Results 30/04

Indonesia Super League

Persiba v Deltras 4-0 (Khairul Amri, Robertinho, Erik Setiawan, Abdul Mony) 3,974

Persela v Persiwa 5-1 (Taufiq Rasun, Mustafic Fahruddin, Redoaune Barkaoui, Jimmy Suparno, Zulham Zumrun) 7,500

Divisi Utama

Persitara v Pro Titan 1-1 (Brima Pepito; Mario Costas) 3,351

Persikabo v PSMS 2-3 (JimmyWuwungan, Zaenal Arief; Gaston Castano 2, Valaderes) 6,431

Persih v Persita 1-1 (Leanardo Veron; Rishaudi Farzi) 4,539

Perires v Persipasi 1-3 (Ramadansyah; Mahsyur, Serge Emuele, Munirul Islam) 215

PSLS v PSSB 2-0 (Carlos Sciucatti, Anton Irawan) 4,231

PSAP v PS Bengkulu 5-0 (Osas Marvellous 3, Feri Komul, Sukman) 3,174

Perseman v PPSM 1-0 (Nasution) 2,764

Persiram v Persis 3-0 (Persis never travelled. Game awarded to Persiram 3-0)

PSIM v PSIS 2-0 (Steven Anderson, Nova Zaenal) 11,267

PSCS v Persikab 1-1 (Riski Setiawan; Ebus Angel Cnuchukwu) 9,725

Mitra Kukar v Persemalra 2-1 (Franco Hita 2; Masrudin) 4,873

PSIR v Persipro 2-1 (M Husen, Da Silva; Junaidi) 1,500

Persiku v PSMP 3-2 (William Moreno 2, Agus Santiko; PeterKuoh 2)

Perseru v Persekam 2-0 (Daniel Agochukwu, Mamadou Diallo) 2,547

Persidafon v PSBI 5-0 (Abel Quioh 2, Ernest Jeremiah 2, Juan Cirelli) 1,247

Persigo v Persebaya 2-0 (Ramdan Raadi, Andri Abubakar) 625

1 - Persiraja 24 15 3 6 43-25 48

2 - PSAP 24 14 5 5 53-20 47

3 - PSMS 24 14 3 7 36-25 45

1 - Mitra Kukar 24 15 2 7 38-20 47

2 - Persiram 24 11 9 4 26-20 42

3 - Gresik United 24 12 4 8 27-16 40

1 - Persidafon 24 15 3 6 51-17 48

2 - Persiba 24 13 5 6 52-20 44

3 - PSBI 24 12 3 9 29-24 39

Both Persita (4th) and Persipasi (5th) in Group One had better points total than the 3rd placed teams in Groups 2 and Group. Whether Persita will go through to the play offs remains to be confirmed. Teams in bold preseumably will go through to the play offs to be played who knows where on a date who knows when.

Liga Primer Indonesia

Jakarta v Persema 0-1

Aceh United v Bogor Raya 1-0

Bintang Medan v Minangkabau 1-0

Persebaya 1927 v Persibo 4-0

Real Mataram v Tangerang Wolves 2-1

1 - Persema 15 11 3 1 32-12 36

2 - Persebaya 15 10 3 2 36-13 33

Thai Premier League

Thai Port v Samut Songkram 2-1

TTM Phichit v TOT 0-1

Osotspa v Siam Navy 4-1

Chonburi v BEC Tero 2-0

Malaysia Super League

Kelantan v KL 2-0

T Team v Pahang 0-0

Johor FC v Sabah 3-0

Felda United v Negeri Sembilan 2-2

Perlis v Harimau Muda 1-3

48 teams to join 11th CAFC Interclub

A TOTAL of 48 will join the upcoming 11th Cebu Amateur Football Club Interclub on May 21 to 29 at three different venues, the University of San Carlos Technology Center, San Roque and Paref-Springdale.


The annual football tournament, one of the biggest in Cebu City, will have the Players 10, Boys 12, Boys 14, Boys 17, Girls 17, 40-and-above and Men�s Open.


The Boys 17 category has the largest contingent with nine. The Players 10, Boys 12 and Boys 14 divisions have eight teams each, while the Girls 17 category has four. The 40-and-above division has five, while the Men�s Open has six entries.

There will also be four visiting teams�two Aroroy FC teams of Masbate, Westbridge of Iloilo and Hijos FC of Samar.

One of the organizers, Francis Ramirez, said they are still waiting for word from six interested teams. EKA

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May 02, 2011.

Philippine booters rout Sweden, 4-0 in World Cup Pilipinas

THE Philippine Navy football squad, started its title-retention bid on a bright note by thrashing Sweden, 4-0, in the opening day of the 2nd World Cup Pilipinas football tournament at the Luneta field in Manila.

Relying on superb defense, the Navy booters earned the most number of goal attempts all-throughout the 90-minute match en route to an unanswered four goals.

The Philippines, with a 1-0 slate, will play again next week. Korea meets Sudan today at 10 a.m. in the first game while Indonesia collides against India at 4:00 p.m.

During the opening ceremony, Luneta Park executive director Juliet Villegas, Brazilian Deputy Chief of Mission Tiago Silva Almeida and Brazilian Vice Consul Adilson Sim�es were all in attendance.

Organized by TJ Besa, the event is supported by the National Parks Development Committee of the Department of Tourism and the Sunken Garden United Football Club of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The Philippines will be competing against football teams from Sweden, Mexico, Korea, Indonesia, Sudan, India, and Germany.
JOSEF T. RAMOS

Manila Times

Teams for PFF U23 quarterfinals

PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup quarterfinals that kick off simultaneously in Panaad Stadium, Bacolod and the University of the Philippines Los Ba�os, Laguna from May 6-10, 2011.

Two teams from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the NCR will compete in a single round robin affair where only the top two teams advance to the semifinals on May 15 and 16 at Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

Teams competing in Bacolod :

Masbate
Davao
NOFA (Bacolod)
NCR A


Teams competing in Laguna :

Laguna
Iloilo
NCR Team B
Dipolog


Source : Bleacher'Brew


Update :

PFF has corrected the groups ! Laguna will be hosting group at home , and Masbate will be in Bacolod group. I have to correct the polls now...

Source PFF Suzuki Cup Twitter


Last update :

PFF has again changed groupings.

Group A NOFA (host), NCR B Dipolog & Masbate.

Group B: Laguna (host), Davao, Iloilo & NCR A.

NCR U23 teams for Bacolod and Laguna

The National Capital Region Football Association announced the lineups to its two squads that will compete in the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup quarterfinals that kick off simultaneously in Panaad Stadium, Bacolod and the University of the Philippines Los Ba�os, Laguna from May 6-10, 2011.

Two teams from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the NCR will compete in a single round robin affair where only the top two teams advance to the semifinals on May 15 and 16 at Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

NCR Team A will be coached by De La Salle University�s Hans Smit and Far Eastern University�s Rodolfo Alicante while NCR Team B will be handled by the University of the Philippines� Anto Gonzales who himself is a former Azkal.


NCR Team A (Bacolod)

Goalkeepers: Patrick Deyto, Ronnie Aguisanda

Defenders: Nathan Octavio, Deo Segunial, David Basa, Allan Serna, Miguel Montelibano

Midfielders: Stephen Permanes, Nathan Alquiros, Nikko Villa, Yannick Tuason, Gerard Pacquio, Jay Eusebio, Ryan Lerio

Forwards: Ojay Clarino, Jesus Melliza, Don Rabaya

Coach: Hans Smit and Rodolfo Alicante



NCR Team B (Laguna)

Goalkeepers: Stephen Custodio Tyrone Caballes

Defenders: Gregory Norman Manzano Yang, Romnick Echin, Miguel Tuason, Rainier Perales, Kamanlee Suleiman

Midfielders: Michael Simms, Michael Mabanag, Enzo Bonoan, Mikko Manglapus, Jed Rances, Mateo Yuchico, Nazer Talento, Lester Madia, Dexter Chio,

Forwards Anton Amistoso Arturo Enriquez,

Coach: Anto Gonzales


Bleachers' Brew

PFF U19 - Davao and Bukidnon to National Finals

Davao and Bukidnon qualified for National Finals from the All Mindanao Finals.

The PFF U19 ALL Mindanao finals took place in Bukidnon

Saturday--April 30, 2011

Hope to see everyone at the UMass Spring Game today at 4:00 pm. The weather looks cool but sunny by afternoon.

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Temple, our erstwhile "rival" in the MAC East had a good day in the NFL draft as the Owls had picks in the first and second round. Boston College had one and UConn none.

Temple's two picks are here and here.

The Colts picked Villanova's Ben Ijalana as the first FCS pick.

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UConn's Paul Pasqualoni gives a report on the state of UConn football.

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Fair Play: That ordinance on running

I�VE heard of Cebu City Councilor Edgar Labella�s ordinance that seek to regulate road races in Cebu over two months ago but it was only this week that I finally managed to read a copy.

So far, I liked most of what I�ve read.



Left unchecked, this exponential growth of the sport may burn itself out in a few years or so, that�s why I liked the initiative of Councilor Labella, himself an experienced runner.

I like Section 5 of Article 2 of the proposed ordinance, where organizers are barred from even promoting a run if they haven�t secured a permit from the City yet.

This is a good move because sometimes, organizers rely on the press too much to do the promotion for them, and sometimes, they focus more on the PR side of races, instead of the technical stuff�hence the controversies in some of the races lately.

As to the cost of the permit?

Here�s one thing that�s going to ruffle some organizers. The City ordinance proposes a five-fold increase, from P1,981 to P10,000 for 21K races or higher, P7,500 for 10K to 21K races and P5,000 for 10K or races.

Joel Baring, one of the more experienced race directors and the media�s favorite because of the efficient way he handles the results, said it is too much and he even considers a 100 percent increase (or double the fee) as too much.

Baring said covering the difference of P8,000 may be hard for those organizers who don�t have corporate backers since they don�t want to pass it on to the participants through higher registration fees.

But I disagree and I even think the higher fee will be good for organizers, as well.
You see, in road races, it�s not really the organizers who take care of the nitty-gritty, they normally hire experienced race directors to take care of that.

With the mushrooming of races, so did the number of race directors�some who are just Johnny-come-latelies who think because they run, they can run a race.

Some charge organizers an arm and a leg, at least P100,000. Some are successful, some aren�t.

With a P10,000 fee, organizers now have a reason to dissuade race directors from
charging too much.

�It�s either you lower your fee or we can go look elsewhere.�

However, I think it�s not the increased fees that race organizers and directors should be worried. It should be Section 11 of Article 2, which says that aside from the permit fees, �athletic games, or meets and competitions, if such games��.(are) held primarily for fund-raising purposes are required to pay applicable taxes before being issued permits.�

I am one of those tax-idiots who until now don�t know why I�m paying this much tax, but based on my limited understanding, Section 11 basically tells organizers, �Don�t forget big brother!�

Curiously, one of the strongest features of Labella�s ordinance, could become its most contentious. Labella proposes that only one permit will be given for a single day and that is what is really needed.

But the question now is, what happens if two or even three organizers file for a permit for the same day? Who gets to have his approved?

Will they consider reserving certain days for local runs that have been part of the calendar�like the Milo Marathon Cebu leg, Don Sergio Osme�a Run and the Cebu City Marathon?

What if another group beats the organizers of those runs in applying for a permit for the days of their events?

These questions, I believe, will be answered on May 4, when the Cebu City Council holds a public hearing on the ordinance.

PFF U19 - NOFA Needs a Win Over Iloilo FA

It would take another heavy task for the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA)-Negros Selection booters today as they badly need a win over their through rival, Iloilo Football Association, in order to earn a slot in Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Men�s National U19 Championship on May 20-29, 2011 at San Carlos City.

The Negrenses dropped to the third position in the team standing, with 2-1, after it failed to control the game�s momentum yesterday against Negros Oriental FA (NORFA). They lost the match, 2-3.

But the hardest thing that the Negrenses had to overcome is the absence of the services of one of their key players, Diomar Caruscay who will not be seeing action today after obtaining two yellow cards yesterday for unsportsmanlike behavior. During yesterday�s game, NORFA�s Nicolas Ferrer started the run with an early goal in the 3rd minute of play but NOFA scored an equalizer from Carlo Lucero�s goal in the 33rd minute. Before the referee blew his whistle at halftime, Negrense striker Jose Francis Rebacca nailed NOFA�s second goal in the 45th minute.

With a 2-1 advantage at the game�s resumption, NOFA tried to hold on their defense by denying NORFA�s goal attempts however, a surprise attack from Eugene Eundo in the 53rd minute tied the match at 2-all. And another goal from Raymund Santillan in the 64th minute sealed the victory for NORFA.

Meanwhile, the top two teams in this qualifier match will earn the slot in the finals. NORFA and Iloilo FA are currently tied in the team standing with two wins and a draw followed by NOFA, Cebu FA (1-2) and Leyte FA (0-3).* (SCOOP-Bacolod)

Negros Daily Bulletin

PFF U23 - All Mindanao and Luzon qualifiers (Saturday)

All Mindanao qualifiers in Davao :

Dipolog 7-0 North Cotabato , live Twitter

Dipolog and Davao qualify for national finals !

1.30 pm Davao 2-2 CMOFA (CDO) FT Twitter or link



Final Standings :

Davao 7 points
Dipolog 6 points
CMOFA 2 points
North Cotabato 1 point

All Luzon qualifiers in Laguna


9am Masbate 5-0 Oriental Mindoro

3 pm Laguna 2-2 Baguio

Final Standings :

Masbate 7 points + 7
Laguna 5 points + 4
Baguio 4 points + 4
Oriental Mindoro 0 points -15


Masbate and Laguna qualify for National Finals.

(Fellow) Eagles' fans are in for a treat

Jarrett's hit at 0:23 of this video is the greatest I've ever seen, high school, college or pro.

My weekends are pretty much set around a Temple game in person on Saturday and an Eagles' game by the TV on Sunday.
Those two days seem to go by in like five minutes.
That's why I could not be happier for my main man Jaiquawn Jarrett today after the Eagles selected him in the second round.
Or myself.
As a Temple fan, I am going to miss him leaving the family.
As an Eagles' fan, I'm going to adopt him as my favorite player.
The Eagles have missed that hard-hitting safety since Brian Dawkins left. They haven't had anybody who could bring the wood since.

I really believe UConn lost its will to win after that hit. The Huskies did not want to get hit from that spot in the game forward.

Jarrett, to me, is a younger, faster, version of Brian Dawkins.

I said that all season. It wasn't surprising that Andy Reid said that at the press conference. Reid said a lot of other nice things about Temple, calling the school "an educational Mecca" and saying "that program is really rolling now."
I think the way it will eventually shake down is that Nate Allen will be a starting free safety (he's more of a floater-type cover guy anyway) and Jarrett will be moved to strong safety, where his primary cover responsibility will be tight ends.
He will do more than fine there.

"Temple is an educational Mecca"
_Andy Reid

His hit of Jordan Todman, a great back from UConn, in the above video is the single greatest hit I've ever seen. You get a flavor for it from the video, but you really had to be there to hear and see it in person and experience the crowd's awe-struck reaction afterward.
I really believe UConn lost its will to win after that hit. The Huskies did not want to get hit from that spot in the game forward.
That's what Jarrett brings to the game.
It is somewhat consoling to know that I will still see it on my weekends, albeit the second half this year.

Hey Buddy, Spare Me Satang

I have a soft spot for Thai Port, mainly because I lived just round the corner from them for many years in my Bangkok days. Football has been kind to them recent years winning the FA Cup in 2009 and the League Cup in 2010.

The start of 2011 saw a new investor talking big money but negotiations are still on going with players not having been paid for a while now.

They sit 14th in the 18 team TPL with just two wins and six goals.

Today they play Samut Songkram in what will be coach Sasom Pobpraserd's 100th game in charge at PAT Stadium. Rumours are rife he has been targeted by 1st Division team Buriram and he has admitted informal discussions have taken place.

Plenty of more gossip about Thai Port can be found on the Thai Port blog.

Results 29/04

Malaysia Super League

Terengganu v Selangor 1-1

Perak v Kedah 1-3

Malaysia Premier League

Selangor PKNS v Penang SDM Navy 6-0

Johor v ATM 0-0

Penang v Penang USM 2-5

Sarawak v MP Muar 6-0

Pos Malaysia v Sime Darby 0-3

SLeague

Woodlands Wellington v Gombak United 0-1

Davao blanks Dipolog

HOST Davao City blanked Dipolog, 3-0, to open its bid in the PFF Suzuki Cup U23 National Cup Mindanao finals on Thursday afternoon at the Tionko football grounds.


Jomar Acedo and Juven Benitez hit back-to-back goals in the 19th and 20th minutes, respectively, followed up by Joey Aroblo's goal in the 89th.

Davao City squad, mentored by Palaro champion coach Ramonito "Lalas" Carreon was playing against North Cotabato as of press time.


Dipolog, however, bounced back with a rousing 7-1 win over Cagayan de Oro Misamis Oriental Football Association (Cmofa) Friday morning to improve its record to one-win, zero-draw and one-loss.

Cmofa forced a 1-1 standoff with North Cotabato in another opening game of the bootfest where the top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals in Bacolod City.

North Cotabato's. Eric John Araojo knocked in a goal in the 58th but Cmofa's Emiliano Mabalos countered by sealing a goal in the 73rd for the draw.


Last round of games ends today. North Cotabato plays Dipolog at 1:30 p.m. Followed by the match between Davao and Cmofa at 3:30 p.m. (MLSA)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 30, 2011.

Friday--April 29,2011

Tomorrow is the Spring Game!

The Spring Game starts at 4:00 pm. There are other events related to UMass football and the game. The UMass website has details.

Weather is looking good.

With all the Sturm und Drang from the move to FBS, even the athletic dept stopped giving updates on spring practice. I don't know about you, but I'm anxious to see how the team looks tomorrow.

Matty V. has an article with quotes from Brandon Hill, who has been hobbled with an injured foot. Football has a design defect----the QB handles the ball on every play. Therefore, poor QB play has a disproportionate effect on offense. Unlike 2009, when we had QB problems all year, UMass now has five QB's on the roster. It would be nice if more than one of them looked sharp tomorrow. Hill, Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel and 2010 JUCO transfer Ian Shultis should be the top three.

Probably the position UMass was hit the hardest in graduation was WR. Julian Talley should be the "X" receiver in 2011. It will be interesting to see where JUCO Chase Danska will line up. Will he be the "Y" or in the slot?

Hofstra transfer Anthony Dima was listed as the backup for All-New England LG Greg Niland last year. Who will be in Niland's spot?

UMass has had many FBS transfers. Some did nothing, some were average and some, after achieving little in their FBS careers, became some of the top players in nation with the Minutemen. Jimmy Moore (1998) and Brad Listorti (2006) come to mind.

Pitt transfer Chris Burns does not have much return on his football career so far (31-78 1 TD). It will be interesting to see if he looks like he will make an impact with UMass.

On defense, we have a whole new scheme. Usually, the 3-4 requires a 6-2 305 pd squatty guy at NT. In 2003 we had Indiana transfer Colin Christopher make All-A10. Do we have a guy like him on the DL?

The 3-4 requires four LB's. We lost MLB Mike Mele to graduation. Courtney Jackson and Shane Viveiros have been moved to LB.

With Viveiros out of the defensive backfield, we need to see who starts there. Mississippi transfer Ryan Campbell should help.

Hope to see a lot of UMass fans tomorrow.

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The Amherst Bulletin and the Hampshire Gazette  offer editorials supporting move to FBS. Both are thoughful pieces and are worth reading.

Derek Gentile of the Berkshire Eagle weighs in on UMass' move.

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Top Scorers

SLeague

8 - Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)

7 - Frederic Mendy (Home United), Mislav Karoglan (SAFFC)

6 - Shotaro Ihata (Albirex Niigata)

5 - Maxime Belouet (Etoile), Joordan Webb (Hougang United), Fazrul Nawaz (SAFFC)

Malaysia Super League

11 - Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Kelanatan)

9 - Abdul Hadi Yahaya (Terengganu)

6 - Badhri Radzi (Kelantan), Ahmad Rakli (Perak), Ashaari Samsuddin (Terengganu)

Malaysia Premier League

7 - Khairul Akhyar (PKNS), Norizam Salaman (Johor), Fitri Omar (MP Muar), Khairul Izuan (PDRM), Bobby Gonzales (Sarawak)

Thai Premier League

6 - Leandro (Army United), Ronnachai Rangsyio (BEC Tero)

5 - Wasan Natasan (Chiang Rai United), Sarayut Chaikamdee (Bangkok Glass)

Thai Division One

6 - Rewat Meerean (Raj Pracha), Pichet In Bang (Suphanburi)

5 - Justine Uche (BB CU), Anusak Laosangthai (Air Force United)

Indonesia Super League

20 - Boas Solossa (Persipura)

15 - Edward Wilson Junior (Semen Padang)

14 - Kenji Adichihara (Bontang)

11 - Aldo Baretto (Persiba), Bambang Pamungkas (Persija), Julio Lopez (Persisam)

Divisi Utama

31 - Fortune Udo (Persiba)

26 - Osas Marvellous (PSAP)

18 - Patrick Wanggai (Persidafon)

16 - Christian Carasco (Persita), Franco Hita (Mitra Kukar)

Liga Primer Indonesia

12 - Fernando Soler (Real Mataram)

11 - Juan Manuel Cortez (Batavia Union)

10 - Emmanuel de Porras (Jakarta)

9 - Samsul Arief (Persibo)

Fear Of Violence Moves LPI Game

Not much has changed in Indonesian football. The Liga Primer Indonesia game between Solo Ksatria and Persebaya 1927 is likely to be played away from both cities after police refused a permit to hold the game. There is a strong rivalry between the cities of Solo and Surabaya which comes to ahead in football matches even if the're not playing each other.

Last season Persebaya fans, on their way to Bandung, fought with Solo fans from their train carriages in scenes that were frequently replayed on Indonesian TV with everyone looking on going tut tut tut.

SAFFC Trounced By White Swans

2010 was a rare barren season for SLeague side SAFFC. They won nothing. OK, maybe the won the toss once or twice but that was about it.

Coach Richard Bok made some changes and went into 2011 hoping for better luck but if anything last season's inconsistencies have not gone away.

A big investment at the back has seen the experienced Daniel Bennett joined by the consistent Bah Mamadou and the younger Daniel Hammond. Together with Shaiful Esah a strong defence one would contend wouldn't one? Five clean sheets in their opening seems to support that argument.

At the other end new striker Mislav Karolgan has come in started netting straight away with five in his opening 19 games. Surely things were coming together for the Warriors?

Well, not quite. Two wins in their opening two games was followed by a defeat. Two more wins followed by one more loss. Then, before last night, three wins and a draw, against champions Etoile, perhaps had Bok thinking a corner had been turned.

Then came Albirex Niigata. 6-3 they lost. Six bloody three! Suddenly the meanest defence in the league was parting like the Red Sea for every Singaporean's favourite Japanese team.

Striker Karolgan did his job last night, he scored twice, the other was scored by Ivan Jerkovic, but 'cos football is a team game and 'cos he is a professional, he would have been gutted because his team lost. No gloating on the MRT going home after the game saying ha ha I scored twice.

For Bok some serious questions lie ahead. Was this drubbing just one of those days that happen to everyone no matter what they do? What is stopping the team putting together a decent run of results? Did he buy enough bunting for the street party today celebrating the royal wedding?

Yet More Blogs

This last week has seen me start a regular blog on the Jakarta Globe website. They'll start off with a general overview of the game in Indonesia before becoming more specific.

The blog home page can be found here!

Muhammad Wilkerson: Temple Royalty

Big Mo makes that Temple helmet look real good.

"I'll represent Temple strong. I'm always going to represent the Temple team and show that Temple can continue to produce elite athletes for the next level."
_ Mo Wilkerson

The only place you'll find me at 4 a.m. on any morning is deep in dreamland.
I won't be getting up to watch the Royal Wedding tomorrow.
However, if the NFL draft was being held at 4 a.m. and a Temple player was certain to be picked in the first round, I would be up for that.
Muhammad Wilkerson proves that if you sign a scholarship at Temple and are good enough, you will be fast-tracked to "the league." You will be playing in an NFL stadium in front of an NFL coach and general manager whose kid plays on the same team you do.
?

Mike Pouncey gets some love from Steve Addazio. Would
have been nice to see Al Golden or Mark D'Onofrio return
the favor for Muhammad Wilkerson.

?
To me, Muhammad Wilkerson is Temple Royalty. He is the only non-BCS player who will be picked in the first round. Let that thought swirl around in your head just a little bit.
Like a Solar Eclipse, those kind of things don't come around often.
(Although I expect that they will happen moreso if Steve Addazio lives up to his reputation as a recruiter.)

Fortunately, neither you nor I will have to lose any sleep over this first-round pick. He made "the league" after only two years at Temple.
It's hard to hide playing from the NFL when you are playing in one of their stadiums.
Having had the pleasure of watching Big Mo for the last two years, I know he will make an impact right away at either the defensive end or defensive tackle position.
There are plenty of DE/DT types who excel at one thing and not at another. Corey Simon was a great run-stopper, not so great at rushing the passer. Trent Cole is great at rushing the passer, not so good at stopping the run.
Wilkerson is great at both things. Plus, with basketball leaping ability at 6-foot-5, he'll knock down more passes than just about anyone else. He's got interchangable skills at both DE and DT and that's got to make him valauble in a sport that has so many injuries.
Plus, he's a terrific human being.
We at Temple know that.
On Sundays, due to the lockout maybe not this fall but certainly not too far into the future, all the football fans in America will soon find that out.

PFF U23 - All Mindanao and Luzon qualifiers (Friday)

PFF U23 Suzuki Cup All Mindanao finals at Tionko Field in Davao City.

Teams : Davao, North Cotabato , Cagayan de Oro/Misamis Oriental and Dipolog

Dipolog 7-1 Cagayan de Oro

Match report

Davao 3-0 North Cotabato

Live Twitter

DAVAO already qualified for quarterfinals !

All Luzon finals at UP Los Banos in Laguna

Teams : Laguna , Masbate , Baguio and Oriental Mindoro

Baguio 7-1 Oriental Mindoro

Laguna 3-3 Masbate

Top two teams advance to quarterfinals

Update :

Quarterfinals , one group in Bacolod and Laguna , May 6- 10

Semifinals in Barotac Nuevo

PFF U19 - All Mindanao , All Luzon and Visayas qualifiers (Friday)

Today :


All Luzon qualifiers in Naga City :

Rizal 3-2 Camarines Sur/Naga City

Naga City-cam.sur was leading 2-0 until Rizal Fa scored 3 goals in the last five minutes. Both teams qualified for PFF U19 finals



Visayas qualifiers in Bacolod :

Cebu vs Iloilo
NOFA (Bacolod) 2-3 NORFA (Dumaguete)


All Mindanao qualifiers in Bukidnon

Davao vs North Cotabato
Bukidnon vs Dipolog

Negros XI eyes 3rd win today in PFF U19 Reg�l Qualifiers

THE Negros Occidental Football Association-Negros Selection booters, after having a day-off yesterday, will be back on the playing field today to notch their third straight win as they face Negros Oriental Football Association (NORFA) in the ongoing Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Men�s National U19 Championship Visayas Regional Qualifiers at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.


The Ruben Clavecillas-mentored squad will be relying on the services of keepers Rufino Hedraga (University of St. La Salle) and Beel Marc Ortega (Bacolod City), Talisay-Minuluan Football Club�s Joemar Ciocon, Jose Francis Rebacca, Collin Monta�o, Steven Nico Taclobos, Zedric Ramirez, Jacob Lucente, Kevin Millan and Vhertude Javelona; Victorias City�s Marvic Gancita, Melecio Mentor and Allen Shane Belera; San Carlos City�s Rollie Tacugue, Diomar Caruscay and John Vendell Marcellana; and Bago City�s Kent Guevarra.

Also supporting the Negros squad is Talisay City Mayor and Talisay-Minuluan FC president Dr. Eric Saratan.

On the other hand, the May 20-29 scheduled PFF Men�s National U19 Championship earlier set at the Panaad football pitch was moved to San Carlos City because of the upcoming Philippine National Games calendared May 22-29 in Panaad. JSG

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 29, 2011.

Cebu routs Leyte

FOLLOWING two heart-breaking losses in its first two games in the Philippine Football Federation Men�s National U19 Championship Visayas Qualifiers, the Cebu 19-Under Men�s squad bounced back nicely with 9-1 win over Leyte at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

Paref-Springdale�s Cedric Ang and University of San Carlos� Dan Villarico led the offensive onslaught of the Cebuanos with three goals each. University of Southern Philippines Foundation�s Carlos Saballero, University of Cebu�s Miko Limalima and Moli Neri added a goal apiece.

Cebu 19-Under Men�s team coach Eleazar Toledo said that the win could boost the team�s morale going into its last match with Iloilo today. He believes that the first two matches could have gone either way but the opposing teams found loopholes in his team�s defense.

Cebu had two similar 2-1 unfortunate losses to home team Bacolod City and Dumaguete in its first two matches.

�The team is composed more of offensive players and not defensive players,� Toledo told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday. �We really had no preparation because I just saw the
team a day before we left.�

Toledo replaced Glenn Ramos for the coaching job because of the latter�s unavailability.

Toledo is optimistic of Cebu�s chances of landing the second place finish but it will depend on its crucial game with Iloilo today.

�We still have a chance to enter the top two if we beat Iloilo,� he said.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 29, 2011.

Zambo crushes Stonefield in Smart Club football tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- ALIA Football Club (FC)-Zamboanga City crushed Stonefield FC, 11-0, last Wednesday to remain in contention in the Western Mindanao cluster qualifiers of the Smart Club Championships at the Pagadian football field in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

E. dela Cruz (8th, 11th and 51st minutes) and J. Jacinto (76th, 79th and 88th) each had a hat trick in powering the Alia booters to their first win in two outings in the tourney sponsored by Smart and organized by the Philippine Football Federation.

Alia earlier absorbed a 0-1 loss to Bric-a-Brac FC, which emerged victorious through Aries Sudiang�s lone marker in the 67th minute.

DMC FC-Dipolog topped Ozamis-Dipolog, 3-1, to pick up its first win in the four-team competition.

The qualifiers will decide the squad that will advance to the all-Mindanao regionals scheduled May 4 to 6 in Davao City.

Zadloven Turea (35th), Eduard Alforque (82nd) and Orlie Ponce (86th) scored DMC�s goals while Roncim Emperio (44th) was credited for Ozamis� single marker.

Opening on Friday at the University of Makati football field is the National Capital Region (NCR) qualifying tournament with Pasargad, Pachanga, Air Force and Teknika vying for the two NCR slots in the Smart Club semifinals.

Two teams each from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon and NCR will see action in the semis.

The top two teams will advance to a home-and-away championship round.

ABS CBN News

Recruiting 2012--Jordan Washington

Scout.com image

Scout.com reports UMass has offered to Jordan Washington, a 6-2 275 pd DE from Suwanee, GA.

Washington's Scout.com page here.

This article (scroll down) talks about him.

Washington holds offers from MAC schools Buffalo and Central Michigan. He also has offers from Mississippi State, South Alabama and Southern Mississippi.

Thursday --April 28, 2011

Unlike some newspapers we could name, the Maine Kennebec Journal has a classy post about UMass' move and says Maine should stay in the CAA.

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The Boston Herald has some quotes about UMass' Tony Nelson, John Griffin, Greg Niland and Kyle Havens in the NFL draft.

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One of the OOC FBS teams mentioned for future UMass schedules is Brigham Young. BYU has already been selected (assuming they will be eligible) for the Bell Helicopter Armed Services Bowl.

Mormons Vs Minutemen! I like the sound of that. Blog trivia: I might be related (probably distantly) to Mormon prophet Joseph Smith.  My ancestors lived in Vermont for about four generations, covering the time he was active there.

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Speaking of bowls, the Fiesta Bowl is still the talk of BCS meetings.

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Medan Chiefs Still Seeking Coach

Medan Chiefs have been without a coach ever since Jorg Steinbrunner left, reportedly unhappy at what he saw as managerial interference in his position.

The fact that the coaching vacancy ad on the club website, seriously have you ever heard of a football club looking for a coach by posting an ad on their own website, states any future coach must accept the CEO's intervention any time he feels is right suggests some truth in that supposition.

In today's Top Skor the club owner, and CEO, says he has had several people express an interest in the position, including some posting on the website which has been inundated with spam. However he says he will only entertain serious applications from serious coaches.

Serious coaches who, presumably, won't mind the CEO interfering in their job once in a while!

PFF U19 - All Luzon and All Mindanao qualifiers, Visayas qualifiers (Thursday)

PFF U19 All Luzon qualifiers today in Naga City

Rizal FA 6 - 1 Legazpi-Albay FA

Baguio did not show up . Rizal play Camarines Sur(Naga City) tomorrow , but both teams are qualified already for PFF U19 finals

PFF U19 Visayas qualifiers today in Bacolod

2 pm Cebu 9-1 Leyte
4 pm Iloilo vs NORFA ?

PFF All Mindanao qualifiers in Bukidnon

Dipolog 0-1 Davao
Bukidnon vs North Cotabato ?


Post results in comments !

PFF U23 - All Mindanao and Luzon qualifiers (Thursday)

PFF U23 Suzuki Cup All Mindanao finals start today at Tionko Field in Davao City.

Teams : Davao, North Cotabato , Cagayan de Oro/Misamis Oriental and Dipolog

Dipolog 0-3 Davao
North Cotabato vs Cagayan de Oro/Misamis Oriental 1-1

All Luzon finals start today at UP Los Banos in Laguna

Teams : Laguna , Masbate , Baguio and Oriental Mindoro

9 AM : Baguio 1-3 Masbate
3 pm : Laguna 4-0 Oriental Mindoro

Top two teams advance .

Post results in comments !

Negros booters thrash Leyte in PFF U19 Visayas Qualifiers

NEGROS Occidental Football Association (Nofa)-Negros Selection booters continue to bask in their home court advantage as they thrashed Leyte Football Association (FA), 10-0, on Wednesday.

They also improved their record to 2-0 in the ongoing Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Men's National U19 Championship Visayas Regional Qualifiers at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Diomar Caruscay led the Negrense offense by scoring five goals of the total 10 goals nailed by Nofa. These include the squad's opening goal in the 12th minute followed by a quick second goal in the 15th then in the 42nd, 46th and 68th minutes of play.

Aside from Caruscay, Carlo Lucero also played a huge game, scoring two goals in the first half - one in the 22nd minute and the other in the 40th minute of the ball game.

Joining the Negrenses' scoring spree were Allen Shane Belera, who made a goal in the 67th minute, followed by another from Jose Francis Rebacca in the 77th minute and Vhertude Javelona in the 85th minute.

In the victory against Cebu on Monday, Rebacca also scored Nofa's opening goal in the 70th minute to lead the Negrense attack along with John Marcellana's insurance goal in the 85th minute for a 2-0 win.

Despite the smooth sailing game for the Negrenses, Nofa's Steven Taclobos still earned a yellow card in the 64th minute after he was cited for unsportsmanlike behavior.


Meanwhile, games on Thursday include Cebu FA facing Leyte FA at 2 p.m., followed by Iloilo FA-Norfa scrimmage at 4 p.m. (JSG)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 28, 2011.

Azkals hope to test Rizal Memorial pitch

BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

NATIONAL team manager Dan Palami is hoping the Azkals could get a crack at the Rizal Memorial Stadium football field in early June before they leave for the final phase of their training in Germany for the first leg of their World Cup qualifying series against Sri Lanka on June 29.

"We have asked the Philippine Sports Commission to have the pitch ready after we return from our team-building in Cebu in the first week of June since we have one more week of practice before leaving for Germany," Palami said in the PSA forum last Tuesday at Shakey�s UN Ave. "We have to take advantage of that."

"I�ve been there and I�ve seen the pitch is almost ready," Palami added of the venue that last hosted an international tournament during the 1991 Manila Southeast Asian Games and will be the site of the nationals� return match against the Sri Lankans on July 3.

He said there were still some holes that needed to be filled to prevent players from getting injured.

"Once these holes are repaired, we believe the field will be playable. I think that it is something that can be done in two weeks," he said.

Palami added San Miguel Corp. has committed to fix the seats and bleachers of the 26,000 capacity stadium.

An aide of PSC Commissioner Chito Loyzaga, who was tapped by PSC Chairman Richie Garcia to oversee the repairs, said SMC personnel have visited the stadium and started mapping out plans for the repairs.

Palami also said tickets for the July 3 return match will only be made available once the seating arrangements are finalized, adding this is needed to avoid the overcrowding that marked the Azkals� game against Mongolia last February at the Panaad Sports Complex.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr. earlier announced tickets would be issued through Ticketworld.

"San Miguel will have to make the seating plan first, not only on the main grandstand but also the surrounding bleachers, including demarcation lines between each ticket holder," Palami said.

Asked if he expects the Rizal stadium to be filled for the Azkals� first match in Manila, Palami replied: "I believe mapupuno iyon. Hindi pa nga nagbebenta ng tickets yet my Facebook account is being filled with inquiries on how to get them.

"May nagpapa-reserve ng 50, ng 100�I hope they are not scalpers�but I don�t think sponsors will be interested kung hindi kayang punuin. But the indicators are there."

Malaya.com

Azkals� prospects of landing SEA Games football medal high, says Palami

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines�The Philippines could end its long wait for a men�s football medal in the Southeast Asian Games late this year in Indonesia.

Dan Palami, the Azkals manager who also serves as chair of the national teams� committee of the Philippine Football Federation, is confident that the Under-23 squad in the SEA Games will put up a creditable performance.

�So far, we achieved what we set our sights on, like in the AFF Suzuki Cup and in the AFC Challenge Cup,� said Palami, who bankrolled the national team when support was hard to come by two years ago. �I hope our luck will continue and our success is tangible when it comes to the medal.�

Some members of the senior team are eligible for the SEA Games including goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Yannick Tuason, David Basa, Jason de Jong and Manny Ott.

The standouts from the ongoing Suzuki Cup Under-23 Championship will also be considered for team.

Several more prospects have emerged for the Under-23 side after Azkals coach Michael Weiss scouted players with Filipino lineage in Germany during the Nagold Blitz Football Tournament last week and Azkals captain Aly Borromeo and Anton Del Rosario held tryouts in Daly City, California early this month.

The Philippine team finished second in the four-team tournament, finishing with a win, a draw and a loss against Under-19 squads from Stuttgart, Reutlingen and Nagold.

Weiss said among the standout players were Patrick Reichelt, a striker from the Cottbus second team, who scored five goals in the tournament, and central defender Oliver Poetschke. Also impressing Weiss was Kevin Ingreso, the skipper of Hamburg�s Under-19 squad.

�I might invite them to come to Manila to our camp,� Weiss said in an e-mail.

Del Rosario said the players that impressed in the US tryouts that could beef up the Under-23 squad were OJ Porteria and James Rochilitz.

inquirer sports

Chelsea In Thailand

English Premier League giants Chelsea FC confirmed they will send the full squad to Thailand for a friendly match against Thai Premier League All Stars team on July 24.

The Coke Super Cup match will be played at Rajamangala National Stadium.

Apart from the Bangkok stop, the Blues will also visit Malaysia and Hong Kong as part of their Asian tour in the summer.

The president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Worawi Makudi, said the friendly match will give Thai players a good opportunity to play against world-class opponents.

"It is good for the Thai Premier League players to play against Chelsea. Their team is full of superstars. They will gain some good experiences from this match," said Worawi.

Dr Wichit Yamboonruang, the TPL chairman, said the match will take place during the mid-season break and he hopes to get the best players available for the match.

"Each club will have to co-ordinate with us. We will select the best players for this match."

Pongsakdi Polanant, Executive Director of I-Sport Co., Ltd, the tournament organisers, said the Chelsea squad will arrive in Thailand on July 22 and will stay until July 25.

"The Chelsea's players will stay at Shangri-La hotel. While they are in Bangkok, they will give a football clinic. There will be a meet & greet session with the fans.

"We hope to see a lot of the Thai Blues' fans coming out for this match."

Tickets are 500, 800, 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 baht and can be purchased at Thai Ticket Major outlets (or go to http://www.thaiticketmajor.com), I-Mobile shops and Star Soccer shops (Panthip Plaza and Seacon Square branches).

The sales date will be announced next month together with other promotional activities.

SOURCE

COMMENT - rumours that Chelsea will be visiting a certain bar in Pattaya remain unconfirmed!

Wednesday--April 27, 2011

Ron Chimelis says you can question the plan, but not the motives.

WWLP looks at the "home" field advantage.

More pissy commentary from the Globe.

A UMass fan tries to reason with the Sun Chronical's Mark Farinella. Some UMass fans with strong stomachs should reply to the Globe. Don't expect much response, however.

Meanwhile, UConn says they are not worried.

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Craig Haley looks at FCS NFL draft prospects. He notes that FCS NFL draft numbers have been steadily shrinking over recent years. Last year there were 19 FCS players chosen. It looks like this year there will be even less.

For a long time FCS schools, especially the HB colleges provided a steady stream of NFL talent. Probably the growing dominance of the BCS schools accounts for the talent decline in the rest of college football.

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More recruiting news tomorrow as UMass offers to a big LB.

PFF U19 Qualifiers - Mindanao , Luzon and Visayas

Visayas :

2 pm NOFA (Bacolod) - Leyte 10-0
4 pm Cebu - NORFA (Dumaguete) 1-2

Mindanao

All Mindanao Qualifiers start today in Bukidnon

Davao City vs Bukidnon- 1:3
Dipolog City vs N. Cotabato 2:1


All Luzon qualifiers start today in Naga City (Camarinese Sur)
Teams : Camarines Sur (Naga City) , Baguio , Legazpi Albay and Laguna (?)


Naga City-Cam.Sur FA 6 - 3 Legaspi-AlbaY FA

Baguio FA team did not arrive.

Post news , report and results in comments

Top two in group to national finals.

Gombak's Scattered Strike Force

About 18 months ago it looked like Gombak United would be the team to break the stranglehold SAFFC had on the SLeague. They boasted the best defence with Bah Mamadou and Obadin at the heart while also boasting the most potent strikeforce in the country.

Agu Casmir headed to Persija in Indonesia, Kingsley Njokou has ended up with Phnom Penh Crown in Cambodia while Gabriel Obatola is now with Pattaya United in the Thai Premier League after a spell in the US with Portland Tomberwolves.

Don't forget Goran Subara, now with PSM, also Indonesia and you had there a team that surely would have challenged eventual champions Etoile all the way. It's a great shame we never got to find out how good that team could have been.

Big Defeats For Indonesian AFC Cup Hopefuls

AFC Cup

Song Lam Nghe An v Sriwijaya 4-0 6,000

1 - TSW Pegasus 4 3 0 1 11-5 9

2 - Sriwijaya 4 2 1 1 6-7 7

3 - Song Lam Nghe An 4 2 0 2 9-6 6

4 - VB 4 0 1 3 5-12 1

Chonburi v Persipura 4-1 (Pipob 2, Suree, Therdsak Chaiman) 6,821

1 - Chonburi 4 2 1 11-8 7

2 - Persipura 4 2 1 9-6 7

3 - South China 4 1 2 1 5-7 5

4 - East Bengal 4 0 2 2 8-12 2

Divisi Utama

Persitara v PSMS 1-0 (Nurcahyono) 2,014

This game all but ended PSMS' outside chances of an automatic play off spot but they still stand a chance as one of the best of the rest if you get my drift. Scrappy game, Vagner Luis got sent off for a stupid elbow and not long after Persitara fans invaded the pitch. No one seemed to know why and no one seemed to stop them so they probably thought what the hell.

Malaysia Super League

Kelantan v Selangor 1-0

Harimau Muda A v Negeri Sembilan 1-1

T Team v Kedah 3-1

Felda United v Johor FC 0-0

Perak v KL 5-3

Sabah v Terengganu 1-2

Perlis v Pahang 1-2

1 - Selangor 15 10 2 3 19-12 32

2 - Terengganu 15 9 4 2 26-13 31

3 - Kelantan 15 9 3 3 34-15 30

11 - Norshahrul Idla Talaha (Kelantan)

9 - Abdul Yahya (Terengganu)

SLeague

Home United v Geylang United 2-1 (Frederic Mendy 2; Kim Jae Hong) 1,279

1 - Tampines Rovers 10 8 2 0 21-7 26

2 - Home United 11 7 2 2 23-7 23

3 - SAFFC 10 7 1 2 17-6 22

Negros XI beat Cebu in PFF U19 Visayas opener

TAKING advantage of playing at home, the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) - Negros Selection booters beat Cebu FA yesterday, 2-1 in the opening game of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Men�s National U19 Championship Visayas Regional Qualifiers at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Negrense striker Jose Francis Rebacca scored NOFA�s opening goal in the 70th minute while teammate John Marcellana sunk an insurance goal in the 85th minute of the game to post a 2-0 advantage.

Cebu�s Neri Mole Jr. nailed a goal in the 87th minute to cut the lead to 1-2, giving life to the Cebuanos� hopes for an equalizer. However, whistles blew to end the regulation at 2-1 in favor for the home squad.


During the early minutes of the second half, Negrense striker Melecio Mentor suffered a head injury and was brought to Riverside Medical Center for medical examination. Mentor�s injury was caused by a collision with Cebu�s keeper Henry Perales on an attempt to score a goal. Perales suffered a cut on his forehead which was immediately treated by tournament physician Dr. Emily Zerrudo.

The NOFA-Negros Selection eyes to duplicate its victory when it faces Leyte FA at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Panaad, as Leyte looks forward to avenge their 0-7 defeat in the hands of Iloilo FA Tuesday. Cebu FA will take on Negros Oriental FA (NORFA) at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Ceres-Negros Selection assistant coach Ramon Janeo yesterday said that the PFF-Suzuki U-23 National Cup Group B elimination matches, earlier reported as May 15-20, 2011, has been set on May 6-15.

He also added that aside from Leo Rey Yanson, Ricky Yanson Jr. will also serve as one of the team managers.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 27, 2011.

Cebu fails bid in PH Football

THE CEBU 19-Under Men�s squad had an unlucky debut match in the Philippine Football Federation Men�s National U19 Championship Visayas Qualifiers as it dropped a 1-2 loss to home team Bacolod City at the Panaad Park and Stadium.


At first, both teams were evenly matched, but Cebu�s goalkeeper Henry Perales was pulled out of the match after suffering a head injury in the second half that led to scoring opportunities for Bacolod City. Perales suffered a gash in the head after an oncoming Bacolod player�s teeth sank in his forehead that forced him to be substituted by reserve goalie Romeo Du.

�The match was even, but we gave up goals after our goalkeeper was injured,� Cebu 19-Under Men�s coach Eleazar Toledo told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

After Perales was substituted, Bacolod City rallied two goals late in the second half.

The Cebuanos were able to retaliate with a goal by striker Moli Neri in the 88th
minute. However, it was a bit too late as Cebu wasn�t able to hit the net in injury to salvage a draw.


�The game was 50-50. Both teams had equal possession. It just so happened that the
second goalkeeper lacked the confidence,� said Toledo.

The Cebuanos will be playing against Dumaguete this afternoon.


Toledo said Perales will be able to see action today because his injury wasn�t serious, but he had to have anti-tetanus shots on the gash on his forehead.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 27, 2011.

Nagold Cup 2011 Germany

Azkals chances vs Sri Lanka looking bright

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines�With a stronger squad that will be toughened up in Germany, Philippine football team manager Dan Palami likes the Azkals� chances against Sri Lanka in the first round of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers in June.

�With our preparation and the quality of our players, it�s safe to say that we will have more than a fair chance against Sri Lanka,� Palami said in Tuesday�s PSA Forum at Shakey�s UN Avenue in Manila.

�Sri Lanka is better than Bangladesh, but we will also have a lineup stronger than what we had when we played Bangladesh,� added Palami, the man credited for the Azkals� rise. The Azkals blanked Bangladesh, 3-0, in the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar last month.

The Azkals battle Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo, before returning to Manila for the second leg on July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The winner advances opposite Kuwait.

�There will be a 150 percent improvement in our lineup,� Palami said, noting the inclusion of Stefan Schrock, Manny Ott, Dennis Cagara and two more United States-based players who shone in the tryouts held by skipper Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario early this month.

With the Azkals needing P15 million for their World Cup campaign, Palami said they would be launching a campaign dubbed �We Believe� to attract more support for the squad.

�We�re hoping that more people will support our team because we really need it now,� he added at the weekly forum sponsored by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Accel.

Azkals resume training for World Cup qualifying match vs Sri Lanka

The Philippine men's football team, the Azkals, will resume its training on May 9 to begin its build-up for its first round tie against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifier, said team manager Dan Palami.

Palami, who graced Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, said that the Azkals will train at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City until May 23 before heading to Cebu for a team building session from May 25 to 31.

The Azkals will then head to Germany for another training camp from June 12 to 26 where they will also play tune-up matches with German Division II and Division III teams.

"The players who will play for the team against Sri Lanka will most likely be there in Germany," said Palami.

After Germany, the team will go straight to Sri Lanka to play the first leg on June 29.

The Azkals are also hoping to practice at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in early June where they expect the field to be ready in time for the July 3 second leg.

"Hopefully, we could take advantage of the familiarity of the field," said Palami.

Palami said that Rizal is already fit for playing but there are still minor holes in the field that requires minimal repairs.

During the Holy Week break, the Azkals have organized training camps in the United States and Germany in hopes to discover players not only for the national team but also for the Under-23 players that will compete in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

West Mindanao - PFF Smart Club Championship Cluster

Teams are: Stonefield FC of MOOFA, Alia FC of ZAFA, DMC FC of ZanDiFA & Bric-A-Brac FC of ZSPFA (Host FA).. PFF Officials is Kutchie Fucoy & Match Commissioner is Bayani Abad.

Official Results for 26 April 2011 Match Day 1: Game 1 9am Bric-A-Brac FC (Pagadian) 1 - Alia FC (Zamboanga) 0 &

Game 2 1pm DMC FC (Dipolog) 3 - Stonefield FC (Ozamis) 1... Report from Kutchie Fucoy (PFF Official)..

Recruiting 2012---John Atkins

Scout.com image

Rivals.com reports that UMass has offered to John Atkins, a 6-4 310 pd DT from Thompson, GA.

Atkins' Rivals page here.

Scout.com page here.

Youtube video here.

Atkins has offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech and Tennessee.

Tuesday--April 26, 2011

UMass has a day of activities for Saturday's Spring Game. They'll be a open house at the new UMass football offices from 1-3 pm. The Spring game will be from 4:00-5:30 followed by a autograph session. The day will have several 100-Yard Club only events including a barbecue.

Join the 100-yard club here.

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Matty V. says it's not ideal, but it had to be Foxboro. Matty points out that people gripping about the ride to Foxboro have been living in their own little world.

"Anyone from a real college football hotbed is laughing at this. Its nothing for fans in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas and all over SEC country to drive several hours with those little flags on their windows for every home football game.
It's part of the experience. A two-hour drive to Foxboro is nothing by comparison."

Mrs Blog and I have been driving down from New Hampshire for a number of years. The Boston area alumni have been driving to Amherst for forty years. Many Boston area fans even have season tickets to basketball and hockey. Welcome to how the rest of the world lives.

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You knew the Boston Globe had to have a negative article about the move somewhere and Derrick Z. Jackson supplies one. He gets his facts wrong, but what the heck.

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Off topic, but worth noting. Massachusetts social note: two stabbed at baby shower brawl. Jack and Jill showers are never a good idea...

Jakarta Globe Blog

he Jakarta Globe is introducing a new blog feature to their website and they have asked me to contribute some articles. So, guess what? I'll be writing about Indonesian football. Mostly.

My first post is now on line

Persita's Late Revival Sees Them In Play Off Bid

I'd long discounted Persita Tangerang's chances of reaching the play offs but a run of six wins in their last eight has seen them catapult into the leading clubs in Group One and despite a tough game away to Persih at the weekend they will still believe they are in with a shout.

Persires v Persita 0-5

Persita v PSSB 5-0 15,335

Persita v PSLS 4-1 15,331

PS Bengkulu v Persita 1-0

Persita v Persiraja 3-1 14,276

Persita v PSAP 1-0 10,000

Persita v Persipasi 2-1 15,000

Persitara v Persita 0-0

Their fans of course, will tell you have have always believed their team would get a play off place as the attendances can attest. Mind you, five home games have helped!

It may all be too little too late for the team known as Viola. PSAP play PS Bengkulu in their final game and all they have to do is win that, and they're another team who 'enjoy' home games, and what the Viola do is irrelevant. Indeed, it is PSMS who pose a bigger threat to the Aceh team with two games in hand, the first this afternoon away to Persitara.

Thai Port Facing Implosion?

Despite winning trophies in the last two seasons, FA Cup 2009 & League Cup 2010, and reportedly attracting an investor willing pump serious money into the club it appears negotiations ain't going well and the the guys may well walk away from the deal, possibly taking some of the team with them.

More details can be found on Thai Fussball and Thai Port blog.

Thai football boomed in 2009 but my own feeling, admittedly from afar, is that things have not improved since then with internecine bickering as well as alleged favoring of certain teams. I've already said on this here site that is it even worth carrying on with the season when we all know that Buriram PEA will win the Thai Premier League and Buriram will win Division One.

Indonesia Super League Under 21s

Ive just fallen off my chair!

Check out this informative media pack ahead of the ISL Under 21 play offs that kick off. No mention of who's playing who but still pretty bloody good!

Philippines U20 second in German tournament

Pic : phildreams










Results

Philippines - VfL Nagold
2:3

Score: Patrick Reichelt, Christian Sandner

Philippines - Stuttgarter Kickers
2:2

Score: Patrick Reichelt (2x)

Philippines - SSV Reutlingen
3:1

Score: Ervin Gamundoy, Marcel Krieg, Patrick Reichelt

Philippines finished second in the tournament.

Results 26/04

Divisi Utama

Persidafon v Persekam 5-1 (Patrick Wanggai 2, Ernest Jeremiah 2, Eduard Ivakdalam; Muzake) 1,328

Perseru v PSBI 2-0 (Fontaba, Setyabudi) 2,510

Persiku v Persipro 2-0 (Handri, Rochim) 6,357

PSIR v PSMP 2-0 (Erpina, Suyono) 10,173

Gresik United v Persemalra 3-1 (Batubara, Usman, Nawawi; Kabery) 16,220

Persik v PSIS 0-0 4,115

PSIM v Persikota 3-1 (Prasetyo, Suchayo, Maran; Zandonaide) 6,784

Persiram v PPSM 2-0 (Usman, Sauyai) 952

Perseman v Persis 3-0 (Game awarded to Perseman, Persis didn't travel)

Persiraja v PS Bengkulu 3-0 (Nanda Lubis 2, Irwanto) 8,053

Persires v Persita 0-5 (Agu Salim 2, Christian Carrasco, Cecil Mfundo 2) 311

Persikabo v Pro Titan 2-3 (Ilham Hasan, Jibby Wuwungan; Antonio Teles 2, Naibaho) 4,763

Persih v Persipasi 1-0 (Friday Gbeneme) 3,400

1 - Persiraja 24 15 3 6 43-25 48

2 - PSAP 23 13 5 5 48-20 44

3 - Persita 23 12 6 5 44-17 42

4 - PSMS 22 13 3 6 33-22 42

1 - Mitra Kukar 23 14 2 7 36-19 44

2 - Gresik United 24 12 4 8 27-16 40

3 - Persiram 23 10 9 4 23-18 39

1 - Persidafon 23 14 3 6 46-17 45

2 - Persiba 24 13 5 6 52-20 44

3 - PSBI 23 12 3 6 29-19 39

As it stands, Persiraja, Mitra Kukar, Persidafon and Persiba are guaranteed spots in the play off while PSAP, Persita, PSMS, Gresik United and Persiram must sweat it out to the final day on Saturday. PSMS play their game in hand this afternoon away to Persitara, a game I would love to see but day job and all that! Check my Jakarta Globe article today for more about the Divisi Utama race.

31 - Fortune Udo (Persiba)

26 - Osas Marvellous )PSAP

18 - Patrick Wanggai (Persidafon)

16 - Franco Hita (Mitra Kukar), Christian Carrasco (Persita)

Malaysia Premier League

PDRM v Penang USM 0-2

Sarawak v Penang 5-0

Pos Malaysia v Johor 1-2

Sime Darby v PKNS 0-1

MP Muar v ATM 3=2

Penang SDM v Harimau Muda B 0-6

1 - Selangor PKNS 13 10 3 0 25-2 33

2 - Sarawak 13 8 2 3 31-12 26

3 - Johor 14 8 1 5 25-18 25

Jakarta Globe Column

I turn the focus on to the second tier of Indonesian football this week with a look at the promotion run in in the Divisi Utama. Check it out in the Jakarta Globe.

Panaad Stadium to host Group B games on May 15-20

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

NEGROS Occidental�s Panaad Park and Stadium will be busy this month of May as it hosts the PFF-Suzuki U-23 National Cup Group B elimination matches are set to kick off on May 15-20, 2011.

This was confirmed yesterday by Ceres-Negros Selection assistant coach Ramon Janeo.

According to Janeo, Red Avelino of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) disclosed this information to him after the Negros team topped the Visayas Regional finals in Dumaguete last week, sweeping all four teams in the region at Siliman Ball Park.

The huge 11-0 victory of the Negros Selection over Leyte Football Association (FA) sent a strong message that Negrense booters remain to be among the country�s best. They also disappointed their Iloilo rivals on a 1-0 victory with J Baguioro�s goal in the 44th minute of the match while Negros blanked Cebu and Dumaguete, 3-0 during their first and second assignments in the tournament.

Comprising the Ceres-Negros Selection mentored by former national men�s team head coach Norman Fegidero are John Robert Mendoza, Lemuel Unabia, Carmelo Tacusalme, Janrick Soriano, Jose Emmanuel Diel, Jimmy Malaloan, Jake Morallo, Anthony Tongson, J Baguioro, Ralph Layumas, Joshua Beloya, Joven Bedic, Abelardo Solinas, Gino Palomo, Willy Mangubat, Jurex Replentes, Aldrin Dolino and Michael Pacite.

Working beside Fegidero are assistant coaches Janeo, Ronnie Tornilla, Simon Hulleza, Ali Go, Carlo Torbela and Michael Casas while Leo Rey Yanson serves as team manager.

Janeo further said that among the teams which will play at Panaad grounds will be the winners of the April 28-30 scheduled matches for the Luzon and Mindanao clusters.

Those vying for positions to represent National Capital Region (NCR) and Luzon are the Baguio City Benguet Football Association (FA) and Laguna FA in the North, Central and South Luzon cluster while Naga City-Camarines Sur FA and Oriental Mindoro FA will battle it out in the Southeast Luzon cluster. The right to earn a slot for NCR or Luzon will be based on the team�s ranking after the April 28-30 games which will be played at the University of the Philippines-Los Ba�os, Laguna.

On the other hand, among the teams to slug it out for the top two spots in the All-Mindanao Finals are Davao FA, Cagayan de Oro (CDO)-Misamis Oriental FA, North Cotabato and Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog FA. Matches will be played at Tionko field in Davao City.

Davao advanced to the All-Mindanao Finals by topping the Southern Mindanao eliminations with a total of six points after winning its two matches in the three-team field while CDO controlled North Mindanao as North Cotabato and Zamboanga took the Central and West Mindanao, respectively.

The staging of the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Cup is a partnership of the PFF and Suzuki Philippines to tap the wealth of talented booters in the country.

The top teams that will make it to the finals will clash in a home and away championship match, after which the winner will be crowned as the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Champions.

Moreover, these two top teams will possibly serve as a pool where majority of the players to compose the next �Azkals� will come from and will represent the country in the upcoming 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 26, 2011.