Philippine edition of LALIGA Youth Tournament to take place this weekend

slated this weekend

The LALIGA Youth Tournament is set to take foot in the Philippines.

At least seven thousand fans will get to witness eighty teams and around 1,380 young talents are set to participate in the inaugural edition in the country, which the Spanish top-flight is organizing alongside the RSA1 Group and Epic Management this weekend at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

The Philippines will be the latest country to hold their own tournament, following the likes of their fellow ASEAN members Malaysia and Indonesia. The vision of the LALIGA Youth Tournament sees it as the benchmark with regards to grassroots football development in the region, while also boosting the current football talent. Plans are in place for a larger competition further down the road involving the nations holding these events.

Teams have been split into five age categories, ranging from the under-10 to the under-18 divisions, with entries from here and abroad, including from places like Brunei, China, Singapore, and Thailand, among others.

LALIGA's Singapore-based Managing Director Ivan Codina says, "LALIGA Youth Tournament, since its launch in 2021, has been very well received in all its editions. The work of LALIGA and its clubs is a global reference in grassroots football, and this gives us great experience in this field. With this kind of project, we want to help boost the development of young talent in Asia, which has enormous potential. In this sense, LALIGA Youth Tournament is differential for the commitment to offer a unique experience for all participants, both players and attendees."

RSA1 Group president Rely San Agustin shares, "We are very excited to host the first LALIGA Youth Tournament in the Philippines and very honored to be associated with one of the most distinguished football organizations in the world. Through this partnership with LALIGA, we hope to inspire our future generation of footballers to dream big and aspire for greatness."

LALIGA hopes to see the gains made in Spain also reflected and exported onto these youth tournaments. The men's team has claimed the European championships, highlighted by the fact that all, save for one man on their title-winning team, matriculated from the youth sides of a combined eleven different LALIGA clubs, whether in the top flight or in the second division, while also securing the gold at the Paris Olympics. On the women's side, it is highlighted by the recent success of their teams in varying age group levels, both in club and country.

In addition, LALIGA has also established efforts to address situations that are not related to on-field work, from its attempts to address racism both pitchside and on the stands, to its latest initiatives to address youth-level bullying domestically. 

La Salle keeps Adamson winless in first round men's football

c/o UAAP

Matches Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Women)

6:30 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)

IBRAHIM Tarin scored twice as De La Salle subdued Adamson, 4-2, to regain its winning ways in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men's Football Tournament at the UP DIliman Football Stadium on Thursday.

Substitute Vin dela Cruz, with Falcons goalkeeper Shane Salarda fumbling and losing control of the ball, scored on the 70th minute for the Green Booters to lead for the first time in the match, 2-1.

Rookie Lucas Aguilar then assisted Tarin's 75th-minute strike to give De La Salle a two-goal cushion.

Adamson pulled one back as captain Dexter Casing completed a set piece by Mark Ricario in the 84th minute.

But the Green Booters restored the two-goal cushion after Tarin, pouncing on a poor Falcons clearance, scored early in stoppage time.

“It was a slow start,” said coach Alvin Ocampo. “We needed the win. They were able to recover in the second half and, with the halftime adjustments, had a higher state of mindset coming in the next half.”

De La Salle is now level with University of the East at seven points to remain in the top four range, a confidence-boosting win heading into its showdown with defending champion University of the Philippines on Thursday.

Adamson remained without a point to close out its first-round campaign.

Carl Mahinay struck in the 24th minute to open the scoring for the Falcons.

The Green Booters had a breakthrough courtesy of Luis Vecin's 54th minute goal from outside the box that leveled the match.

UE deals UST first loss in high school volleyball

UAAP Season 87 Boys' Volleyball Standings

UST 7-1

NUNS 7-1

UE 6-2

FEU-D 4-4

AdU 4-4

DLSZ 5-3

Ateneo 1-7

UPIS 0-8

Games on Saturday

9 a.m. - DLSZ vs NUNS (boys’)

11 a.m. - FEU-D vs UST (boys’)

1 p.m. - UE vs Ateneo (boys’)

3 p.m. - AdU vs UPIS (boys’)

UNIVERSITY of the East bucked a fourth-set meltdown to snap league-leading University of Santo Tomas' streak to seven, 25-23, 19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys' Volleyball, tournament on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The win pushed the Junior Red Warriors, now at 6-2, to within a win of the Junior Golden Spikers and the National University Nazareth School Bullpups, both at 7-1.

"Kailangan naming makabawi ng second round. Kasi nung first game namin against UST, nabigla kami. And nung last game naman, umabot ng deciding, pero hindi kami naging lucky at that game," said UE head coach Herbert Dizon, who took over Raffy Mosuela.

The Junior Red Warriors, runners-up of UAAP Season 86, got some revenge from its opening day loss last September 14 against the same squad, 20-25, 17-25, 25-22, 23-25, with its captain Lance Babon leading the way.

Leading with a precarious one-point advantage, the Junior Red Warriors got some breathing room after Babon fired back-to-back kills to extend the lead to three at 11-8 and forced UST coach Clarence Esteban to call for time.

From there, a battle ensued between John Paul Bautista for the Junior Golden Spikers and Babon for the Junior Red Warriors before three straight kills from Christian Antonio sealed the victory for the Recto-based school.

"This second round ang target namin is game-by-game na lang. Hindi muna 'yung buong second round; hindi muna 'yung top four," Dizon added.

Antonio posted a match-high 25 points on 22 kills, including the finishing blows to this contest, and three blocks, while Lance Gian Flestado and Babon added 16 and 14 markers, respectively.

Julian Marcus Dulay outhustled fellow setter Jeff Abalos with 27 excellent sets for UE, as opposed to the latter's 21.

Paolo Medino exploded for 23 points for the Junior Golden Spikers, most of which came from that fourth-set run to force the decider. Bautista backstopped Medino with 14 points, while Sean Cruz chipped in 12 markers.

The preceding result allowed National University Nazareth School to go into the pole with UST following a 25-22, 25-11, 21-15 sweep of Adamson University in a match that lasted one hour, taking its seventh win against one defeat.

A Kalel Ronquillo ace extended the Bullpups' lead to double digits, 21-11, but the Baby Falcons collected three straight points in the ensuing plays. Yuan Mendoza, though, eventually closed out the match with back-to-back kills for the defending champions.

Matthew Abut once more paced the titleholders with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, including a solid one against Arvin Pon-an in that third-set decisive run. The graduating senior also had three digs and eight excellent receptions to anchor the team's floor defense.

Ronquillo's serves and steady playmaking proved the difference as the setter added six points, five from service aces, to his 13 excellent sets.

Ducusin matched Abut's output of 14 markers on 11 attacks, one block, and two service aces, but no other Baby Falcon came close. The squad's 25 errors, especially in that third set, doomed them to their fourth loss.

Adamson's setback enabled Far Eastern University to share the fourth spot in the Final Four picture after a 25-20, 25-10, 25-12 quick work of Ateneo in the day's opening game.

Eldrielle Manlapaz took charge for the Baby Tamaraws with 11 points in two sets of play, while captain Zedrick Calimlim chipped in 10 markers in the win.

Deydi De Ocampo and Xavier Castillo reeled the Blue Eagles, who slipped to 1-7, with eight points each.

Later that day, De La Salle Zobel secured their third victory this season by overpowering University of the Philippines Integrated School in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22.

DLSZ's Mario Roxas delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 19 points from 17 attacks and two blocks in the match that took an hour and 11 minutes. Jake Sandrino contributed seven points, and Luis Papa anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs. 

The Junior Green Spikers remain in sixth with a 3-5 card, while the Junior Fighting Maroons continue to search for their first win, dropping to 0-8 in last place.

UE extends JHS winning run to eight

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament Standings

UE 8-0

FEU-D 6-2

UST 5-3

DLSZ 4-4

NUNS 4-4

Ateneo 4-4

AdU 1-7

UPIS 0-8

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion

8 a.m. - UST vs UPIS (JHS)

10 a.m. – Ateneo vs UST (Womens)

12 noon –  Ateneo vs UST (Mens)

3:30 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Mens)

6 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Womens)

UNIVERSITY of the East leaned on Mav Mesina's clutch heroics, overcoming De La Salle-Zobel with a 79-70 win to remain unbeaten through eight games in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Mesina delivered in the payoff period, sinking two consecutive triples that dashed the upset hopes of the Junior Archers.

The 5-foot-9 guard, who was part of UE's squad last season, contributed an all-around stat line of 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, propelling UE to its eighth straight win.

“This is a good win to start the second round. We expected this. For me, gustong-gusto ko yung mga ganitong situation because it’s another lesson for us,” said Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella.

The streak was in danger of being snapped late by Zobel, as a Jayden Centeno layup allowed the Junior Archers to tie the game at 69 with just over three minutes remaining, but UE quickly responded, thanks to a Jolo Pascual layup and two clutch three-pointers from Mesina to establish a comfortable 77-69 cushion almost a couple of minutes later.

“After the first round, sabi ko sa kanila na that the second round will be different. They will be in different situations. Ito yung bagong situation. Naging ready lang sila ‘eh. I kept on reminding them na mangyayari at mangyayari ito so we had to be composed,” Estrella added.

Pascual tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Neil Garcia had an efficient outing with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, along with five rebounds, two steals, and an assist for UE.

Gab Delos Reyes was a point shy of a double-double with nine points, 15 rebounds, and a block, while team captain Enrico Bungar contributed seven points, four assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Without lead guard Melvin Tailan, who averaged 19.71 points, 7.14 rebounds, 3.57 assists, and 1.86 steals after the first round, the Junior Archers fell to a 4-4 record, sharing fourth place with the NUNS Bullpups and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Ram Luna scored 16 points, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal; Centeno chipped in 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals; while co-captain Vince Magan added 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

However, the Luna-Centeno-Magan trio combined for just 17-of-53 shooting from the field.

In the first game of the morning doubleheader, Jhon Canapi's late-game brilliance stole the show for the University of Santo Tomas, helping the Tiger Cubs to a narrow 76-75 victory over Far Eastern University-Diliman, halting their four-game winning streak.

Trailing by five with 1:12 left after a late 10-2 run by the Baby Tamaraws led by Anton Lopez, Canapi seized the opportunity in the clutch. Two free throws and a layup by Miguel Jubilado trimmed the Tiger Cubs’ deficit to 75-74 with 24.4 seconds remaining.

Off the inbound, Canapi, the two-time Junior MPBL MVP, stole the ball and quickly sank the go-ahead layup with 21.6 seconds left, completing UST’s comeback and dashing FEU-D’s 24-15 fourth-quarter run.

CP Miranda, son of FEU's head of basketball operations Denok Miranda, missed two potential game-winning triples as UST avenged its 83-90 defeat to FEU-D to end the first round.

“Biglang naging buo yung loob noong last seconds. Dumepensa kami kasi marami kaming mintis sa free throw. Nag-react naman sila on defense, especially doon sa trapping namin,” said Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos. “Sana ganito palagi yung maging mentality ng mga player ko kasi puro mga baby pa kasi ito ‘eh, especially yung mga big man ko. Ngayon naman, nag-react sila on defense, especially si Canapi.”

Canapi, despite shooting 5-of-18, ended up with 21 points, six rebounds, five steals, and one assist.

Andwele Cabanero struggled with eight points on 22.2-percent shooting but managed eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for the Tiger Cubs.

Jubilado stepped up during the off-night of UST’s prized duo, tallying 20 points, three rebounds, and two steals while Roi Balague grabbed 13 rebounds and two steals.

The Baby Tamaraws remain in second place with a 6-2 record, while the Tiger Cubs rose to solo third with a 5-3 record.

Lopez paced FEU-D in the losing effort with 13 points and 14 rebounds, along with four assists and a steal, but committed a game-high eight turnovers.

Prince Carino was heavily checked by UST’s defense, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, and three blocks.

Mark Dulin contributed a double-double of his own with 12 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and three assists, while Duke Santos added 11 points.

The Scores:

First Game:

UST 76 - Canapi 21, Jubilado 20, Cabanero 8, Bathan 8, Castro 7, Balague 6, Lim 6, Guerrero 0, Yu 0, Guinto 0, Duenas 0

FEU-D 75 - Lopez 13, Carino 13, Dulin 12, Santos 11, Pasinos 10, Miranda 7, Diaz 6, Adriano 3, Lassiter 0, Enriquez 0

Quarterscores: 27-21, 42-37, 61-51, 76-75

Second Game:

UE 79 - Mesina 18, Pascual 17, Garcia 11, Delos Reyes 9, Bungar 7, Ferreros 6, Oraa 6, Panganiban 5, Okebata 0

DLSZ 70 - Luna 16, Centeno 16, Magan 13, Llamas 9, Villaruz 8, Tan 4, Apao 4, Purugganan 0, Maglipon 0

Quarterscores: 18-22, 31-34, 54-60, 79-70

Borussia Dortmund Returns to the Philippines for Three-Day Youth Camp

L-R: Philippines international Dennis Chung, local organizer Ayii Ni Aryee, BVB Asia Sports Head Marius Lorenz, Mendiola FC midfielder Hamed Hajimahdi

Borussia Dortmund (BVB) is back in the Philippines!

The eight-time German Bundesliga-winning club is once again bringing its tradition of developing young talent to the country with a camp for youth footballers.The BVB Evonik Football Academy is holding a camp at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub from October 27 to 29.

Participants from the U8 to U16 age groups will enjoy a three-day camp under the guidance of Borussia Dortmund seasoned coaches. In addition to expert coaching, participants will undergo technomotorical testing, allowing them to compare their skills with other talents in Dortmund's youth setups around the world.

“To compete in modern football, to compete at the highest level, our DNA is to develop our own players,” said Marius Lorenz, BVB's Head of Asia Sports. “That is what we want to bring from Dortmund to the world, to our international friends.”

This camp in Cavite is BVB’s second in the Philippines, following their efforts in Cebu in 2023. BVB is hopeful that this latest initiative in the Philippines will pave the way for a more consistent presence in the country.

“For the Philippines, we are just beginning to establish our first footprint here,” Lorenz added.

“Hopefully, it’s just the start!”

With a ratio of 20 students to one BVB coach, slots are limited but still available.

Interested participants can contact the BVB Evonik Football Academy Philippines Camp on Facebook or message +639454782886 for further inquiries.

This event is brought to you by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Vermosa, Chronos Sportswear, Jjimbang Hotel and Spa, Match Point Sports Bar and Events, and SIP Plus, the official hydration partner of the BVB Evonik Football Academy Philippines Camp.

Philippines seeks bright King's Cup conclusion

c/o PFF

Only a month after facing each other in the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) is gearing up for a rematch with Tajikistan, this time in the King’s Cup in Thailand. The Filipinos impressed in the teams’ previous meeting, a 0-0 draw which the Tajiks won via a penalty shootout. This time around, the PMNFT will be hoping for a better result when they take the field on Monday, 5:30PM, at the Tinsulanon Stadium. The match will be aired LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and on the team’s Facebook Page.

“We expect a good game. We played them last month in the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia and it was a good game from both teams. They were very good in individual quality and had good technical players, but we have a good squad right now, a good group, and we trust the process. We hope to play our game tomorrow and hope for the best,” said Bjorn Kristensen, who scored his first goal for the Philippines in the recent outing against Thailand.

Heavy rains were a massive factor in the team’s King’s Cup opener against the hosts. Such was the downpour that the game needed to be stopped for almost an hour. When the game resumed, the field was still waterlogged, making a smooth passing game almost impossible.

“We are a team in construction. We are changing a lot of things in our way of playing. I was very satisfied with our first half that we could handle a very tough opponent in Thailand,” said Philippine head coach Albert Capellas. “I hope tomorrow it doesn’t rain and we can offer a good game together with Tajikistan. We are two teams who like to have the ball, and I hope it can be a very nice game for all the spectators. We invite them all to watch.”

Whether or not another downpour takes place on Monday night, Kristensen isn’t too worried.

“Unfortunately we can’t do anything about the weather. We just have to adapt and play the way we have to,” he said

The Philippines (148) are placed 45 places below Tajikistan (103) in the FIFA Rankings. A victory on Monday would put an end to an extended drought for the team, and would be a positive sign to the start of Albert Capellas’ reign as Head Coach.

FEU impress in their Women's Chess opener

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Chess Standings after Round 2

Men’s

UP 3.0 [6.0]

FEU 3.0 [5.5]

DLSU 3.0 [4.5]

UST 2.0 [5.0]

Ateneo 1.0 [2.5]

ADU 0.0 [0.5]

Women’s

UST 3.0 [4.5]

Ateneo 2.0 [4.5]

FEU 2.0 [4.0]

DLSU 2.0 [3.5]

NU 2.0 [2.5]

ADU 1.0 [3.0]

UP 0.0 [2.0]

Matches on Wednesday at the Adamson Gym

Women's

1 p.m. - ADU vs FEU / UP vs Ateneo / DLSU vs UST

DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University made a statement in its UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Chess debut, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over archrival National University on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.

Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1/1], Vic Glysen Derotas [1/1], reigning MVP Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [1/1], and Franchesca Largo [1/1] each delivered wins against Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [1/2], Yana De Vera [0.5/2], Natasja Balabbo [1/2], and Jelaine Adriano [0/1] to complete the sweep.

FEU, seeking a back-to-back, now sits in third place behind University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo after an opening round bye.

UST claimed the top spot at the end of Round 2 with a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over the University of the Philippines.

On Board 1, Josemier Panol [2/2] showcased resilience, turning a disadvantageous position into a win by putting Jarel Lacambra [0/2] in time pressure, eventually winning via flag down. On Board 3, Rohanisah Buto [1/2] forced Precious Eve Ferrer to resign after launching an unstoppable mating attack by the 50th move. Meanwhile, Precious Yecla [1.5/2] secured a draw against Woman FIDE Master Jerlyn San Diego [1/2] on Board 2.

UST’s lone loss came on Board 4, where Jenny Tulo [0/1] fell to Jallen Agra [1/2].

Ateneo climbed to second place with a 3-1 win over Adamson University, led by victories from Lexie Hernandez [2/2] and Alphecca Gonzales [1/1] over Mariane Flora [0/1] and Phoebie Arellano [1/2] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively. 

Kristene Flores [0.5/2] and Ma. Elayza Villa [1/2] split the points with Angela San Luis [0.5/2] and Robelle De Jesus [1.5/2] on Boards 1 and 2, completing Ateneo’s triumph.

In the men’s division, University of the Philippines stormed to the top of the standings with a 4-0 shutout of Adamson University.

FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [2/2] notched his second straight win on Board 1, defeating Joshua Roque [0.5/2] in 48 moves using the black pieces in a Queen’s Pawn Opening. On Board 4, Arena Grandmaster Io Aristotle Calica [1.5/2] pulled off a tactical masterclass on the 20th move, going up a piece and finishing Dustin Herrero [0/1] in just 33 moves.

Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [1.5/2] and Roderenz Adra [1/2] rounded out UP’s dominant performance with wins over Arena International Master Alfonzo Olendo [0/2] and John Rocel Simon [0/2] on Boards 2 and 3.

FEU closely trails UP in second place after a 2-2 draw with Ateneo.

Rookie FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo [2/2] and FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina [2/2] secured victories on Boards 1 and 2 against Paul Matthew Llanillo [0/2] and Romeo Canino [0/2], respectively. However, Ateneo’s Christopher Kis-ing [1.5/2] and Knarf Bastislaong [1/2] countered with wins on Boards 3 and 4, overcoming FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado [1/2] and Israelito Rilloraza [0/1].

De La Salle University pulled off an upset with a stunning 2.5-1.5 victory over defending champion University of Santo Tomas.

Angele Biete [1.5/2] and Daniel John Lemi [1.5/2] secured key wins for DLSU over Chester Neil Reyes [0/1] and Jan Clifford Labog [1/2] on Boards 2 and 3. Kris Oswald Olvido [0.5/1] forced a draw against Lee Roi Palma [1.5/2] on Board 4, sealing the victory for La Salle. FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz [2/2] provided UST’s only win in Round 2, defeating Cyril Telesforo [0/2] on Board 1.

Round 3 of the women’s division is set for Wednesday, October 16, while the men’s division will resume on Saturday, October 19.