FC Meralco Manila returns to PFL action on the road

Global defender Jerry Barbaso, (left), fights for the ball with Manila's Tyler Matas.

One of three Philippines Football League matches will take place at the Cebu City Sports Complex, with league leaders FC Meralco Manila visiting Global Cebu FC in a top-of-the-table clash at 4pm.

Due to the international break and schedule considerations, the Sparks had three-and-a-half weeks off before making their way to the Queen City of the South. At 40 points, they have a solid lead in the standings. Before the break, they drew 1-1 against JPV Marikina FC back in August 23, ending a four-match winning streak.

On the other hand, Global is fresh from their 3-1 victory against Davao Aguilas FC this past Wednesday. At 33 points, they are seven points behind the Sparks for the lead, but any points will allow the team to have a better standing in the race for the four-team postseason.

Global also happens to be the only team that FC Meralco Manila has yet to defeat this season, drawing them 2-2 in the first meeting back in July, then defeating them in their second meeting, 2-1, back in August. This is the first and only meeting that will take in place in Cebu, with both previous fixtures taking place at Rizal Memorial.

When asked about the match, Meralco head coach Aris Caslib says, "This in an important match for the players and the club," adding that "We have to manage their fast and good players up front as well as their quality defenders. This is an important stage in the league for our team. Everyone knows the September campaign is crucial and it starts with the game against Global Cebu. Everyone has to step up and focus."

When asked about facing his former teammate Sanchez for the first time, defender Joaco Cañas says that "It's gonna be entertaining and very different to play against him." Both players were teammates at CF International Madrid when they flew in to the country to play a friendly. Cañas adds, "We have never faced each other except in training. It will be nice to share a football field again with him even while defending different colors. But for sure it will get rough and we both will fight for the win as we have always done.

For those who want to partake of the match in Cebu, tickets cost PhP 20 for grandstand, PhP 100 for premium seats, and PhP 200 for the VIP. One can buy them at the Cebu FA office beside the CCSC. Those who can't go can watch this online. Streaming link for the upcoming match-up can be seen below



Here are some quotes from the pre-match press conference that took place on Friday.

Sparks assistant coach Jeff Liman: "Ang target namin is kung anung nasimulan, ipagpapatuloy. We know how they play, they know how we play. Ang importante is the execution of our tactics. In a sense Ang kalaban namin is any sarili namin. I hope we all step up."

Cebu native and FCM player Neil Dorimon: (Speaking mostly in Cebuano so this is translated). "I'm excited to play for the first time in Abellana field. I'm also proud to represent the kids from Cebu. My relatives and friends from Bantayan will come to watch. Ihatag ko Ang tanan para sa ila. (I will give my all for them.)"

Global coach Akbar Nawas: "This is our third game in seven days so recovery is of utmost importance. I don't think  the fixture list is ideal but it is what it is... We're not going into this game so they can run us down. What really gets us going is the crowd. Once the game kicks off we don't even think of playing three games in so short a time. The adrenalin kicks in and we feel fresh... Meralco are top of the table for a reason and we have to give them due respect, with or without the Younghusbands."

Global striker Darryl Roberts: "We need to stick to the game plan and we need the support of that 12th man. "

Liman on why Global is such a tough opponent: "Ang mga veterans nila pasok sa system ng coach. From the locals to the imports, Isang team talaga sila. They deserved to qualify for the AFC Cup... The message to our players is this: Oras na gumawa Ng sarili mong pangalan."