FC Meralco Manila seeks bounce back versus Global Cebu FC

Phil Younghusband in action against Ilocos United

FC Meralco Manila seeks to leave the disappointment of their 7-0 loss to Ceres-Negros FC last week as they face Global Cebu FC this afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

According to team skipper James Younghusband, "We want to make amends and bounce back. That score doesn't reflect who we are." He adds, "We need to prove something as a club. Global are the same level as Ceres, since both are in the AFC Cup. We want to show that the last game was a one-off (aberration).

Head coach Aris Caslib believes that, "People with a string rebound mentality are the ones who succeed in life."

During the pre-match press conference, Curt Dizon noted that the squad has "decided to move on," adding that they "are excited to get out there and show what we can do."

They will be facing a Global side that was fresh from being held to a goalless draw by Davao Aguilas FC at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

When asked about their upcoming opposition, Tyler Matas finds their matchup "interesting," noting that "I think of Global as a fast, counterattacking team, similar to us." Joaco Cañas expects a bruising contest, says, "They are a tough opponent and they never make it easy for you. It will be a physical game"

Caslib adds, "They are a team of transition (from offense to defense and back). They use their pace well as a unit. We will need to manage the transitions well."

The loss, combined with the other results from the recently played games, have led to the Sparks ceding solo leadership in the Philippines Football League. Kaya FC-Makati, although level on points at 23, has the edge against FC Meralco Manila on goal difference. And with Global Cebu FC just two points behind in solo third place, the winner has the chance to take the lead at the end of the day.

This was something that Misagh Bahadoran highlighted during the pre-match press conference. He says, "We have to get the three points. We will go a hundred percent. The top of the table is where Global belongs."

Kickoff for the match is at 4pm, with tickets available at the gate for PhP 20 (bleachers) and PhP 50 (grandstand). Streaming link can be seen below.



The other Philippines Football League matchup sees Ceres-Negros host a souped up Davao Aguilas FC side at 7pm. The visitors, who will be missing a bunch of players called up for national team duty in the AFC U23 Qualifiers in Phnom Penh, is embarking on an aggressive player acquisition, which included securing the likes of Matthew Hartmann and Nick O'Donnell from Global Cebu, and Jason de Jong, Jorrel Aristorenas, and Simone Rota from their upcoming opposition.

NOTES:

Both teams will be missing a player due to suspension. FC Meralco Manila will not have Alvin Sarmiento, while Global Cebu will not have Amani Aguinaldo. Marjo Allado says that Dennis Villanueva will cover for the Amani's absence.

Global has activated Darryl Roberts for this matchup, with the departure of Matthew Hartmann and Nick O'Donnell. According to Misagh and Marjo, he knows how to supply strikers.