Monday, 30 April 2012

Trebol joins Manila camp for PH Girls 13 team


By Cheska D. Geli

Monday, April 30, 2012
CEBUANA young booter Arantxa Mari Trebol made it to the second phase of the players� selection for the national girls Under 13 team and will participate in the final training camp at the Philsports Complex in Pasig, Manila next month.
During the first phase, the six Cebuanos shortlisted from the regional development games in San Carlos attended the tryout selection tournament in Bacolod. Of the six, Trebol, Itsuko Bacayan and Samantha Toledo were chosen for the one-week training camp.

But after the camp, Trebol from San Roque FC remains the last player standing from Cebu shortlisted in the pool of 24 players from different parts of the country.
The players initially selected will be gathered for the final selection in the training camp from May 5 to June 7 in Manila.
The final training camp will be the final preparation for the AFC Under-13 Girls Festival of Football Tournament in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from June 9 to 14.
�I�m very happy because all the hard work and practice paid off,� said her father, Tony Trebol.
Her father said that the advantage of Arantxa over other players is her experience since she started football as early as four years old.
�She understands the game unlike other players na maghuwat pa sa command, siya she knows what to do,� said her father.
Aranxta, who plays in the right wing, didn�t have that much enthusiasm before to be in the national team as she prefers to play with her friends who are fellow booters from Cebu.
But when she was chosen to be part of the Bacolod Training camp after the tryout selection tournament, it was then she became determined to work hard for a spot in the national team.
The team, under head coach Joyce Landagan, worked on skills training in the morning and ended each day with a game in the afternoon during the one-week camp in Bacolod where they were graded after every game.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May 01, 2012.

Medvil Davao blanks DavNor, 8-0


By Ruji Peter S. Abat
Monday, April 30, 2012
THE Medvil Davao of the Davao Football Association (DFA) shutout Davao del Norte Football Association (DNFA), 8-0, in the resumption of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki U23 Mindanao Championships-Southern Mindanao Qualifying Tournament on a cloudy Sunday afternoon at the Tionko Football Field.
With the win, the DFA bets kept their unblemished record with three consecutive wins.

Jomar Acedo scored a hat trick in the 20th, 44th, 61st minutes as David Angelo Diamante added two goals (50th, 85th). Teammates Michael Nehemiah Simms (11th), Yoshiharu Koizumi (34th), and Reymond Pareda (79th) netted one goal each for the Ramonito "Lalas" Carreon coached-Medvil that swept the two-game series with Davao del Norte. Medvil Davao also crushed Danofa, 6-1, at Tagum City's E-Park on April 1.

"It was an all-out team effort as everybody worked hard to put pressure on the players of Danofa. We also executed our plays very well that's why we were able to score at will," Carreon said in the vernacular.
He added they have familiarized themselves with their rival's game after playing them the last time.
DNFA's head coach Rolando Guerra, meanwhile, said his team has not yet jelled since players came from all parts of Davao del Norte.

Guerra said, "We have a difficult time making plays since the boys
were not very familiar with each other."
Medvil Davao will face-off against Compostela Valley (Comval) Province in their next match.
Medvil Davao earlier hacked out a 2-1 victory over Comval in their first clash.
"We have defeated Comval but we will not be complacent. Among all the teams here in the region, Comval has been giving us tough competition so we must prepare for the match," Carreon said.
He thanked De La Salle University varsity player Derrico Gabriel Diamante, brother of David Angelo, for helping out the squad since some of his players competed in the Prisaa National Collegiate Games.
Carreon added, "I'm thankful for Derrico. He came home at his own expense just to play for the team. He is returning back to Manila on Wednesday and will rejoin the team again if we make it to the nationals."
The team was also bannered by Marlon Demapanag, Dominador Tato IV, Roeder Stephen Ignacio, Dean Mark Galleto, Sean Clarke Labang, Renz Rhey Napuran, Renelle Pino, Mark Paul Dayanan, Khadafi Biruar, Roland Manabit, Frances Jay Abrasaldo, Jay Francis Abalunan, Jacinth Ibanez, Jerrard Bierneza and Michael Pantojan.
Alvic Troyo and Michael Jay Fernandez were assistant coaches.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on May 01, 2012

Fifth UMass player signs as free agent --April-30th, 2012

Hampshire Gazette image
If you missed the comments in yesterday's blog post. Travis Tripucka became the fifth UMass player to sign a free agent contract.

Nick Underhill of MassLive.com has a post on the five UMass players signed.

Newsday says free agent Talley hopes to take Cruz's path.

Comcast Sports Philly mentions Emil Igwenagu's signing with the Eagles.

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Matty V. has a column about the Spring Game and comments from the alumni players.

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The UMass Daily Collegian has an article on Saturday's Spring Game.

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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" has a long article on the eight MAC conference players who were drafted.

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2012 UMass recruit Khary Bailey-Smith cleared 6'11" at the Division 1 Coaches Relays this weekend.

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Fifteen FCS players were drafted, down from 21 in 2011.

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The MAC conference supplied "Mr Irrelevant" as NIU's Chandler Harnish was chosen 253rd in the 2012 NFL draft.

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Bobotoh Go Where Blackburn Fans Fear To Tread

Blackburn Rovers fans have spent all season trying to get rid of the club owners who they blame for Steve Kean, Alan Shearer leaving and the rising cost of petrol. They wave their banners, they chant You Don't Know What You're Doing then they rush to get the bus to get home in time for tea.

Persib fans recently decided they had tired of Persib manager Umuh Muchtar, known in these parts as Um-Mourihno. Certainly under his stewardship the club, one of the biggest in the country, have become nothing more than also rans. Coaches have come on gone, accusations of player power have filled the air and Persib are no nearer winning a trophy.

So the fans are revolting. Their home game against Persipura was played behind closed doors, apparently because said Umuh didn't fancy the protests that were being promised by the Persib faithful, win or lose. Persib lost 1-0 and I understand, though cannot confirm, there were some disturbances in the streets around the stadium.

To be fair, Umuh has done some things right. Persib do have the look of a modern day football club about them. They sell replica shirts, have an official website and sell advertising boards. No big deal? It is here, in Indonesia!

News today that Umuh is considering stepping down. A speedy response by the Persib fans that could have their counterparts in Blackburn salivating, wondering what more they can do.

Thing is the Persib fans don't give a shit and have nothing to lose so throwing the odd brick or whatever doesn't phase them too much. Them Blackburn fans would shit it if they missed the last bus home or got their match programme creased.

Sunday, 29 April 2012

SLeague Fun And Games

There's never a dull moment in Singapore. Last night we saw the champions Tampines Rovers defeated at home by SAFFC while Home United were turned over by Tanjong Pagar 1-0. A Tanjong Pagar team it will be remembered, possibly, who shipped five to Young Lions last time out.

Which all means the SLeague table remains its freshness albeit with a distinctly foreign feel to it.

1 - DPMM 10 7 2 1 21-9 23
2 - Balestier Khalsa 10 6 3 1 12-6 21
3 - Harimau Muda 10 6 2 2 17-9 20

8 - Shotaro Ihata (Home United), Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)
7 - Jordan Webb (Hougang United)
6 - Shahrazan Said (DPMM), Frederic Mendy (Home United), Mislav Karoglan (SAFFC)

Singapore Cup 2012 Draw

DPMM FC vs Home United
Singapore Armed Forces FC vs Balestier Khalsa
Gombak United vs Harimau Muda
Tanjong Pagar United vs Hougang United
Yotha FC (Laos) vs Albirex Niigata (Singapore)
Phnom Penh Crown vs Tampines Rovers
Loyola Meralco Sparks (Philippines) vs Geylang United
Kanbazwa FC (Myanmar) vs Woodlands Wellington


The Young Lions are missing from this year's competition as are Harimau Muda who are replaced by, umm, Harimau Muda. There are two Harimau Muda teams, A compete in the SLeague but not the Singapore Cup while B compete in the Singapore Cup but not the SLeague.


The SLeague teams were seeded based upon the results of a ball juggling competition! Seriously...find the story here.


Last year's cup was won by Home United, defeating Albirex Niigata in the final.

Samuda, Holmes, Igwenagu and Talley signed as free agents

Josh Samuda signed with the Maimi Dolphins.


Samuda squats 550 five times.

Tyler Holmes signed with the Chicago Bears.

Emil Igwenagu signed with the Eagles.

Julian Talley signed with the Giants.


Julian Talley jumps 40.5 at UMass' Pro Day.

A scouting report on Talley.

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UMass Spring game

Matty V. has some notes from the Alumni game.

Jeff Thomas has an article from the game.

The UMass website has an article and some post game video.

click on images for a larger view
The Alumni played a spirited game delivering two of the best hits of the whole game.

The crowd was about twice what it had been last year. It was a sunny, but cold day. It felt like November.

The second half of the game, the scrimmage between the varsity was pretty slow. It looked like they ran some of the same stuff over and over. Note that there  was a scout from a MAC team watching.

In addition, the offense was working with only a portion of their personnel. Still, given that, our QB's did not have a good game. The offense is work in progress for Coach Molnar and staff.

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2012 poster

I'll try to have some more images in a image gallery up in a day or so.

Little Azkals - Big win in Italy

Reggina Calcio class 1999 - U14 Pilippinas 0-8 (Little Azkals) Jb-2, Javi-2,Mason-1,Shanden-1 , Christian-1 and Dean-1.


Match was played Saturday

Fair Play: A worthy biking advocacy

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on April 30)
WHILE I was inconvenienced, too, by the first Road Revolution, having to walk a kilometer while carrying a heavy box (while looking for an ATM, too), I don�t think that the Road Rev is a bad thing.

Sure, there were many hiccups in the first road rev, but if folks give up after the first road bump�or 10th�we wouldn�t have new oval at the Cebu City Sports Center and if they wave the white flag now, perhaps they are really not that serious in their goals.

The demand for a bicycle lane in the city is genuine and I happen to agree with it. Just because it seems difficult and impossible doesn�t mean it is difficult and impossible.

It doesn�t even necessarily involve building new roads or lanes.

I know a few folks behind the Road Revolution movement, including Vince Cinches, who�s been fighting for causes like this while Bobby Nalzaro was banging away drums to highlight a point.  Like Bobby, I think Vince�s 350.org, is using the Road Rev movement to forward their cause.

But unlike Bobby, I don�t think that�s necessarily bad and I don�t think Vince is using the biking community to get funds abroad.   I�ve known Vince since our student activism days at the University of San Carlos and that�s what activism is all about, to align yourselves with groups that share your cause.

While posting a question about which lane bikers should use�inner or outer�in this bike-lane city, I got into a brief, but interesting, discussion with Eric Nacorda, a footballer who is also an architect and knows a thing or two about urban planning.

Eric, who is old enough to remember that blue-collared workers in the Mepz used to bike their way to work in the 80s, said that perhaps the opposition to the bike-advocacy group is the lack of detailed plan on how they would go about the bike lanes.

Eric said, �If people say something is wrong, they should do so because they have a detailed idea that there is something better, an option that is better than the one being currently implemented....that�s the thing lacking in the bike advocacy right now...some groups insist that key traffic corridors should have bike-lanes 24/7, yet they don�t proposed how to remove two lanes from the six-lane South Expressway without disrupting the flow of traffic.�

Though I�m not sure if the bike advocacy doesn�t have a better option in mind, I don�t think I�ve heard one.  And a simple suggestion by Eric that�s doable and doesn�t need any new lanes is to identify certain areas in Cebu as bike lanes, but, the difference is, these won�t be bike lanes 24/7 but will be for certain times of a particular day, when most vehicular traffic are out.

Say, for starters, two lanes in Osmena Boulevard at 6 to 8 a.m. on Sundays? Surely, that won�t disrupt everybody�s Sunday morning coffee with their BFFs?  Another thing, aside from bike lanes, how about insisting malls, offices put up shower rooms (tax-deductible) so biking to get to your appointments could be now an option since you can freshen up. One of these days, when I finally afford one, I�m planning to bike my way around the city, too.

I think we can compare the bike lane advocacy to the group that pushed for the renovation of the track oval.  They were but a handful when they had their first meeting in 2008, but they never gave up. Now, four years later, we have a new track oval.

The bike lane advocacy is a commendable one, and we shouldn�t readily dismiss them because we hate one guy behind the movement. And this is one movement where the blue-collar workers, those who drive their rickety bikes to work or to deliver bills and newspapers, can benefit.

Sure, some would be inconvenienced, but if we want a life with no inconveniences�.

Singapore Cup draw - Loyola Fc vs Geylang United



Singapore Cup draw :

Loyola FC will play Geylang United (Singapore ) in Singapore Cup.

Geylang United is number 12 of 13 teams in Singapore League today

If they win they will play Kanbazwa (Myanmar) or Woodlands Wellington (Singapore ) in next round


Matt Hartmann confirmed by Twitter today that he will play in Singapore Cup !

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Update : Geylang United play Loyola Fc on May  18




  • Here's the full fixtures of Round 1 of the RHB Singapore Cup!!!!

    Brunei DPMM FC (BRUNEI) vs Home United FC
    SAFFC vs Balestier Khalsa FC
    Gombak United FC vs Harimau Muda B (MALAYSIA)
    ... Tanjong Pagar United vs Hougang United
    Yotha FC(LAOS) vs Albirex Niigata FC (S)
    Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) vs Tampines Rovers FC
    Loyala Meralco Sparks FC (PHILIPPINES) vs Geylang United FC
    KBZ FC (MYANMAR) vs Woodlands Wellington FCSee More




It's An Indonesian Thing

Last Saturday I went to see Newcastle United play Stoke City. 26 quid a ticket but at least the game kicked off when it said it would. The kick off was clearly stated on the match ticket as well as the match programme, the Newcastle website, the Stoke website and the Premier League website.

Today I planned to go see Persipasi host PPSM at Ciracas Field in the official Divisi Utama. As far as I can make out, Persipasi don't have a website. Divisi Utama do and on their website they clearly stated the game was on Sunday.

So I went to the pub for a couple of pre match beers ahead of the game. Then I saw a tweet from Persipasi saying they had won 2-0. Ok, I've long suspected results in Indonesia have been fixed in advance, joke, but tannounced two hours before kick off?

Further enquiry revealed the game had been played yesterday!

If the supposedly official website can't get the day right then how the hell can Indonesian football expect itself to be taken seriously by anyone beyond the hard core who are in the loop?

Of course if I try to ask what happened, people will smile, shrug their shoulders and say this is Indonesia.

I don't accept that. It's a get out of jail card to excuse incompetence and it presupposes Indonesians are happy enough to accept this bullshit. They're not of course. Check out how many relatively wealthy locals follow foreign teams and the money they spend following those teams in all liklihood they will never see in the flesh. And then ask why none of their money is filling the coffers of the local game.

Brushing off incomptence as an Indonesian thing is an insult to Indonesians. Not me. Locals. Treat potential punters like shit, espevially those with a bit of cash to spend, and they will take their money elsewhere.

Be the change you wanna see in the others.

Saturday, 28 April 2012

UFL- Sunday`s matches

Standings :


Division 1GPWDLGFGAGDPts
Global FC12100238132530
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC12 91245192628
Kaya FC119022011927
Stallion Gilligan's FC106312581721
Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC113351922-312
Nomads Auction Manila113351224-1212
Pasargad FC123271223-1111
Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol FC122371224-129
Green Archers United FC112271821-38
Phil. Navy Red Juice FC121110945-364

Division 2
GPWDLGFGAGDPts
Pachanga FC1413108077340
Diliman Victory Liner FC14122056124438
Cebu Queen City United FC1492354163829
Agila FC149053228427
Union Internacional Manila146352830-221
Laos FC146172427-319
Team Socceroo FC145273145-1417
Dolphins United FC142662227-512
Forza FC134092551-2612
Manila All-Japan FC143292346-2311
Lions Meltique Beef FC1321101153-427
Sunken Garden United FC1420122468-446
April 29, 2012
1:00 pmPachanga FC8-0  Team Socceroo FCAlabang Country Club (ACC)
2:00 pmDolphins United FC1-1
Laos FCUniversity of Makati (UMak)
3:00 pmLions Meltique Beef FC
0-7Cebu Queen City United FCAlabang Country Club (ACC)
4:00 pmNomads Auction Manila 
0-1Phil. Navy Red Juice FCUniversity of Makati (UMak)
6:00 pmLoyola Meralco Sparks FC4-0Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol FCUniversity of Makati (UMak)
8:00 pmKaya FC     
2-0
Green Archers United FCUniversity of Makati (UMak)

Cebu blanks Leyte FA, 5-0, in Suzuki Cup


By Cheska D. Geli

Saturday, April 28, 2012
THE Cebu Football Association ended its losing streak and blanked Leyte Football Association, 5-0, in the Suzuki Under-23 regional qualifiers at Aboitiz Sports Field yesterday.
Cebu, manned by the University of San Jose-Recoletos, poured most of its goals in the first half with Rikko de Guzman getting the first goal in the 11th. Two minutes later, Junifer Ebero doubled the lead, while Agapito Bacla-an joined the scoring feat with two quick goals in the 36th and 38th minutes.

Junjun Pintuan sealed the win with a goal in the second half.
LFA is still at the bottom of the standings with four losses, while Cebu is still at third place with seven points on two wins, one draw and two losses.
Negros Occidental Football Asociation (Nofa) still leads the rankings after staying undefeated in five games, while the Iloilo Football Association is second with three wins and one loss.
Nofa routed the Negros Oriental Football Association (Norfa), 6-0, last week while IFA defeated Norfa, 3-2, also last week.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 29, 2012.

Persija Won't Be Alone In Solo

Not for the first time in living memory Persija Jakarta are being forced to play home games far from their home town. This time it's their next two home games which have been moved to Manahan Stadium in Solo. The reason? Apparently there are large demonstrations or marches being scheduled in Jakarta to commemorate May Day.

The two affected games are against Persela on 2/5 and Arema on 6/5.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Neither game is on 1/5. What do you want, logic? Of course it makes no sense. It ain't supposed to make sense.

Despite the distance to Solo, perhaps 12 hours by economy train, we can still expect several thousand Persija fans to travel and given the good relationships between the fans of Persija, Arema and Persela as well as hosts Solo there may well be a few extra rupiah flowing into the local economy.

Spring Game day---April 28th, 2012

Hope to see some blog-friends today at the Spring Game. I'll be in sec 6, row I, seat 20 wearing a black cap that says "UMass football Blog". Come by and say "Hi".

The weather today is supposed to be about 60 degrees and mostly sunny.

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James Ihedigbo is back for his charity event and the Spring Game.

Jeff Thomas has an article on the Spring Game.

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WSLS.com has a story on Tyler Holmes hopes for the NFL draft.

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Jeff Thomas has an article on Emil Igwenagu's chances for the NFL draft.

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The Big Ten Network has a question-and-answer session with 2012's OOC opponent Indiana's Head Coach Kevin Wilson.

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CBSSports.com says the non-BCS leagues Sun Belt, MAC, WAC, Conference USA and Mountain West will have less access to potential BCS Bowls, but a significant increase in TV revenue under the new playoff system.

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Controversy Reigns In Indonesia

A late penalty for home team in Balikpapan helped Persiba claw back a two goal deficit. Persija complained long and hard but they should also take a good look at themselves for their marking, or lack thereof, that allowed the equaliser deep in injury time.

And just now we witnessed Arema scoring a late winner against Pelita Jaya. An Arema striker went down, took a quick free kick that caught the visiting defence asleep and it was 3-2. Did the ref blow for a free kick? Did he allow it to be taken quickly?

So in that second incident we were treated to one teams under one ownership playing up on a TV channel owned by the same group!

I guess we could wait for the detailed analysis that comes post match where we can pore over every TV angle. Oh, wait a minute, how silly of me!

UFL - Saturday match reports


Jovanie Simpron�s two goals in the first six minutes was all Stallion Giligan�s needed to fashion out a 2-1 victory over defending champion Philippine Air Force Phoenix, while league-leading Global continued its dominant run with a 4-0 beatdown of lowly Pasargad in United Football League action Saturday at University of Makati.
Simpron�s goals in the first and sixth minute proved to be insurmountable for the shorthanded Stallion, which was missing five regulars from its starting lineup. Glenn Bulaquina headed in a goal off a well-placed corner to cut the deficit to one at the 31st minute, but Air Force couldn�t find the equalizer as Stallion dominated possession for most of the rest of the match.
Simpron barely missed a hat trick after his second half goal was disallowed because he was ruled offside.
It was the second straight win for Stallion after a 2-nil victory over Philippine Navy Redjuice on Monday. The back-to-back wins revived the title chances of Stallion, which tumbled in the table following a long winless streak after a great start.
In the first game, Global showed no mercy against Pasargad, which was coming off a huge upset win over the Loyola Meralco Sparks in its last outing. After being held scoreless in the first half, Global rained four goals after the break. Izo Elhabbib broke through for the first goal at the 48th minute, while Filipino-German Patrick Reichelt scored a brace with goals at the 73rd and 86th minute. Alex Obiang also scored for Global at the 73rd minute of play.


Little Azkals win in Italy



Little Azkals (U14 NT) won 2-1 against Santa Cristina (Italy) in  a friendly in Italy yesterday

Ebarle Major Dean and Lorenzo Genco scored for Philippines.

They are playing Reggina today.

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Friday, 27 April 2012

Bernard Pierce to Ravens!




Final BE draft standings:
(2012 schools only)
Cincinnati 4
*Temple 3
UConn 1
Rutgers 1
Syracuse 1
USF 0
Pitt 0
Louisville 0
*Pierce (Ravens), Rodriguez (Bears) and Whitehead (Lions) help Owls tie single-season record for most players drafted (1987). Derek Dennis (Carolina), Pat Boyle (Lions), Morkeith Brown (Bucs), Stephen Johnson (Saints), Rod Streater (Oakland), Kevin Kroboth (Eagles), Adrian Robinson (Steelers) and Wayne Tribue (Broncos) sign FA contracts.
As far as I'm concerned, the Ravens got the steal of the draft in the third round when they selected Bernard Pierce.
Baltimore made a trade to move up seven spots to get Pierce.
Pierce was the Pennsylvania state champion in the 100-meter dash as a high school kid four years ago and he runs even faster with the football in his hands.
He's got great vision, a sick burst to the outside, terrific moves in the open field and has the ability to punish tacklers and fall forward for an extra five yards at the end of every play. He's a  much better receiver than people give him credit for (remember, he had Chester Stewart throwing him the ball for much of his three years at Temple). Largely because of Pierce, the Owls ran an offense that eschewed the pass for a power running game.
Ravens play Eagles in game two.
If Pierce starts, I'm not betting on the Eagles that day.

PFF U23 - Weekend`s matches

April 28,

Legaspi-Albay 0-1 Masbate at Pinagbatangan Elementary School

Cebu 5-0 Leyte at the Aboitiz Football Field, Cebu

Zamboanga Del Norte-Dipolog vs Zamboanga del sur � pagadian at JRMSU SC, Dapitan City

Sultan Kudarat vs Maguindanao � Cotabato City at Kalawag Central, Isulan

Iligan 2-0 Cagayan De Oro � Misamis Oriental at the Mindanao Civic Center




Standings  after Saturday`s matches :


Northern Mindanao
CMOFA 7 matches , 11-11 , 10 points
Butuan 5 matches 10-8, 8 points

Iligan 3 matches , 5-2 , 7 points
Bukidnon 6 matches, 11-10 , 7 points
Surigao 3 matches, 3-9 , 0 points



South Mindanao

Davao 2 matches , 8-2, 6 points
Compostela Valley 2 matches , 4-4, 3 points
Davao del Norte , 2 matches, 3-9 , 0 points



North Luzon
NCR 3 matches , 2-0 , 7 points
Baguio 3 matches , 5-4 , 4 points
Rizal 3 matches , 17-4 , 3 points
Tarlac 3 matches 3-19 , 3 points



Visayas 
NOFA 5 matches 25-2 , 15 points
Cebu 5 matches 12-8 , 7 points
Iloilo 4 matches 7-5, 6 points
NORFA 4 matches 5-15 , 1 point

Leyte 4 matches 2-21 , 0 point


South Luzon

Laguna 4 matches , 18-1, 12 points
Quezon 4 matches, 8-8 , 6 points
Oriental Mindoro 4 matches 1-18 , 0 points



April 29 � Sunday

Baguio 3-1 Tarlac at the Benguet State University

NCR 1-0 Rizal at the University Of Makati

Cam Sur 6-0 Cam Norte at Central Bicol State University

Zamboanga Del Norte � Dipolog vs Misamis occidental � Ozamis City at the JRMSU SC, Dapitan City

Bukidnon 0-1 Iligan at the Malaybalay City Capitol Grounds

Davao 8-0 Davao Del Norte at the Tionko Field, Davao city



April 30, Monday


 Negros Oriental 2-0 Leyte at the Siliman Ball Field, Dumaguete City

UFL - Saturday`s matches - Global FC win


UFL Matches Saturday :


Union Internacional Manila 3-1 Forza 

Global 4-0 Pasargad 


Stallion Fc 2-1 Air Force FC 


Diliman 5-1 Sunken Garden United Fc  


Manila All-Japan 1-3 Agila Fc




Division 1GPWDLGFGAGDPts
Global FC12100238132530
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC1181241192225
Kaya FC108021811724
Stallion Gilligan's FC106312581721
Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC113351922-312
Pasargad FC123271223-1111
Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol FC112361220-89
Nomads Auction Manila102351124-139
Green Archers United FC102261819-18
Phil. Navy Red Juice FC11119944-354


Division 2


GP


W


D


L


GF


GA


GD


Pts
Pachanga FC1312107276537
Diliman Victory Liner FC14122056124439
Cebu Queen City United FC1382347163126
Agila FC149053228427
Laos FC136072326-318
Union Internacional Manila146352830-221
Team Socceroo FC135263137-617
Forza FC134092551-2612
Dolphins United FC132562126-511
Manila All-Japan FC143292346-2311
Lions Meltique Beef FC122191146-357
Sunken Garden United FC1420122468-446

Global Booters Take On Pasargad


MANILA, Philippines � Global looks to extend its winning run to eight games against a dangerous Pasargad side Saturday in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.
Hoping to sustain its brilliance even with an undermanned side, Global can go five points clear with a victory in the 2 p.m. match that will be followed by the Stallion-Air Force Phoenix tussle. Both matches will be shown live on AKTV on IBC13.
Pasargad is fresh from posting the biggest upset of the season - a 4-3 shocking of Loyola Meralco � giving the newly-promoted side a confidence boost ahead of the clash against the pacesetter.
�The win against Loyola will hopefully give us the momentum in our remaining matches,� said Pasargad coach Joey Villarino.
Pasargad boasts of plenty of attacking options in Shayan Jafaredestjerdi � the hattrick hero against the Sparks - Milan Mehgandom and Mohamed Ohadi, who scored on a bicycle kick in his debut last Wednesday.


Manila Bulletin

Baguio Football - 15 teams grace Cordi football cup


By Roderick Osis
Saturday, April 28, 2012
FIFTEEN teams coming from all over Northern Luzon open their title hunt as the Cordillera Summer Football Cup gets underway at the Brent Football grounds today, April 28.
Three teams in the 8 under while six each for the 10 and 17 under will see action in the age group competitions in cooperation with the Baguio United Football Club and realty firm Goshenland.

Top teams coming from Metro Manila and other exclusive schools are among the registrants for the age group competitions that will be played on April 28, while the 12 under, 14 under and the Ladies open will be kicking off on April 30to be played at the BSU football grounds.
The 11-a-side men�s open division will also be in the offing to see action in May 1 also at the BSU football field with registration at P1,500 per team.
Up North, various football teams from Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Laoag, Ilocos, Vigan, Baguio, Benguet and Mountain Province have already registered for the tournament.
Professional squads coming from the United Football League including Kaya FC together with Makati-based Young Pinoy Football Club, together with other football teams and clubs from Rizal, Mandaluyong and Olongapo is also expected to join the men�s open.
Before the tournament, a football clinic was also held dubbed Cordillera Goshen Land Football Club summer football clinic, which followed the FIFA grassroots football program as the instructional approach.
Meanwhile, the Baguio City Football Association will gun for its second win in four games after scoring a draw against the visiting National Capital Region FA at the resumption of the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup on April 29 at the also at the BSU Football grounds.
BCFA will try to avenge their loss against the visiting Tarlac FA where they lost in a 3-2 decision in the home and away format of tournament.
�We will go for the win, gusto naming bumawi sa Tarlac,� said coach Cesar Balacwid in an earlier interview.
The PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup is dubbed as the local adaptation of the AFF Suzuki Cup, the most celebrated football competition organized by the Asean Football Federation for football-competing national teams in the Southeast Asian region.
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on April 28, 2012.

Friday--April 27th, 2012

Matty V. relates that Coach Molnar believes UMass is moving forward as Spring practice ends.

There will be no permanent captains in 2012.

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Jeff Thomas reports UMass will receive more than $6 million in guarantees from the FBS football games it has scheduled so far. Note that this is real spendable money, not accounting dollars.

As I have said many times, there will be some sacrifices by moving to FBS; moving off campus in not the least of them, but the athletic department will have their revenue stream in their own hands. That means we will still be playing football ten years from now.

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PennLive.com has a back-and-forth about Penn State scheduling UMass.

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The Worcester Telegram says Emil Igwenagu is hoping for a late round draft pick.

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Bleacher report has "50 teams guaranteed to be .500 or worse in 2012". UMass is #6. BC, Indiana and UConn are in there too.

Bleacher report also has a video about "small school" NFL draft prospects. Emil Igwenagu is the first player on the segment.
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Temple is also adding the spread offense this year.

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Slightly OT, but the Wall Street Journal has a story about how the NFL put a fork in defense.

The NY Giants Blog "Big Blue View" has an interview with former Giants CB Kerry Collins and he says the NFL is a couple of defensive rule changes shy of being the Pro Bowl.

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Fair Play: P15 for a P40M facility? It's a bargain

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on April 28)
I FINALLY got to see the brand new track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center and it looked great. It was a stark contrast to the wrinkled one that seemed to melt under your feet when the sun gets too hot.

With the new oval, of course, comes the increase in the fees and I think the P15 for day use, up from P10, is justified. It�s still a whole lot cheaper than the P30 charged in Cagayan de Oro City. Besides, if you�re really determined to get in shape, paying a small fee for that shouldn�t be a deterrent.

I overheard a radio commentator say that because it�s a government facility, people expect to use it for free. That�s nuts!  Besides, elite athletes already get to train at the center for free.

I hope those who use the facility will take good care of it, and I�m not talking about the patrons, but all those who step into the sports center.

The patrons, joggers and health buffs really don�t contribute much to the CCSC damage as they even patrol among themselves and educate each other about the proper use of the sports center, albeit sometimes, overzealously.

I think what can damage the new oval, aside from the murderous pounding it gets during the Sinulog, is the pounding it will get from the heels of thousands of students, and yes, a few hundred or so, from the spikes of footballers, flag footballers, baseball and softball players and other team sports.

But knowing Ricky Ballesteros, I�m confident the CCSC manager has come up with safeguards for the new rubber,  which cost almost P40 million.

We�ve been clamoring for this for years and now that we have it, I hope we treat it better than a new phone, which gets tender loving care in the first two months.

Aside from the oval, the football field, lovingly called the CCSC dust bowl by Graeme Mackinnon, is under rehab and so far, things are looking great.  Just last Wednesday, I dropped by the center and the field was green, which is a rare sight. I think the last time the CCSC pitch was this green was when I first covered a match there in 1997.

Though the pitch is green, Ricky said it is far from ready.  It will take three to six months more. 

�We need to flatten it first,� he said.

By the way, I checked the field because Coco Torre of the UFL wanted to know if the CCSC is a viable venue for a match next month. Hearing that it will take another three months was a bit disappointing.

But there�s no rush, let�s be patient.

Next month�s planned UFL match in Cebu would have been great�a double-header featuring Kaya and Loyola and, of course, our very own Queen City united.

With CCSC out of the question, the next viable option is the Aboitiz sports field but it�s not as appealing as CCSC.  Anyway, let�s just wait and see what happens in the next few days.

When I told Ricky Ballesteros about the UFL�s plan, he said he is amenable to the CCSC hosting a UFL match as sort of a grand reopening. However, I think it could serve another purpose.

The UFL match could also serve as a dry run for CCSC personnel on how to protect the oval when some 50 footballers, officials and media men pass through it going to the field.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Mitra Kukar Clearout

Following the departure of coach Simon McMenemy, Mitra Kukar have also dispensed with the services of two of their high profile imports. Cameroonian defender Pierre Njanka has represented his country and helped guide Arema to the ISL title back in 2009/2010 has been deemed surplus to requirements and is now training with nearby Persisam.

English striker Marcus Bent has similarly left the club, apparently they felt he hadn't contributed enough! Read into that what you will.

Bloody Hell!

Yep, that was my initial reaction when I heard  Persiwa Wamena had lost a home game cos it don't happen very often. My surprise was tempered somewhat with the knowledge that the winning team was Persipura; um, yeah.

But hey, a home defeat is still a home defeat. Who knows, after finding out the world has not ended and mutant frogs did not fall from the sky, they may lose again.

Nah. Let's not get carried away!


Weiss: Philippines fans take my breath away


When Michael Weiss enters a room, he is immediately the centre of attention. And it is not just because the 47-year-old German coach a big man with a deep voice. Simply put, Weiss is a commanding and self-confident figure who leads from the front and inspires his followers.

This is especially true in his current role in charge of the Philippines, where seemingly he can do no wrong. Indeed, under his guidance, the Azkals have been scaling hitherto unknown heights.
His operating base is Manila, but news of the latest upswing in the national team's fortunes under his stewardship has spread way beyond the city limits of the sprawling metropolis. The Azkals, which loosely translates as �street dogs� and is the team�s affectionate nickname, have been making headlines around the world after claiming a stunning third place at the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.
�Winning bronze was the greatest success in the history of the association. The players have made themselves immortal," Weiss told FIFA.com, his voice ringing with passion and pride. �Before the tournament, no-one really took us that seriously, but now we sense plenty of respect. The time has come to aim for the next step, and strive for the levels of the teams in the Middle East, the challengers to the really big names in our region. Later on, we can even aim to match Japan, Australia and South Korea."

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1620964.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_4

Cebu outlasts Davao, makes Prisaa football finals


By Cheska D. Geli
Friday, April 27, 2012
CEBU City of Region 7 will have the chance to ink its first championship after they advance to the finals of the football event in the Private Schools Athletic
Association football event at the Aboitiz Sports Field.
Region 7, manned by the University of San Carlos, beat Davao of Region 11, 1-0, and will meet South Cotabato in the 9 a.m. finals today.

South Cotabato beat Region 5, 2-0, in the semis yesterday.
However, Region 7�s win was mired in controversy after Davao contended that Rene Sanchez�s 45th minute goal should have been disallowed as the ball was not on play.
�Hindi naman nila sinipa yung bola galling labas, pina-roll lang,� said Davao head coach Jason Mortillero.
However referee-in-charge Steve Suprecencia called it �ball on play.�
�Nakita ko kinuha yung bola, pinusisyon tsaka sinipa. Hindi nga lang nakaposition yung Davao nun,� said Suprecencia.
Striker Jojo Rodriguez had several chances to increase the lead but Davao keeper Rueper Ignacio had some brilliant saves, including inside the penalty area.
Meanwhile, freshmen boo�ters Ethan Decena, John Caballero and Leonard Tan is in for a rare feat as they are on course to snatch their second straight national title this year.
The three are former players from Don Bosco Technology College and have won the elementary and high school Palarong Pambansa titles.
�It gives us confidence to win another title for the second straight year. We are also pressured because our parents expect us to win the championship,� said Tan.
Before the finals, Region 5 and Region 11 will face off for the bronze medal.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 27, 2012.

PFF grassroots clinic kicks off in Tagum City


Friday, April 27, 2012
THE National Football Grassroots Development Program of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) kicked off Sunday at the Energy Park in Barangay Apokon, Tagum City.
Edwin Lasquite of the City Information Office (CIO) of Tagum said in an e-mailed statement that Mayor Rey Uy has thrown his full support for the program, stressing that sports plays an important role in the development of the youth since it keeps them busy.

He added, "Mayor Uy underscored the importance of the strong commitment by local government units to sports development, saying that LGUs play an important role in the training of the future athletes who will compete in national or even international sports competitions."
Mayor Uy, in a press conference during the launching of the program Sunday at the Energy Park, said: "Venues for training are very important. The City Government of Tagum has provided suitable training grounds like the Energy Park and the Rotary Park which housed the city's major sports and recreational facilities."
He added sports development programs will be among his major projects for the span of his term saying that sports events also lure tourists to their city.
Philippine Azkals Football Team members Ian Araneta and Roel Gener also attended the launching of the program to inspire young football players to strive and excel in the sport.
Various football clinics will be conducted by the PFF in Tagum City.
They are also be backed up by the Davao del Norte Football Association and the Filipino-Chinese Heritage and Cultural Society in launching different football programs in the city this year. (RPSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 27, 2012.

Indonesia Cup 3rd Round Draw

Ok so I missed the second round but hey, this ain't a yearbook!

Semen Padang v Pro Duta
PSMS v Persiraja
PSLS v Persebaya
PSIS v Persik
PPSM v Persis
Persiba Bantul v Perseman
Persema v Persibo
PSM v Arema

Some interesting ties. Semen Padang, who were a sponsor of the national team during the SEA Games, meet Pro Duta who are owned by a guy who has got himself on a lot of PSSI committees. Couple of tasty local affairs too with PPSM against Persis and Persema playing Persibo

Ties to be played on two leg basis and are scheduled for 9 and 23 May but don't go booking your hols ok?

Divisi Utama Side Pull The Plug

Reports suggesting PS Bengkulu from Group One of the official version of the Divisi Utama have withdrawn from the league citing financial concerns.

I thought in this new, all wonderful, all singing, all dancing era of new management at the PSSI we would never see clubs complaining about having no money.

I'm also hearing of other clubs in the same league where players have yet to be paid.

Plus ca change, eh?

Stags' AFC Cup Ambitions End

A disappointing evening for SLeague champions Tampines Rovers as they bowed out of the AFC Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium, drawing 0-0 with Hong Kong side Kitchee.With one game remaining, away to Vietnamese side Song Lam Nghe An, Tampines have just five points from their five group games and a single win; admittedly a surprising one away to Malaysian side Terengganu.

Tampines have struggled to score during the cup, netting just five goals while Kitchee, who feature former Muang Thong United and Bradford City defender Zesh Rehman, had conceded just two.

In the final group game, the two qualified sides, Kitchee and Terangganu, will fight it out in Hong Kong to decide who will finish top while Tampines will fly to Vietnam knowing that defeat there would see them finish bottom of the group.

All such  a contrast to Home United who defeated Citizen, also in Hong Kong, the previous night to secure their place in the next round along with Chonburi.

Recruiting 2013---Augustus Edwards

NY Post/Denis Gostev image
Rivals.com shows UMass has offered to Augustus Edwards, a 6-1 210 pd RB from Staten Island, NY.

Edward's Rivals page here .

An article featuring Edwards just came out yesterday.

Scout.com profile here.


Edwards has offers from Syracuse, UConn, Rutgers, Temple, UMass, Central Florida, Purdue, Indiana, Vanderbilt and Pittsburgh.

Thursday--April 26th, 2012

Matty V. has a list of UMass alumni that will be attending the Spring Game this Saturday. It sounds like it's going to be a fun day.

FYI, I once listened in to Mike Hodges' instructions to the varsity on one of these alumni games.

He told the varsity to have their chin straps fastened and to pay attention to what they were doing , saying "Anyone who is over 30 and is willing to put the pads on and play a college level scrimmage ---- well,  you gotta know that their screws aren't too tight!"

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UMass has a press release about the Spring Game here. Free schedule posters will also be available.

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The Ralphie Report has a post on the Buffs scheduled game with UMass.

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BC Interruption looks at the Eagles future scheduling including games with UMass.

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Bleacher Report predicts UConn 34-UMass 17.

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The Detroit Free Press has spring updates on Michigan's three MAC teams.

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Victor Cruz:"I'm not in football for the big bucks."


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Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Ceres wins NFL football tourney




Ceres Transport Football Club defeated Dynamic Builders Football Club, 2-1, to capture the 1st Conference of the 2012 North Football League tournament at the Ayala North football pitch.
It was a back-to-back victory for Ceres's Transport as they also denied Dynamic Builders of a grand slam win last year after bagging the 3rd Conference title on the 9-A-Side tournament.
Ceres' Arvin Villaruel scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute on a pass from John Trompeta.
Dynamic FC's first two attempts through Jason Cordova and Jason Panhay were stopped by Ceres' keeper Michael Casas. Dynamic Builders countered with a strong attack on Ceres defense led by skipper Ali Rojas Go and midfielder Jaime Poderoso finding his mark at 55th minute on a follow-up off the shot of Go to equalize the score at 1-all.
Poderoso's goal silenced the Ceres' bench, but this was short-lived as Ricardo Garcia sent a header from an outstanding cross pass from Russel Nene in the 60th minute.
Nene was on top of the upper right side above the penalty box when he saw Garcia approaching the danger zone from the weak side and sent a brilliant pass which stunned Dynamic keeper Mendoza.
The Leo Rey Yanson-managed Ceres squad used the time to secure the lead until the clock expired.
Ceres players got most of the awards after Villaruel was named Most Valuable Player while teammate Casas was awarded as Best Goal Keeper and Lemuel Unabia as Best Defender.
Dynamic's Poderoso and Go were named the Best Midfielder and Best Striker, respectively, while Michael Pacite was named as the Most Improved Player. The Fair Play Award was given to the Las Buenas football Club.
The 2nd Conference will kick off third week of May, according to tournament manager Ramon Janeo.*PNA

Visayan Daily Star

Wednesday--April 25th, 2012

Matty V. has an article on the 2012 UMass receiver corps as well as details of the Saturday's Spring game.

The article mentions RS FR Marken Michel, Senior Chase Danska and FR Derek Beck. I'll make a WAG and predict Michael will end up as the "X" receiver, Beck as "Y" and Danska in the slot.

The article has Coach Molnar praising OL Quinton Sales, DB's Darren Thellen, Christian Birt and Ryan Carter. Galen Clemons gets a mention from the DL.

About 70 alumni are coming back for the game and 10 to 15 will play.

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Jeff Thomas takes a look at the changing roles for UMass running backs. Mentioned are RSSR Alan Williams, SR Chris Burns, SO Jordan Broadnax, RSJR Jamar Smith and RS FR Jamal Wilson.

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WEEI.com looks at some of the New England schools draft prospects. Mention are Emil Igwenagu and Julian Talley from UMass.

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Speaking of the NFL, the league just increased their roster limit from 80 to 90 players. That's going to help to free agent players like Talley make an NFL squad.

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A Bleacher Report writer says UMass does not have one starter on our roster who could play for Michigan.

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A York Dispatch.com writer says Penn State's propensity for signing home games with "Nobody's" like UMass should stop.

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Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Wait nearly over for several Owls

Sports Illustrated's rankings of the Temple players.

Bonecrusher (left) and Wayne
From the moment several seniors walked off the field for the final time after Temple's win in the New Mexico Bowl, the waiting began.
Waiting. Working out. Waiting some more, working out some more.
Many of the seniors were hopeful of a pro career.
"I need only one team to love me," was the way wide receiver Rod Streater put it.
A lot of the Owls could have said the same thing. The draft begins for everyone on Thursday night (7:30 p.m.), but our Owls will probably go on Friday and Saturday.
I think the team that gets Streater is getting a steal, probably as a free agent.
Look at it this way: Streater was a state high jump champion in New Jersey, runs fairly well, has good hands, goes over the middle fearlessly and can win any fade pass jump ball with a DB.
If he was as fast as, say, Travis Shelton, was (4.29, 40), he'd probably be a first-round pick. He doesn't have burning speed, but he can get separation.
I don't see a whole lot of difference in ability between the Eagles' Riley Cooper and Streater.
If Riley Cooper can play in the league, so can Streats.
Temple had its pro day on March 16 and head coach Steve Addazio said "I wouldn't be surprised if three-quarters of them make a (NFL) camp."
Sports Illustrated rated the Owls (above graphic). I don't think SI saw very many Temple games, let's put it that way.
If you don't have the NFL network, go to NFL.com for live streaming.

If I had to take a guess, Bernard Pierce will go near the end of the third round and Evan Rodriguez will go in the fifth. Derek "Bonecrusher" Dennis will go  in the sixth and Adrian Robinson has a chance to go in the seventh round.
Robinson will finally be playing the position (OLB) I told his dad Al Golden should have had him from the jump. Temple, though, had a need for a pass rusher and Robinson fit the bill. He was too valuable for the new staff to move out but he's got a motor like nobody's business and that should serve him well in any pro camp. Rodriguez had an excellent combine and played well in all-star games. I think in a system like New England runs (but not necessarily New England), Erod's ability to catch the ball and break tackles after the catch make him a particularly effective player.
I think Wayne Tribue, Kevin Kroboth, Tahir Whitehead, Streater, Kee-Ayre Griffin and even Joey Jones have a chance to land free-agent contracts. Bonecrusher and Wayne have been inseparable for four years and wouldn't it be great for them to end up in the same camp?
They might have to wait a little longer than Pierce or Rodriguez, but their wait is nearly over.
In the league where they pay for play, most of them will get paid at least for a little while.
How well they play after that will determine their long-term futures.

UFL - Loyola 3-4 Pasargad !!


April 25, 2012








0-1 14 min Ohadi (Pasargad)
1-1 16 min Jeong (Loyola)
1-2 19 min Jafaridastjerdi (Pasargad)
1-3 45 min Jafaridastjerdi (Pasargad)
2-3 58 min James Younghusband (Loyola)
3-3 74 min Jeong (Loyola)
3-4 84 min Jafaridastjerdi (Pasargad)


Standings

Division 1GPWDLGFGAGDPts
Global FC1190234132127
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC1181241192225
Kaya FC108021811724
Stallion Gilligan's FC95312371618
Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC103341820-212
Pasargad FC113261219-711
Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol FC112361220-89
Nomads Auction Manila102351124-139
Green Archers United FC102261819-18
Phil. Navy Red Juice FC11119944-354