This Loyola game will be a big test for us,� said Stallion team manager Ernest Nierras.
Kaya, meanwhile, plays Navy Red Juice at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the University of Makati field, looking for a victory and a continued share of the lead with the winner of the Sparks-Stallions duel.
While focus will be on the Younghusbands, Lee Joo Young will be the marked player as the Korean leads the field in goals scored with five, including a hat trick in that lopsided win over Navy.
philstar
Injured aces out of Azkals camp
By Olmin Leyba
The Philippine Azkals will be hard-pressed to fill up huge holes especially in the midfield as a number of Europe-based pros are still uncertain for Phl XI�s upcoming training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup campaign itself in March in Nepal.
Asked about who�s expected in the Dubai and Doha camps, Azkals coach Michael Weiss ruled out the participation of Fil-German Stephan Schr�ck and Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and said the inclusion of Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and Jason de Jong, Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara, Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson, and Fil-German Manny Ott are up in the air.
�Schr�ck is injured, he won�t come. Mulders, most likely he�ll not come. Maybe Ott, maybe de Jong, and maybe Jonsson. Lucena already confirmed he won�t come, he won�t be released by his club, � Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Wednesday night after the Azkals fought Global FC to a 2-2 draw at the Rizal Memorial pitch.
�Cagara will get a decision from a German club in the Second League; if he gets a professional contract, I don�t see him come to Dubai and most likely our chances are also slim of him playing for the Challenge Cup, but that remains open, I�m not sure about that yet. I also hope I can get (Fil-German Roland) Muller for the goalkeeper, maybe Neil (Etheridge), if he�ll be available,� he added.
With uncertainty of most of the Euro-based players, the midfield becomes a major concern for Weiss.
�(Midfield�s) very crucial. We have a couple of choices but if no one�s available, that�s gonna be a problem, so we�re working on Chris Greatwich coming over for the Malaysia match (on Feb. 29). But if all those players are not available, we have to work with local-based players from the UFL but with limited training time, of course, it�s not easy,� he said.
Weiss looks to their UAE and Qatar training camp beginning Feb. 6 as the best way to catch up as their sessions so far have been �far from ideal.� The Azkals are set to play against Al Arabi on Feb. 13 in Doha and Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai, and one more opponent. They are negotiating with Azerbaijan for a Feb. 10 fixture.
�Overall, the situation right now, as far as Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, is far from ideal,� he said, lamenting the limited time he can assemble even the local-based players due to their commitment with their respective UFL clubs.
Wednesday�s tuneup match, he said, reflected how far the Azkals are to ideal form.
�The performance does not give us so much hope, that�s my impression, because you can see that players are somehow distracted. Why? I don�t know but the performance was far from what�s being demanded in a big tournament (coming) in six weeks� time. So we can only hope when we really get the boys to Dubai together, we can do someting better,� he said.
Weiss said compared to the Azkals� United�s showing against Korean club Icheon Citizen, the Phl XI�s latest performance versus Global was like �night and day,� although he said it was to be expected given their limited time to train together.
�Especially now with the situation in Phl internally, it�s important to have the team day by day to work on team strategy, defensive tactic, set pieces, general ball possessions, strategies, etc., the whole package that football contains, and you can pratice that most positively in a match.
�So we�ll have three good matches, three days of training (in the Middle East) and hopefully that can get us closer together,� he said.
Philstar
The Philippine Azkals will be hard-pressed to fill up huge holes especially in the midfield as a number of Europe-based pros are still uncertain for Phl XI�s upcoming training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup campaign itself in March in Nepal.
Asked about who�s expected in the Dubai and Doha camps, Azkals coach Michael Weiss ruled out the participation of Fil-German Stephan Schr�ck and Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and said the inclusion of Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and Jason de Jong, Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara, Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson, and Fil-German Manny Ott are up in the air.
�Schr�ck is injured, he won�t come. Mulders, most likely he�ll not come. Maybe Ott, maybe de Jong, and maybe Jonsson. Lucena already confirmed he won�t come, he won�t be released by his club, � Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Wednesday night after the Azkals fought Global FC to a 2-2 draw at the Rizal Memorial pitch.
�Cagara will get a decision from a German club in the Second League; if he gets a professional contract, I don�t see him come to Dubai and most likely our chances are also slim of him playing for the Challenge Cup, but that remains open, I�m not sure about that yet. I also hope I can get (Fil-German Roland) Muller for the goalkeeper, maybe Neil (Etheridge), if he�ll be available,� he added.
With uncertainty of most of the Euro-based players, the midfield becomes a major concern for Weiss.
�(Midfield�s) very crucial. We have a couple of choices but if no one�s available, that�s gonna be a problem, so we�re working on Chris Greatwich coming over for the Malaysia match (on Feb. 29). But if all those players are not available, we have to work with local-based players from the UFL but with limited training time, of course, it�s not easy,� he said.
Weiss looks to their UAE and Qatar training camp beginning Feb. 6 as the best way to catch up as their sessions so far have been �far from ideal.� The Azkals are set to play against Al Arabi on Feb. 13 in Doha and Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai, and one more opponent. They are negotiating with Azerbaijan for a Feb. 10 fixture.
�Overall, the situation right now, as far as Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, is far from ideal,� he said, lamenting the limited time he can assemble even the local-based players due to their commitment with their respective UFL clubs.
Wednesday�s tuneup match, he said, reflected how far the Azkals are to ideal form.
�The performance does not give us so much hope, that�s my impression, because you can see that players are somehow distracted. Why? I don�t know but the performance was far from what�s being demanded in a big tournament (coming) in six weeks� time. So we can only hope when we really get the boys to Dubai together, we can do someting better,� he said.
Weiss said compared to the Azkals� United�s showing against Korean club Icheon Citizen, the Phl XI�s latest performance versus Global was like �night and day,� although he said it was to be expected given their limited time to train together.
�Especially now with the situation in Phl internally, it�s important to have the team day by day to work on team strategy, defensive tactic, set pieces, general ball possessions, strategies, etc., the whole package that football contains, and you can pratice that most positively in a match.
�So we�ll have three good matches, three days of training (in the Middle East) and hopefully that can get us closer together,� he said.
Philstar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)