Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Gier, Jonsson excited for Galaxy game
Both Jonsson and Gier are excited to play the Galaxy, especially Gier who grew up in England like Galaxy superstar David Beckham.
"It's just an unbelievable opportunity," Gier said. "If you told me a few months ago that we would be playing against David Beckham here in Manila, I would've laughed at you."
"It's an amazing thing for football in the Philippines. I can't wait to get out there and play," Gier added.
Jonsson said that Azkals will be aiming for the win, even though they will be the underdog against the best football team in the United States.
"There's always a chance, if we play good defense," Jonsson said.
Gier added that the friendly game against the Galaxy shows that the Philippines is now being recognized for its improvements in football.
"All of a sudden, people like the Galaxy want to come and play an exhibition game over here. So it's good for us, it's good for them, everyone wins in the situation," he said.
The Azkals will be playing without other Europe-based players, including goal keepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller and midfielder Stephan Schrock, who all have commitments with their clubs.
Homegrown stars Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, along with Phil and James Younghusband, are expected to lead the Azkals in the game.
Beckham and the rest of the LA Galaxy are expected to arrive in Manila Thursday afternoon.
In the first stop of their 2011 Asia Pacific Tour, the LA Galaxy defeated a selection from the Indonesian national team, 1-0.
After playing against the Azkals, they are set to fly to Australia to face the Melbourne Victory in the last stop of their tour. -- From a report by Raffy Santos, ABS-CBN News
Five 7 reasons why Bernard Pierce should stay
Just as promised, Steve Maneri lays out Palamalu. |
The subject of my favorite Temple Owl came up with one of my favorite Temple fans in the parking lot before the game last Friday.
"What is Bernard majoring in?" my friend, Chet, said.
"Nuclear physics," I shot back.
Of course I knew Bernard Pierce is majoring in the same thing I majored in at Temple University, Communications. I have that degree on my wall and it is next to my two Associated Press Best Sports Story awards and one Pennsylvania Newspaper Publisher Association award for Best Feature Story.
Without the degree, I don't get a chance to get the other two items framed. Whatever little writing talent I had as a 17-year-old was harnessed into a readable style thanks to Temple profs.
??
Ask Kevin Neghandi of ESPN.
Another reason to come back: Steve Addazio tells funny jokes. |
????
He's going to run into a lot of shady sports agent characters and they are going to give him a lot of advice designed to get their cut of his money a year early. My best advice (and it's free) for him is to go with the first agent who tells him it is in his best interest to stay.
Five good reasons:
?
Mel Kiper is much more likely to call Bernard Pierce a No. 1 choice next year, not this one. |
?? ?
Bernard already has a nice suit ready for next year's Heisman ceremony. |
No wonder BP has such great vision. |
Tesa, Wayne and Cyrus Tribue |
Ramone looks sad he came back (not!) |
Lavoy: All smiles during his senior year. |
Daz finally figured out how to use Bernard Pierce best. |
Feeling Horny? The Stags Celebrate SLeague Title
If fans of Indonesian football have any awareness at all of Singapore football it is probably limited to Tampines Rovers. The team from the east coast of the city state have provided several internationals to clubs in Indonesia with varying degrees of success.
Khairul Amri is widely recognized as one of the most talented players of his generation and when he made the move to Persiba Balikpapan many hoped he would bring his prodigious talent to one Oil City. He is also one of the most injury prone and rarely had the chance to sign before being released.
Mustafic Fahruddin is one of several Singaporean internationals who qualified for the national team after having played in the SLeague for five years. He spent a season with Persija before being released when a new coach came in and wanted to surround himself with his own players. After last season with Persela he is now back with Tampines.
Noh Alam Shah and M Ridhuan made the move to Arema in 2009 and are currently looking at their third season with the Crazy Lions.
On Sunday evening Tampines hosted Balestier Khalsa at the Tampines Stadium knowing a victory would guarantee them their first SLeague triumph since 2005. Home United were the only team that could catch them but they were a point behind and despite playing Geylang United at the same time Tampines coach Steven Tan knew his team held their destiney in their hands.
After a nervy start Fahruddin opened the scoring from the penalty spot and the team nicknamed the Stags were on their way to the title.
Fahruddin scored a second around the half hour mark with a spectacular free kick from 25 yards before the 41 year Aleksander Duric netted a typical tap in before half time.
The second half was a non event. Balestier Khalsa were on the field but it was one way traffic as Tampines piled forward looking to increase the margin. Ahmad Latiff did just that and with some style. Receiving the ball some 25 yards out he looked up and seeing the keeper off his line deliciously curled the ball over his head.
Latiff, with his dyed hair and all action combative style is an unlikely Singaporean. Vocal and opiniated he has upset people in the island�s football community but there is now doubting his ability on the football field. He also had a short spell in Indonesia when he was younger, spending time with Persikabo in the early years of the 21st century.
It was a fitting contribution from the 32 year old who has been in fine form the last couple of years but continues to be inexplicably overlooked by the national team selectors. It was also his final contribution as minutes he was substituted and received a warm ovation from his appreciative fans.
Substitute Ahmad Fahmie made it five and still Tampines pressed. The job was done. In the VIP area of the stand officials were handing out commemorative t shirts while on the field Fahruddin was being urged forward by the bench, hoping he could complete a rare hat trick. He couldn�t but when he was finally replaced his reception from the faithful was raw and appreciative.
Noh Alam Shah and M Ridhuan have experience of winning titles in Indonesia. They were part of the Arema team that became champions in 2009/2010. The title deciding game of that particular season saw Arema play Persija at Bung Karno in Jakarta.
Arema fans travelled in large numbers, in excess of 50,000, and camped overnight outside the stadium, determined to see their heroes make history. More than 85,000 excited fans shoehorned themselves into the historic stadium and witnessed the Malang team win 5-1 to set up a monster celebration.
Things were much humbler in staid old Singapore. For a start the crowd was a shade over 2,000 and there was no evidence of fans sleeping outside the ground the night before. And despite being known as a raucous crowd, by Singapore standards, there was no singing or dancing. Plenty of drumming but no singing.
When captain Duric was presented with the trophy the biggest cheer came from the Master of Ceremonies courtesy of his microphone and deafening speakers. The fans applauded politely, cheered when the MC asked them to but for a team winning the title it was all very subdued and understated.
The players of course made the most of it. Fans or no fans, atmosphere or no atmosphere they were in football to win trophies and so they did their jigging. But you can�t help but wonder whether Fahruddin and Latiff, with their Indonesian experiences, were looking at the crowd and hoping for an injection of Indonesian passion to crank up the volume.
ISL Kicks Off Today
SLeague Clubs Plan Overseas Trips
Today : Indonesia 0-1 LA Galaxy FT
Indonesia is fielding a mix of U23 and senior players.
The match is live on Fox sports, also in replay
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/tvschedule
live stream :
http://www.oleoletv.com/watch/live/strea....-la-galaxy.html
http://www.usagoals.com/live/38156-indon....vivo/tv/gratis/
http://mivo.tv/home.php --> click on the SCTV button.
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14 min 0-1 , LA Galaxy score, Robbie Keane
0-1 HT
Rick Price has no place in team sports
We�d always say a few lines of �Heaven Knows,� whenever one or two of them were up to their antics and would tell the coach that �they were too tired, too busy or too injured to practice,� while ordinary mortals like us were killing ourselves in the drills.
Now athletics is an individual sport but in the case of the Cviraa, it is a team game and it seems the Rick Price mentality has also affected some of the track stars of Cebu City.
ANS track coach Elberto Banzon, who I regularly saw at the CCSC track oval hard at work teaching track stars, told Sun.Star Cebu, �Sometimes it�s disappointing because we have good athletes but they don�t show up for training.�
Vice Mayor Joy Young wouldn�t have any of it and said they�d easily drop these �stars� with attitude problems.
Bravo! I hope Young goes through with that move because in a competition like the Cviraa, where Cebu City�s dominance has been unrivalled, how you perform in training is more important than how you perform during the competition.
For every gold medalist, there are two or three more who can take�and willingly so�his or her place in the team.
One thing about attitude problems is that these things are more difficult to correct than a flaw in technique; you can train out a technical �flaw,� but no amount of training will correct a mental flaw.
�We want to instill values and discipline in the kids but more importantly, we want them to value their education more,� said Young.
So to the Cebu City Rick Prices, only heaven knows where you will end up if you don�t change.
REACTIONS. Here are two of the comments generated by Dan Palami�s article on the U23�s campaign and his plans.
From Craig Burrows: �What an intelligent, humble but most of all enlightening article. Instead of buying a bulletproof vest, Dan exposes his soul. I just hope that all of us armchair critics will give him the time he needs and the respect he deserves to build the squad we all want to see.�
Wednesday--November 30, 2011
Tyler Holmes, Julian Talley and Jesse Julmiste were named to the New England Football Writers All-Star team.
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Michigan is considering a night game during the 2012 season, but it doesn't look as if it will be UMass.
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The press is plugging next year's OOC opponent head coach James Franklin of Vanderbilt as SEC Coach-of-the-year. Vandy, BTW, may be in the Liberty Bowl this year.
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Meanwhile, Indiana another 2012 UMass OOC, had a really rough year. The Hoosiers' only win came over FCS South Carolina State.
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Jim Tressel is not interested in the University of Akron job.
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Maine's Jack Cosgrove was named the New England Football Writers Coach-of-the-Year.
The Black Bears are on the road to Appalachian State this Saturday.
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Azkals coach wants huge turnout for LA Galaxy game
It will be the last match that the Azkals will play for the year, and Weiss is hoping it will be a good send-off for the PH XI.
"I hope that we will send a clear signal, and a good bye for the fans," Weiss said. "I hope they will come in masses. I hope the stadium will be sold out."
Tickets to the Azkals-LA Galaxy game cost P2000 to P15,000, but the United Football League (UFL) is giving UFL fans a 35% discount on all tickets.
Fans who still want to buy tickets to the game can give the code #6987 when buying at Ticketworld outlets. The discount is not available when buying online.
Weiss said they are expecting the LA Galaxy to be "strong opponents" even though the team will be coming from another friendly in Indonesia.
"They are tired from the long trip. I'm sure they're taking it a little bit easier but they will play with all their experience," Weiss said. "It will be an interesting game to watch."
The LA Galaxy, led by David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, will play their friendly against an Indonesian team tonight. They are set to arrive in the country tomorrow.
Challenge Cup
Weiss is planning to use the game as an opportunity to evaluate the players who may participate in next year's AFC Challenge Cup.
"This game is a test on a comparatively high level. We can see the Younghusbands (Phil and James) and the defenders who are coming in new, how they will perform at this level," Weiss said.
"I expect the players to show who is ready for the Challenge Cup next year," he added.
The Azkals will be without key players, however, including goal keepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Mueller, who are still playing with their clubs in Europe.
The national team will be bannered by mainstays Phil and James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta.
Football fans can also watch the LA Galaxy's practice session on Friday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with ticket prices ranging from P1500 to P3000. -- With a report by Dyan Castillejo,
ABS-CBN News
Manpower woes hound Azkals
ALREADY saddled by manpower woes, the Philippine Azkals suffered another setback when Filipino-German goalkeeper Roland Mueller informed German coach Michael Weiss that he can�t play in a friendly match against the LA Galaxy this Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
"Mueller informed me by overseas call Monday night that he could not come for the friendly match because of his commitments to his club MSV Duisburg in the German Second Division," Weiss said yesterday of the 23-year-old goalie who saw action for the national team in the last 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.
Weiss said he asked Mueller if he could intervene on his behalf to suit up for Saturday�s match "but Roland declined my assistance because he would not like to jeopardize his stint for the Azkals when they play in the Asian Challenge Cup in March in Nepal."
With Fil-British Neil Etheridge, the Azkals� main goalie, also tied down to reserve duties to his Fulham side in the English Premier Division, the squad will have to make do with youthful Paolo Pascual and veteran Edward Sacapano to mind the net.
Team manager Dan Palami had no second thoughts about who would tend the goal, saying: "Sacapano, for sure."
Aside from Etheridge and Mueller, also out for the highly-anticipated friendly featuring the newly-crowned Major League Soccer champs starring David Beckham and Landon Donovan against the Azkals are Fil-foreigners Dennis Cagara, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena, Stefan Schrock and Manny Ott, who have commitments with their respective clubs.
It wasn�t all bad news for the Philippine camp since US-based Fil-British midfielder Chris Greatwich arrived last Monday morning and immediately rejoined his teammates in a workout at the Rizal Stadium.
"It�s amazing and great to be here playing against the likes of David Beckham," said Greatwich, 28, a four-year veteran of the national team who last saw action for the nationals in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.
Filipino football fans remember him best for scoring the 90th-minute equalizer in the Philippines� 1-all standoff against fancied Singapore in the Suzuki Cup group qualifiers in Vietnam.
"Only two years ago, we would be playing tune-up matches against San Beda or any local club willing to play us, but now we have the LA Galaxy no less," added Greatwich. "This is a dream come true for me and the Azkals."
"He (Greatwich) is a solid player," said Weiss after witnessing him work out with the squad. "Chris will be a great help to us."
Greatwich will be reunited at midfield with Chieffy Caligdong, Jason de Jong and James Younghusband, according to Weiss.
Malaya
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
UFL Cup - Quarterfinal Stallion Fc 1-2 Loyola FT
UFL Cup - Quarterfinal Stallion Fc vs Loyola today at 8 pm UMAK
Stallion FC 1-2 Loyola FT
Phil Younghusband 2 goals
Lee Joo-Young scored for Stallion FC
Stallion FC 2 red cards , Loyola 1 red card
Semifinals December 5, 2011 at Rizal Memorial Stadium:
Kaya FC v Loyola Meralco Sparks FC 6:00pm
Global FC v Air Force Phoenix FC 8:00pm
Local keepers ready for Galaxy of stars
MANILA, Philippines - Homegrown players will provide the last line of defense for the Philippine Azkals against the vaunted offensive arsenal of David Beckham and the LA Galaxy side on their �Dream Cup� match on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Negrense Eduard Sacapa�o and Cebuano Paolo Pascual will be tasked to tend the net for the host Azkals as first choice keeper Neil Etheridge of Fulham and Under-23 stalwart Roland Muller of Duisburg are tied up with club commitments in Europe.
�Sacapa�o and Pascual will be our GKs for the Dream Cup. Now, questions finally answered,� Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright announced via Twitter yesterday.
Sacapa�o previously played custodian for Phl in their 1-2 setback to Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup playoffs qualifiers in chilly Ulan Bator while Pascual served as backup to Muller in the last Southeast Asian Games.
Veterans Chieffy Caligdong, Phil and James Younghusband, Rob Gier, Ray Jonsson and comebacking Chris Greatwich lead the 30-man pool assembled for the Galaxy outing, linking up with U-23 mainstays and new faces being tried out for future campaigns.
Among the newbies are Matthew Uy from the US and California-born Demitrius Omphroy, who played at the U-18 level for the US and the U-21 level for Panama.
�We�re testing a few players who have not played with us before. This will be a good time for us to see how well they play in preparation for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup as well as future matches,� said team manager Dan Palami.
�We�ve been trying to get in touch with Uy since last year, he�s been recommended by Chris Greatwich. We�ve happened to scout Omphroy via the internet and he�s expressed interest to come over. We�re still trying to figure out if he could be eligible because he was part of the Panama (U-21 team); we�re doing due diligence,� he added.
The Azkals will also be missing Europe-based pros Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara for the friendly with the high-profile Beckham and Galaxy.
philstar
Galaxy-Azkals tickets stay unsold
MANILA, Philippines � David Beckham may be one of the world�s most popular footballers, an icon in the soccer universe, but he is no Kobe Bryant.
When Bryant and his band of NBA superstars swooped down in the country last July, the stampede for tickets was so great that scalpers had a Christmas-like celebration.
That may not happen with Beckham and his Los Angeles Galaxy team as thousands of tickets for their one-game exhibition against the Philippine Azkals remain unsold, prompting a ticket seller to say, for those who may be intrested, that the best seats are still available.
Why the tickets are piled up at the box office could be traced to one thing: prices.
The prices are so over the top, the average Azkals fans who trooped in the thousands when the team played against Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Mongolia are simply not biting.
The MLS champions will face the Azkals on Saturday in what organizers dubbed as a �Dream Match�.
But the match could end up as a nightmare for organizers.
Even the cheapest tickets, pegged at P2,000 each, are hardly moving.
The most expensive seat is P15,500 while other seats are pegged at P12,500, P9,000, P7,000 and P5,000.
Organizers were so confident that the event will be a huge hit that tickets were sold for the open practice and football clinic slated a day before the match. Priced at P1,500-P3,000, there were few takers.
Meanwhile, 15-20 tickets will be raffled when Loyola Meralco takes on Stallions FC tonight in the UFL at the Makati pitch.
UFL has also offered a 35-percent discount on tickets if buyers give a code to a TicketWorld booth. TicketWorld, on the other hand, is offering a 10-percent discount for every 10 tickets purchased.
Beckham and company are scheduled to arrive tomorrow in the second part of their Asia-Australian tour.
Aside from Beckham, also in the team is Landon Donovan � America�s best player.
Manila Bulletin
Low ticket sales force organizers to give discounts for Galaxy-Azkals friendly
Francis Respicio, News5 � Tuesday, November 29, 2011 � 4:16 pm
While there was much hype about the announcement of Saturday�s friendly between Major League Soccer champion Los Angeles Galaxy and the Philippine national men�s football team, the public hasn�t exactly snapped up tickets to the much-anticipated event.
The website of TicketWorld, which is charged with selling tickets for the match, indicate that there is still �good availability� of tickets, reflecting low sales.
Ticket prices for the Azkals-Galaxy friendly range from P2,060 to P15,965, which has been called �unfriendly� by local football fans.
Prior Azkals matches were usually the hottest tickets in town, with games being sold out before to the event.
Given the slow uptake of spectators to the match, the game�s organizers have allowed the sale of tickets for a 35 percent discount since last night.
Discounted tickets will only be made available at TicketWorld outlets and not online. Buyers need to mention the code �#code6987? to avail of the discount.
Sales of the said tickets is being done through the United Football League. UFL marketing manager Coco Torre says he expects ticket sales to pick up given the high-profile event.
Selling the discounted tickets, Torre also says, is UFL�s way of helping further promote football in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, there seems to be less interest with tickets for the Galaxy�s open practice and clinic on December 2. Tickets to the event, which sell for P1,545 and P3,090, remain in �excellent� availability according to the TicketWorld website.
interaksyon
PSC: Who�ll foot the bill?
PSC chairman Richie Garcia said yesterday that it will likely charge the organizers and promoters of the goodwill game for close to P1 million since �they will not only use the football field but will take up the space of the entire Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.�
Owing to the arrival of the big-named Galaxy players and the entire organization, Garcia said security will also be tightened inside the decades-old venue. Coming over are team captain US star Landon Donovan and British glamour boy David Beckham.
�There are other events like tennis and fencing being played inside the complex right now so those will be affected when they get here to train, hold clinics and play the game,� said Garcia.
Garcia said he has met with Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials but not Jinx Macabenta, the US-based promoter of the one-game friendly match, stressing that the PFF is not shouldering the rental but the promoter.
Garcia said he would have probably waived the rental if only the ticket prices are affordable to the public.
�But this is business,� said Garcia, stressing that the PSC had virtually waived the rental when the Azkals played there in the previous months.
Ticket prices range from a high of P15,000 to a low of P2,000. Other tickets are priced at P5,000, P9,000, P10,500 and P12,500, figures that Garcia said was too expensive.
�If they only lowered the ticket prices to the hundreds eh libre na ang rental,� he said.
Still, Garcia said the rental fee remains negotiable and he will take up this issue when the PSC Board meets this morning.
Garcia said he has no choice but to charge the promoter/organizer for the use of the facilities and the newly-refurbished pitch. (Nick Giongco)
tempo
Recruiting 2012--Joe Epps
David Colantuano/Wicked Local image |
Story here.
Epps had 1,320 yards and 16 TD's in 2011.
Also drawing interest from UConn and Boston College.
Tuesday--November 29, 2011
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Jeff Thomas says it won't be Mike Leach. He'd like for UMass to take a look at Ben Albert who is a position coach at Temple after spending a year in the NFL.
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Either a 43 or 28 year streak is going to be broken when Northern Illinois and Ohio meet for the MAC Championship Friday.
The MAC will have six bowl eligible teams this year.
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The highest paid coaches in college football.
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The CAA website has video on JMU and Old Dominion's wins on Saturday.
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Seventy-three year old former NFL QB Joe Kapp and seventy-four former DT Angela Mosca get in a fight on stage.
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Geylang United Trivia
Malaysia's London Dream Ends
Results 28/11
Update - Azkals team vs LA Galaxy
Goalkeepers (2)
Paolo Pascual (Global FC)
Ed Sacapano (Philippine Army Fritz & Maciol IBM)
Defenders (10)
Rob Gier (Ascot United, England)
Ray Jonsson (Grindavik., Iceland)
Anton Del Rosario (Kaya Cignal FC)
Jerry Barbaso (Global FC)
Carli de Murga (Racing Portuense, Spain)
Reymark Fernandez (Diliman Victory Liner FC)
Roel Gener (Philippine Army Fritz & Maciol)
Jason Sabio (Kaya Cignal FC)
Matthew Uy (Long Island Rough Riders, USA )
Demetrius Omphroy (ex Toronto FC, Canada)
Midfielders (10)
Chieffy Caligdong (Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC)
James Younghusband (Loyola Meralco Sparks)
Chris Greatwich (Morris County Colonials, USA)
Angel Guirado (Global FC)
Jake Morallo (Loyola Meralco Sparks)
Jason de Jong (FC Dordecht '90, Netherlands)
Manny Ott (FC Ingolstadt II, Germany) TBC
Nestorio Margarse, jr. (Philippine Army Fritz & Maciol)
Lexton Moy (Kaya Cignal FC)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global FC)
Forwards (7)
Phil Younghusband (Loyola Meralco Sparks)
Ojay Clarino (University of Santo Tomas)
Joshua Beloya (Ceres FC)
Jinggoy Valmayor (Diliman Victory Liner FC)
Ian Araneta (Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC)
Nate Burkey (Kaya Cignal FC)
Chad Gould (England Beach Soccer NT)
The final team is expected to be 23 players.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Roland M�ller not GK against LA Galaxy
Apologies and next step for Philippine football
Dan Stephen Palami
Manager, PH Azkals
YOU'RE right, we could�ve done better.
Does Gloria Arroyo deserve to be placed under house arrest? Cast your vote.
After our much-maligned outing in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games, this became my matter-of-fact reply to the deluge of questions and criticisms--my skin has never grown so thick, so fast.
I don�t have all the answers, so from mild to scathing rebukes, I read the myriad reviews and their long comment threads. The gleeful (and mostly uninformed) bashing I let slide, but I carefully considered the sentiments of football players, enthusiasts and critics who are deeply invested in Philippine football. If I were still a fan and not the manager of the national team, I might have weighed in on their often-heated exchanges in the football forums.
But now, I�m in the trenches with the team, and I can�t indulge in my own frustrations. I need to quickly pick up the pieces, go back to the drawing board, and come up with the right formula (not to mention sufficient funds) for our Junior Azkals� return in 2013. There�s the matter of continuing to build up our Senior Azkals, too. Save for the friendly game with LA Galaxy, I know expectations are high for our next tourneys. There are many who jump on the football bandwagon when the Azkals are winning, but more would pounce on our mistakes and kick us when we�re down.
Barely a year after its resurgence in the Philippines, we can�t let football slip into obscurity again so soon. As 2011 draws closer to full time, I can assure fans and critics that the blueprint for next year includes at least the following:
1.) Much better and lengthier preparation. Going into the SEA Games, we knew we weren�t as prepared as our regional rivals. They had the advantage of two years grassroots training at the very least, while the new PFF administration was just getting its own off the ground. We were able to organize the U23 around May, which is when I took on management of the team. Despite the tight schedule, I must emphasize that it wasn�t a rag-tag team we pooled together. We had some of the best individual players in the tournament: standouts from the U23 Suzuki cup, top university players, and experienced, foreign-based players. Naively, I thought that what our young team lacked in preparation and cohesion, they could compensate with the Pinoy�s never-say-die, guns-blazing attitude. But the attacks from the better-prepared teams quickly exposed our team�s vulnerabilities and eroded their confidence. We�ll use the time ahead to develop not just their physical skills, but their emotional and mental toughness for high-pressure competitions as well.
2.) We will continue to get outside reinforcement for the squad. Yes, we will continue having foreign-based Azkals, despite recurring complaints from those who play the race card. (Enough already! As Rob Gier puts it, �I don�t understand when people ask us how �Filipino� we feel. The blood that runs through us runs through our �homegrown� teammates. Just because we were born in another place or grew up in a different country doesn�t make us less Filipino. We feel Filipino every second of our lives.)
To put it briefly, their international training and experience sharpen our local talents� skills and level of play, their presence helps promote local interest in football, they help generate sponsorships and funding, and they widen our international network and support.
Local and foreign-based
For the moment, while the PFF brews its grassroots programs, I choose to invest in both local and international players. As I wait for the UFL and other tournaments and trainings to develop more talents for our homegrown roster, there�s no reason not to get outside help that will make an impact now. There is no reason to discard one strategy for the other. In fact, to keep football alive, there is every reason to work on both the outside and inside now.
3.) But we will strive harder to build from the inside, with a better grassroots program.
Contrary to claims of a zero grassroots program, the initiatives taken by the new PFF administration are all part of shaping it. The PFF-Suzuki Cup U23 National Tournament helped us discover fresh talents from outside Metro Manila. It�s training eight-year-old standouts from all over the country for the AFC Under-17 Championship and World Championship in 2017 and 2019. It�s working with DFB (German Football Association), in evaluating the current state of our grassroots program and helping us shape a solid and sustainable program.
It can take time and effort to bear fruit though. A comment on the web noted that �A grassroots program entails infrastructure, funds and political will.�
It�s a long road ahead, and at times it can be quite frustrating. A thriving sport requires the concerted actions of various groups and stakeholders, but I can�t control how others participate or operate. I can hope for the best, but in the end, I can really only work on myself and on the team. In that sense, the onus falls on me and the Azkals. We have the opportunity, and responsibility to help grow the next generation of football players.
Children anywhere in the country should have easy access to football, to play and appreciate the beautiful game, and imagine a future in the sport.
If only for this wild dream, I am raring to go at it again come 2013. This time we�ll have more resources, more training, and an arsenal of hard-earned lessons to work with. If we don�t do any better despite all that�s at stake, oh well then, bring on the lynch mob.
P.S. Now you know what�s on my Christmas list: either a better finish in next SEAG, or a thicker hide for the next licking. Whatever you got listed, I hope you get it all.
Merry Christmas!
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on November 29, 2011
Temple bowl foes: The unusual suspects
Expect Morkeith Brown to be in the middle of the bowl celebration again. |
All of this bowl talk reminds me of the shell game on the Jumbotron at Lincoln Financial Field.
You know the one.
Three Temple helmets and guess which one the ball is under.
That's pretty much how it is today, about a week before the official selection Sunday.
Like that video game, there are too many moving parts to make a solid prediction but there are just enough moving parts to know it is a limited pool of opponents to chose from right now.
I'm pretty sure of two things. They are going to have a bowl selection party at the Liacouras Center and everybody is going to go crazy around Morkeith Brown in the center of the room.
Everything else is just speculation at this point. The real bowl is under one of six helmets.
What isn't speculation is the number of teams are mostly unusual foes for Temple football. I like that aspect of the bowl games. Reminds me of the World Series before interleague play ruined that element.
Heck, I'm excited to be playing anywhere but I'm a little more excited about certain matchups.
The speculation:
3) Western Kentucky vs. Temple, Kraft Hunger Bowl, San Francisco _ ESPN predicted this and it makes no sense to me at all. Not because Temple is there, but because Western Kentucky is there. Western Kentucky brings nothing to the table. No fans. No TV ratings. Western Kentucky is to FBS football what Villanova is to FCS football in terms of interest and that is no interest. Temple brings a big-time East Coast TV following. It would make a lot more sense if UCLA is able to obtain a NCAA waiver and compete in this bowl at 6-7. Either UCLA or Cal vs. Temple would be a bowl rematch and a great game.
Temple fans are still thawing out from D.C. game in 2009. |
Listen, when you are in the MAC and you don't take care of business in three league games, any bowl is a great bowl.
There are just some better than others and I'm rooting for the first or second matchup.
No AFC President`s Cup for Philippines on 2012
35 % discount for tickets - Azkals vs LA Galaxy
"Will be active 10am tomorrow. "
This will mean ticket prices will be:
VIP Area: Php 10,075
Lower Grandstand: Php 8,125
Upper Grandstand A: Php 6,825
Upper Grandstand B: Php 6,175
Center Bleachers: Php 3,250
Side Bleachers: Php 1,300
Phil Younghusband believes game with L.A. Galaxy will put Azkals on the map
"It's good exposure for the Azkals, not only locally but internationally and it'll be a good experience for the team," explained the Fil-Brit striker on PEP�s Nov. 28 report.
He added, "I think last year we would never have been able to get this type of game in the Philippines.�
Phil unabashedly admits that he is a hardcore fan of the L.A. Galaxy superstar.
"To have David Beckham come over who...I mean, he's one of the reasons I played football. He's been my idol. I used to copy his haircut when I was younger. Used to copy the way he used to dress.
"He was one of my, my biggest idols, football idols, ever since I was seven or eight years old. To get the chance to play with him, knowing that he's coming to the end of his career, it's a dream come true for me," he blurted relentlessly in the report.
While Phil was all about the upcoming exhibition game on Dec. 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, three of his teammates would unfortunately miss the rare opportunity. According to a previous Manila Bulletin report, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, as well as midfielders Stephen Schrock and Jerry Lucena won't be playing that day because of their earlier commitments with their professional clubs in Europe.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss said there�s no way the Azkals could beat Beckham�s Galaxy. Nevertheless, he rues about the wasted opportunity of fielding an incomplete Philippine team against the foreigners.
"That's very unfortunate," said Weiss. "As much as I support and want this game coming, it would have been better if I have the professional players with me so that we could show that we can play on a higher level."
Among those sure to play are Phil and James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Chris Greatwich, Rob Gier and Anton del Rosario. Team captain Aly Borromeo will not suit up because of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury he suffered in the United Football League recently.
Manila Bulletin
Azkals to miss key players
MANILA, Philippines � The Philippine Azkals could miss several of their key players when they compete in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup slated March 3 to 18 next year in Katmandu, Nepal.
Team manager Dan Palami said that they will try to appeal to their European clubs to allow the Fil-Foreigners to play for the Azkals.
�That will be the challenge,� said Palami. �What we will try to do is talk with the clubs to allow them to to play for two games. And from there, once we know if the clubs will allow them, then we will determine the games where they will play.�
Among those who are commited to their mother clubs are goalkeepers Neil Etheridge (Fulham) and Roland Muller (MSV Duisburg), Stephen Schrock (SpVgg Greuther Furth), Jerry Lucena (AGF Aarhus) and Dennis Cagara (Lyngby) and Paul Mulders (ADO Den Haag).
To make up for their potential absence, Palami has ordered coach Michael Weiss to have the National players based here to be ready for the AFC tourney, so eager that the training camp starts on Dec. 8.
The Azkals are scheduled to train in the Gulf region while a friendly match on Feb. 29 is being planned, possibly here or in a nation near Nepal.
Manila Bulletin
Monday--November 28, 2011
McKenzie #42, Williams #9/ Andy Clark/REUTERS IMAGE/ Not from Gray Cup |
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Dennis Erickson, Ron Zook and Turner Gil were all fired yesterday.
In the MAC, the Akron Zips fired Ron Ianello.
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Attendance figures from the MAC talk board:
#81 Temple 28,060
#89 Toledo 22,157
#95 WMU 19,985
#96 Ohio U 19,891
#108 Miami U 16,174
#109 Buffalo 15,890
#110 Akron 15,734
#114 CMU 15,291
#115 NIU 15,209
#116 Ball State 15,064
#117 BGSU 15,007
### UMass 12,817 (counting the Colonial Classic as a home game)
#119 Kent State 11,587
#120 EMU 4,267
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It's Huskies Vs Bobcats for the MAC title Friday night on ESPN2.
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Whoa! Keepers College Football Ratings has all five CAA teams as underdogs in this week's FCS playoff games.
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Now that the Thanksgiving Holiday week is over, we should get some news on the committee UMass is forming to find a new head coach.
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Dan Palami: Apologies. Next steps
After our much-maligned outing in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games, this became my matter-of-fact reply to the deluge of questions and criticisms--my skin has never grown so thick, so fast.
I don�t have all the answers, so from mild to scathing rebukes, I read the myriad reviews and their long comment threads. The gleeful (and mostly uninformed) bashing I let slide, but I carefully considered the sentiments of football players, enthusiasts and critics who are deeply invested in Philippine football.
But now, I�m in the trenches with the team, and I can�t indulge in my own frustrations. I need to quickly pick up the pieces, go back to the drawing board, and come up with the right formula (not to mention sufficient funds) for our Junior Azkals� return in 2013. There�s the matter of continuing to build up our Senior Azkals, too. Save for the friendly game with LA Galaxy, I know expectations are high for our next tourneys. There are many who jump on the football bandwagon when the Azkals are winning, but more would pounce on our mistakes and kick us when we�re down.
Barely a year after its resurgence in the Philippines, we can�t let football slip into obscurity again so soon. As 2011 draws closer to full time, I can assure fans and critics that the blueprint for next year includes at least the following:
1.) Much better and lengthier preparation. Going into the SEA Games, we knew we weren�t as prepared as our regional rivals. They had the advantage of two years grassroots training at the very least, while the new PFF administration was just getting its own off the ground. We were able to organize the U23 around May, which is when I took on management of the team. Despite the tight schedule, I must emphasize that it wasn�t a rag-tag team we pooled together. We had some of the best individual players in the tournament: standouts from the U23 Suzuki cup, top university players, and experienced, foreign-based players. Naively, I thought that what our young team lacked in preparation and cohesion, they could compensate with the Pinoy�s never-say-die, guns-blazing attitude. But the attacks from the better-prepared teams quickly exposed our team�s vulnerabilities and eroded their confidence. We�ll use the time ahead to develop not just their physical skills, but their emotional and mental toughness for high-pressure competitions as well.
2.) We will continue to get outside reinforcement for the squad. Yes, we will continue having foreign-based Azkals, despite recurring complaints from those who play the race card. (Enough already! As Rob Gier puts it, �I don�t understand when people ask us how �Filipino� we feel. The blood that runs through us runs through our �homegrown� teammates. Just because we were born in another place or grew up in a different country doesn�t make us less Filipino. We feel Filipino every second of our lives.)
To put it briefly, their international training and experience sharpen our local talents� skills and level of play, their presence helps promote local interest in football, they help generate sponsorships and funding, and they widen our international network and support.
For the moment, while the PFF brews its grassroots programs, I choose to invest in both local and international players. As I wait for the UFL and other tournaments and trainings to develop more talents for our homegrown roster, there�s no reason not to get outside help that will make an impact now. There is no reason to discard one strategy for the other. In fact, to keep football alive, there is every reason to work on both the outside and inside now.
3.) But we will strive harder to build from the inside, with a better grassroots program.
Contrary to claims of a zero grassroots program, the initiatives taken by the new PFF administration are all part of shaping it. The PFF-Suzuki Cup U23 National Tournament helped us discover fresh talents from outside Metro Manila. It�s training eight-year-old standouts from all over the country for the AFC Under-17 Championship and World Championship in 2017 and 2019. It�s working with DFB (German Football Association), in evaluating the current state of our grassroots program and helping us shape a solid and sustainable program.
It can take time and effort to bear fruit though. A comment on the web noted that �A grassroots program entails infrastructure, funds and political will.�
It�s a long road ahead, and at times it can be quite frustrating. A thriving sport requires the concerted actions of various groups and stakeholders, but I can�t control how others participate or operate. I can hope for the best, but in the end, I can really only work on myself and on the team. In that sense, the onus falls on me and the Azkals. We have the opportunity, and responsibility to help grow the next generation of football players. Children anywhere in the country should have easy access to football, to play and appreciate the beautiful game, and imagine a future in the sport.
If only for this wild dream, I am raring to go at it again come 2013. This time we�ll have more resources, more training, and an arsenal of hard-earned lessons to work with. If we don�t do any better despite all that�s at stake, oh well then, bring on the lynch mob.
P.S. Now you know what�s on my Christmas list: either a better finish in next SEAG, or a thicker hide for the next licking. Whatever you got listed, I hope you get it all. Merry Christmas!
Sunday, 27 November 2011
PFF reaps P105M in 2011, expects P5M from LA Galaxy friendly
However, PFF treasurer Bonnie Ladrido said the PFF incurred expenses totaling about P104 million�the major chunks of which were P67 million for the country�s participation in international competitions and P19.32 million spent on local competitions.
PFF president Mariano �Nonong� Araneta said it was the first time in the federation�s history for its funds to exceed P100 million. The PFF also disclosed that it has chosen the accounting firm SGV & Co. to serve as external auditor.
Since November last year, the PFF raised P25.7 million from corporate sponsors and P21.8 million from ticket sales and merchandising items.
�We�ve only really scratched the surface of the potential corporate support,� Ladrido said. He recommended upgrades in the PFF�s corporate sponsor and merchandising programs.
He also proposed the setting up of a pension benefit plan for those who serve the national team and more enhancements in accountability measures to further assure sponsors that their contributions are spent well.
Provincial football associations were encouraged to submit proposals for funding support while it was also recommended that the chapters� professionalization be boosted by courses on finance, marketing and sponsorships.
Support from overseas
Araneta added that more foreign support for football in the Philippines is on the way, including $500,000 for the artificial pitch to be installed at the ULTRA football field and another $500,000 for a training center in Bukidnon.
From the Asian Football Confederation will come $200,000 which will be for technical training and from the FIFA is the annual subsidy of $250,000.
Araneta also said the Jordan-funded Asian Football Development Program will be launched in January or February here in the Philippines and the country will be its first beneficiary.
PFF officials also expect the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the German Football Association and the PFF to be forged. The MOU will mostly cover technical assistance to augment grassroots football funding coming from the Japan Football Association.
Araneta also revealed that the PFF will host the AFC Council meeting next February. The PFF will also invite some European teams to come over for friendly matches with the Philippines� national teams.
Ladrido said expenses amounting to about P4 million may be incurred to conduct the exhibition match between the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, LA Galaxy and the Azkals.
Araneta assured the representatives of the provincial football associations that audited financial statements will be presented at the special PFF Congress to be held in June next year. Main agenda of that meeting are amendments to the PFF constitution and by-laws.
Gma News tv
Ateneo girl booters win fifth Alaska Cup crown
The Ateneo girls beat Nomads FC in the finals, 2-1, courtesy of Joana Marie Adao to cap another amazing run in one of the country's biggest football event for the young booters.
Adao went on to win Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, her second straight individual award in the Alaska Cup, which was staging its 16th edition.
Ateneo made it a double celebration when the the 8-under team also emerged champion.
The Ateneo girls reached the finals after beating DSL Lipa in the semifinals, 5-0, while Nomads FC earned the right to play the Davao booters following its 2-1 win over Sakya.
In the battle for third, Sakya topped DSL Lipa.
Aside from Adao, playing for Ateneo were Bea Dongon Deluna, Patricia Francisco, Therese Reyes, Kyra Paronda, Kyra Gabinete, Michaela Co and Drew Datumanong.
"I�m always proud of the team," said Ateneo coach Reynalyn Ranada Ravanes. "They did well and did their very best to win."
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on November 28, 2011.
Azkals back in camp for 2012 Challenge Cup
�We start training for the Challenge Cup on Dec. 8,� said Azkals team manager Dan Palami of the resumption of sessions set five days after Phl XI�s exhibition match with David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
�We intend to do two training camps � one local and one in the Gulf (region) � and then use the (Fifa) international date on Feb. 29 to play against a team either at home or near Nepal, depending on when our first game will be for the Challenge Cup,� he added.
The Azkals reached the Challenge Cup�s main tournament for the first time after placing second in Group B of the qualifiers earlier this year. They will be up against Palestine, 2008 champ India, Turkmenistan, Maldives, 2006 champ Tajikistan, North Korea and host Nepal, whom the Azkals defeated in a friendly (4-0) before they went on a break last month.
Palami admitted the Azkals won�t be a complete team for the Challenge Cup as the presence of the Europe-based pros like Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Jerry Cagara and Dennis Lucena depends on the good graces of their respective clubs.
�At this point in time, we don�t want to be too optimistic on being able to come up with a complete team. However, I�ve asked the coach to make sure that the core team, this means those who are based here, will be prepared so that when we infused two or three players (there won�t be much adjustment),� he said.
The Challenge Cup does not fall under the Fifa international match days, the period in which clubs tend to release players to their national teams.
Only defenders Rob Gier and Ray Jonsson, according to Palami, had committed to be with the team for the duration of the meet. As with the rest of Fil-Euros, Palami said the plan is to �borrow� them for two games and shuffle their stints in the two-week tourney.
�Right now, what we�re trying to do is talk to the clubs to allow them to at least send their players for two games and from there, once we know whom the clubs have allowed, then we determine what game they�ll play � first two games, next two games, those things. We�ll probably play two at a time, maybe Mulders and Schrock, then Jerry (Lucena) and Cagara,� he said.
philstar
UFL Cup Semifinals
Sunday--November 27, 2011
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A blog reader suggested Texas A&M offensive line coach Jim Turner. He's from Braintree, MA and has extensive Northeast coaching experience.
Video feature on Coach Turner.
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A lot of people expected BC's Frank Spaziani to be fired after a 4-8 season. Apparently not.
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Both James Madison and ODU won their respective opening playoff games against EKU and Norfolk State.
James Madison story here. The FCS playoffs are great, but the economics of FCS football are tough. From the JMU-EKU box score: Date: Nov 26, 2011 � Site: Richmond, Ky. � Stadium: Roy Kidd Stadium � Attendance: 2388
ODU's Taylor Heinicke, who got his start against UMass, threw five TD's against Norfolk State.
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The San Francisco Chronicle picks Victor Cruz as one of the top six NFL TD dancers.
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