FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati square off for third

Joaco Canas trying to fend off Dennis Villanueva during the second leg of their Finals Series matchup against Global Cebu.

FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati renew their rivalry for one more match before the Philippines Football League concludes its inaugural season, as both teams duke it out tonight for the Finals Series third place game at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Kickoff is slated at 9pm, due to schedule availability with the NCAA currently holding its football matches there.

Both sides have had about a week to regroup, after their disappointing losses to their respective opponents in the Finals Series semifinals.

In spite of playing both of its matches at its home stadium, the top-seeded Sparks lost to fourth seed Global Cebu FC, 3-2 on aggregate. As for Kaya, they fell to second-ranked Ceres-Negros FC 3-1.

Both sides are looking to close out their respective seasons on a positive note and a third place finish that could potentially net them an AFC Cup berth should the PFL champion manage to navigate the treacherous route to the AFC Champions League Group Stage early next year. Sparks skipper Simon Greatwich prefers that the team not finish in fourth after all the hard work they put in since January.

Sparks head coach Aris Caslib chose to highlight the commitment the team has to club and its fans to play its best.

Streaming for the match is available below, but tickets are available at the gate.



Meanwhile, the first-ever Philippines Football League champions will be crowned tomorrow night at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod, as Ceres-Negros FC and Global Cebu FC continue their own rivalry.

Global Cebu FC secures PFL Finals berth

Paolo Salenga trying to pry away the ball from Tyler Matas.

Global Cebu showed poise in securing a finals berth in their Philippines Football League Finals Series matchup against FC Meralco Manila on Saturday night.

Rufo Sanchez's 85th minute equalizer negated Curt Dizon's strike in the second minute, securing a 1-1 draw that would make it good enough to go through on aggregate, 3-2.

The Sparks secured an ideal start by nabbing a quick goal after kickoff, as Dizon controlled a long throw from Tyler Matas from the left flank and artfully lobbed the ball over the Global defense. Patrick Deyto had a chance to deny the goal, but his fingers were not enough to prevent it from crossing the line and into the net.

The goal made it 2-2 on aggregate, which if it held, would be enough for the Sparks to advance via the away goals rule.

Global would have numerous opportunities to find the equalizer for the rest of the first half, with Hikaru Minegeshi's free kick midway into the period going wide, while Paolo Salenga's chance a few minutes later weakly fired towards Junjun Badelic. The 38th minute saw Sanchez's header from a Minegeshi free kick hitting the woodwork, while Wesley Dos Santos' attempt just before the halftime whistle went over the bar.

Global continued to put more pressure in the second half, as Badelic would deny Sanchez with a foot save moments after kickoff. The Sparks netminder would continue to hold the fort, holding off attempts by Dos Santos and Dennis Villanueva.

Eventually, Global gets their much sought-after equalizer, as Sanchez would bundle in a scrappy goal from inside the area.

FC Meralco Manila had a chance to retake the lead and force extra time, but their free kick did not prosper, thus giving Global Cebu a pass into the final.

Global head coach Akbar Nawas praised his players for sticking with the game plan, acknowledging that "with this team, you know you can always get a goal back."

Sparks mentor Aris Caslib explains, "We had chances in transition, but we were not able to complete them because our front players were too wide."

Global will now face Ceres-Negros FC in the final after the Busmen dispatched Kaya FC-Makati, 2-1 and 3-1 on aggregate that same evening to set up another match to add on to their rivalry on December 16.

As for the Sparks, they face Kaya FC in the third place game also this weekend.

PFL Finals Series second legs set

Spark Connor Tacagni duels for possession with Cebu's Wesley Dos Santos.

Tonight is going to be a good night, as the Philippines Football League determines who participates in the Final next week with the second legs of both Finals Series matches taking place starting at 7pm.

At Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Global Cebu FC seeks to pull out the upset rug on FC Meralco Manila, as they tote a 2-1 advantage after the first leg.

The Sparks are looking to make amends after their late meltdown allowed Global to snatch the victory away. They did manage to score an away goal last week, which could come into play later.

Joaco Canas acknowledges that "if we can fix the mistakes and read the game better, then we can make it to the final, but it won't be easy. Team skipper Simon Greatwich adds, "We just didn't kill the game off, so we were punished." Both players shared that they were the better side last week.

For the upcoming match, Greatwich admitted that they need to be cautious in order to prevent Global from scoring, while also being clinical with their own chances.

Aris Caslib notes that they have to mainly "stop their transition and control the front players," among other things. Greatwich also noted that the team tried a few variations in training to prepare for this match.

At the pre-match press conference on Friday, both coaches noted the magnitude of the game, with whoever wanting it more will be getting the victory and advance to the final. They are looking at how the first leg went and make the necessary adjustments heading into this one.

Daryl Roberts is hoping for Global's rabid supporters would make their presence felt in the away leg.

Streaming for this fixture can be seen below:



Meanwhile at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, Ceres-Negros seeks to fend off Kaya FC-Makati in front of its home crowd.

The Busmen own a 1-0 advantage after Stephan Schroeck scored in injury time. The former Philippine international knows that visitors will do everything to win the match, adding that "we'll be ready to do everything as well."

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida notes that loss does not change the fact that the team's mentality heading into tonight remains the same, and that is to beat Ceres.

Stakes are high, as the winners are guaranteed continental football next year with AFC Cup participation.

Streaming for this fixture can be seen below:



The winners of the Finals Series will duke it out on December 16 for the right to be the first Philippines Football League champion.

Global Cebu snatch PFL Finals Series first leg advantage

Pandemonium after Global scored a goal late.

Global Cebu FC claimed a 2-1 victory over FC Meralco Manila in the first leg of their Philippines Football League Finals Series matchup at the Rizal Memorial Football Field last Saturday night.

Global secured the advantage by scoring a couple of late goals. A Hikaru Minegeshi corner led to a Wesley Dos Santos header that went past Junjun Badelic in the 90th minute, which was then followed by a Minegeshi goal off a feed from Paolo Salenga three minutes later.

The Sparks did manage to score an essential away goal from the spot, thanks to a foul called on Darryl Regala inside the area against Tahj Minniecon. Minniecon would convert the penalty in the 61st minute, sending it towards the lower left side past Patrick Deyto.

The first half ended in a goalless deadlock, although FC Meralco Manila dominated proceedings, which included scoring opportunities from Joaco Canas and Simon Greatwich.

It even included a first half substitution, as Akbar Nawas replaced Paul Mulders with Paolo Bugas with around ten minutes remaining in the period.

However, the tide turned when Nawas inserted Paolo Salenga for Regala with eleven minutes remaining in the second half. His aggressive play inspired Global and eventually netted the two goals Global needed.

Nawas would share that the team need someone of the NU alum's caliber both on the starting XI and on the bench.

Minegeshi adds, "We were lucky, but we never gave up."

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib felt the team lost the game in the last fifteen minutes, noting that they did not manage it well. He does think they can score as well as defend against Global in the second leg.

Notes: The Sparks started off the game wearing t-shirts in support of their Assistant General Manager Gino Aguda, whose father passed away on Thursday before the game. Global is playing both games at Rizal Memorial as a result of the unavailability of the Cebu City Sports Complex.

FC Meralco Manila and Global Cebu to kick off Finals Series

FC Meralco striker Tahj Minniecon evades the Cebu defense.

With the grueling eliminations already concluded, FC Meralco Manila and Global Cebu FC are scheduled to open the Finals Series tomorrow at 7pm.

FC Meralco Manila secured the best record in the eliminations to nab the top seeding, while Global Cebu FC was the last team to officially book their postseason seat.

With Global unable to find a suitable venue for its home leg tomorrow, both matches will now take place at the Sparks' designated home venue, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Both matches have won a game against each other this season. They have also drawn two other times. Finally defeating them in November provided psychological benefits and allowed its fans to witness the team's great character, according to head coach Aris Caslib.

The Sparks may have finished on top of the Philippines Football League regular season standings but now the hard part comes: the four-team Finals Series playoff phase. As top seed Manila earns the right to square off versus the fourth seed, Global Cebu FC.

Curt Dizon still thinks highly of Global even with the victory, "We have more confidence after beating them, but we can't take them lightly." It is something that Simon Greatwich co-signs, "They have been consistently good every year. They have won silverware and have lots of experience playing abroad. But every season when we play them it's a close game, usually decided by just one goal," the team skipper shared.

Simon also adds, "But the team spirit is good, everyone is positive and working hard in training."

Since the loss to FC Meralco Manila, Global has played twice, both times having to travel, with a penalty shootout loss to Albirex Niigata (S) in the RHB Singapore Cup Final and defeating Ceres-Negros, 2-0, in what was described as a dull and drab affair at the Cebu City Sports Complex. Caslib thinks that the travel should have a certain effect on the team, and it is an opportunity worth exploiting.

Tickets are available at the gate. Streaming link for the game, if one cannot be at Rizal Memorial, can be seen below.



Whoever survives this semifinal match-up will face the winner of the matchup between Ceres-Negros FC and Kaya FC-Makati, whose first leg starts tomorrow, in a one-off final on December 16.

Notable quotes from the pre-match press conference:

Global Cebu Head Coach Akbar Nawas:

We are really looking forward to this game.
We have been playing here in Manila a lot, so no problem. I feel for the fans in Cebu, but it is what it is considering the circumstances. I hope they will still support us.
Our fitness is just right. We will be okay for tomorrow. The team is always up for a series like this, with a chance to go to the final.
We did get two players who might be back from injury. We will see who is sharp in training and make the best lineup.

FC Meralco Manila Head Coach Aris Caslib:

We will take this one match at a time. We will focus on this game and see if we can get good results.
The confidence of the team is high. This will be a good opportunity for to rest, because we don't need to travel.

Global Cebu FC's Dom del Rosario:

This is the Finals Series, so we will give everything.
It will be a good game. Our games have been close this season, two draws and a win for both teams. Everyone will be pushing for 90 minutes.

FC Meralco Manila's Curt Dizon:

Everyone is looking forward to this game. It will be an interesting game.
Global is a historic club. We want to make our own history. At the end of the day, it is about who wants that AFC Cup slot.

FC Meralco Manila, Ceres-Negros FC share goalless draw

Jinggoy Valmayor attempting to move past a Ceres-Negros defender. Photo c/o FC Meralco Manila

The Philippines Football League made history on Friday afternoon, having its first match inside what will be the PFF National Training Facility at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, with FC Meralco Manila and Ceres-Negros FC battling to a goalless draw.

The first half was a tight affair, with minimal scoring opportunities due to Ceres having difficulty trying to generate offense, while also relying on Roland Mueller to snuff chances from the likes of Tahj Minniecon and Ashley Flores.

The second half reflected that much as well, as chances from Alvin Sarmiento and Jinggoy Valmayor went begging.

The best scoring opportunity came late. An 84th minute free kick from Curt Dizon was palmed over the bar by Mueller, with the subsequent corner kick eventually seeing Dizon firing another shot that hit the right post. The ensuing rebound scramble yielded an attempt from Flores that was saved.

With the draw, FC Meralco Manila remains atop the PFL table with 58 points heading into the Finals Series. All eyes now head to Cebu on November 28, as the Busmen fly to the Queen City of the South and face a Global Cebu FC side that would be fresh from playing Albirex Niigata (S) in the RHB Singapore Cup final tonight. With 57 points heading into that match, for as long as Ceres does not lose, they would move into first place owing to their superior goal difference.

Notes:

FC Meralco Manila had been designated as the home team, and chose this venue with its nominal home, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium unavailable due to the start of the NCAA Season 93 football season.

Although the match was goalless, Valmayor was named as the Man of the Match for creating those scoring opportunities.

Risto Vidakovic after the match: "It was very important to keep the players free from injury. No injuries means a successful day for us." He adds, "We will go to Cebu to compete."

Aris Caslib after the match: "Hats off to our players who played with so many starters unavailable."

David Pusing was sent off with a straight red card for a studs up challenge, which will force him to miss at least the first leg of their Finals Series matchup.

FC Meralco Manila hosts Ceres-Negros at Carmona

Ceres-Negros FC's Jo-oc Treyes, and FC Meralco Manila's Ric Padilla and Aris Caslib

One Philippines Football League matchup takes place this afternoon at the PFF Football facility inside the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, and it is the top of the table clash between FC Meralco Manila and Ceres-Negros FC.

The Sparks currently have 57 points, one point ahead of the Busmen, who have a game in hand. A win by either team ensures they finish atop the PFL table heading into the Finals Series. A draw means that Ceres-Negros' final game of the season against Global Cebu FC on November 28 still has significance.

Both teams will be heading into the matchup undermanned, as a result of injuries and suspensions.

Ceres are waiting on the medical report on Fernando Rodriguez, who incurred a knee injury in their last match, the latest addition to a group already including Filipino internationals Luke Woodland and Manny Ott, and former international Martin Steuble. Kota Kawase is currently suspended for this match. Ceres assistant Jo-oc Treyes admitted the team has had to deal with playing four matches in the last couple of weeks.

As for FC Meralco Manila, they will not have the services of both Milan Nikolic and Joaco Canas at the back, as well as the hero from their last match, Daniel Gadia. Head coach Aris Caslib acknowledges their absence, but highlights that we will see the fighting nature of the club. He also sees this as an opportunity for certain players to step up and potentially be a factor for the upcoming Finals Series. Backup keeper Ric Padilla says that the coaches have been prepping them to be ready alongside the usual starters, just for this purpose.

Both teams acknowledge the importance of finishing atop the eliminations, and will approach their matchup as such appropriately.

The match has been deemed as closed-door, but the game will be shown on both Gametime TV CH 109 and SLBN Sportsnet Channel 107, which are both exclusively available for Cignal subscribers. Streaming is available below



The match is one of two matches set to take place this weekend. The other features JPV Marikina FC against Davao Aguilas, with the both teams set to conclude their respective seasons. Their last meeting ended up with a 6-3 goalfest for JPV, although the league recently awarded a 3-0 victory to Davao pertaining to the match abandonment that took place last October.

Daniel Gadia ensures FC Meralco Manila victory over Global Cebu FC

FC Meralco Manila secured some much-needed breathing room atop the Philippines Football League with a narrow 2-1 victory over Global Cebu FC this past Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Daniel Gadia scored the game-winner for the Sparks four minutes from time, as the substitute scored his first goal of the season. Replacing recent acquisition Franco de la Torre in midfield, he eased in his shot past the line, then celebrated afterwards, netting a yellow card in the process.'

Tahj Minniecon opened scoring for FC Meralco Manila in the 32nd minute, receiving a pass from Jim Ashley Flores and then producing a clinical finish against Patrick Deyto. Global Cebu would equalized just minutes before the halftime whistle, scoring through a magnificent volley from Hikaru Minegeshi.

Global had a chance to secure an equalizer in injury time, but Ace Villanueva deflected Rufo Sanchez's shot over the bar.

Head coach Aris Caslib praised the UP alum after the match, "All week, we had been reminding Gadia to just the place the ball on his finishing. In the last fifteen minutes of the game he did his job well."

His counterpart, Akbar Nawas, could only bemoan his squad's missed scoring opportunities, saying "We were unlucky with our chances in goal, so many from so near."

Lee Jeong Min humbly deflected the praise that had been bestown his way, noting that "Everyone worked hard," and adding, "I don't want to be a star. I just want to help my teammates. It's my job." He felt that Gadia should have been the one addressing the media post-match after his heroics.

The win allows FC Meralco Manila to extend its reign atop the PFL table a little bit longer, owning a four-point gap against Ceres-Negros FC, with the latter having two games in hand. The two teams are set to face off later this week.

As for Global, they are all but locked in as the fourth seed heading into the Finals Series, which will commence starting December 2. They close out the eliminations next week against Ceres-Negros.

Notes:

Flores and de la Torre were given spot starts for this matchup by Caslib... Tyler Matas finally gets a break from football action, as he will be suspended for the upcoming Ceres match due to card accumulation... Global Cebu is the home side for this matchup, even though the game is at the Sparks' home ground, as the CCSC is being used as the venue for the Visayan leg of the Batang Pinoy competition. The Sparks' win over Global ensures that they have a win against all the other PFL teams.

Potential PFL Finals Series Preview looms for Global Cebu and FC Meralco Manila

Meralco's Milan Nikolic duels with Global's Wesley Dos Santos.

In what could turn out to be a potential Finals Series preview, Global Cebu FC hosts FC Meralco Manila tonight at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

Global has had the Sparks' number this season, defeating them once and drawing them twice so far, hoping that this would be an advantage heading into their fourth and final meeting before the Finals Series. They are fresh from securing a 3-3 draw against Ilocos United at the Elpidio P. Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. A win could put them on track to potentially move past Kaya FC-Makati into third place, especially in the aftermath of Kaya losing 3-1 in their final eliminations matchup against also-rans Davao Aguilas last night. With Kaya already wrapping up their eliminations campaign with 47 points and a +19 goal difference, a victory against the Sparks would put them level on points heading into their final league match-up against Ceres-Negros FC on November 28.

With the Cebu City Sports Complex unavailable due to the Visayan leg of the Batang Pinoy competition, the match will be played at Rizal Memorial, which is the home venue of FC Meralco Manila.

As for the Sparks, a win provides a little bit of breathing space atop the standings, although Ceres-Negros is currently primed to move past them considering their remaining schedule, their 1-1 draw against Ilocos United last night notwithstanding. The draw reduced the gap between the two teams to just a single point, 53 to 52.

With the match at Rizal Memorial, it means FC Meralco Manila will be playing its remaining two matches in the eliminations at its home venue.

If one is unable to attend the match in person, one can check out the available streaming option below.

Here are some notes from the pre-match press conference held yesterday:

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib: Everyone has realized during the last three days of training that we have to step up and give our individual contributions.

We are pushing everyone to be physically and mentally ready for the demands of the semis.

In our previous games against Global, we controlled the match for long periods of time, but we need to improve our finishing. In the game we lost to them, it was due to a lack of concentration.

Global is a quality team. It is a good challenge for us to step up against them.

FC Meralco Manila goalkeeper Ace Villanueva: We as a team agreed that our mindset was to bounce back and be as a unit and finish our remaining games on a high note.

We are very motivated. The remaining games are the important ones because they are leading to the playoffs.

Global Cebu FC head coach Akbar Nawas: We will know come kickoff how important the coaches will be treating this game. Yes, third place is our target, but the most important thing is that your team is set up to win a game.

The draw against Ilocos last Wednesday will not affect our confidence. Every game is different. That result will have no bearing on the spirit and confidence of the side for tomorrow.

FC Meralco Manila seals PFL top-two finish

Tahj Minniecon at work.

JPV Marikina FC's hopes to crash the Finals Series party of the Philippines Football League are almost sealed shut, as FC Meralco Manila snatches a 1-0 victory at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium this past Tuesday afternoon.

The lone score of the match came off an own goal by JPV's Dapal Unabia in the second half, amidst all the efforts for both sides to break through.

JPV saw J Baguioro's attempt in the 14th minute flutter over the bar, while Sparks skipper Simon Greatwich had one of his shots on goal sent directly towards Nelson Gasic for the latter to easily save four minutes later.

The Sparks arguably had their best chance of the afternoon midway into the first half, as a Tahj Minniecon corner led to a Joaco Cañas header that hits the right post. Greatwich, Daniel Gadia,  Minniecon, and Connor Tacagni would have their own respective opportunities in the first half, but were unable to convert.

The second half started out much like the first, as both sides were rebuffed of scoring chances. Tacagni's attempt on goal was denied by Gasic, while Takashi Odawara's shot went off to the left in the 54th minute.

One minute later, the goal finally happened, as a Minniecon cross bounced off Unabia's leg and into the net.

The visitors would try their best to find an equalizer, getting thenselves into a set piece situation in the 77th minute, but the Kouichi Belgira free kick was punched away by Ace Villanueva.

The hosts also had their own chances, but both Greatwich's and Minniecon's attempts went wide. Meanwhile, Gasic smothered another Tacagni attempt on goal.

By earning this win, FC Meralco Manila now has 54 points in 25 matches, guaranteeing itself a top-two finish heading into the Finals Series. It also extends their gap atop the PFL to seven points against Kaya FC-Makati and nine points against Ceres-Negros FC, who will be their next scheduled opponent. The Sparks will be headed to Bacolod to face the Busmen on November 5.

The loss pegs JPV at 28 points with four matches remaining, and with Global Cebu FC already at 40 points in 24 matches, all the latter needs to clinch the last available Finals Series berth is to secure a point from its remaining schedule.

Notes:
Jun Badelic sat out the match due to a sore shoulder, thus the spot start for Villanueva. And with Milan Nikolic suspended, Neil Dorimon stepped in to fill his shoes.

Lee Jeong Min was booked during the match, which will force him to be sidelined against Ceres-Negros this weekend.


Minniecon on the match: "I think we played well tactically in the first half. In the second, we let them into the game... Going into the playoffs, we have stuff to eliminate if we are to go further... We are creating chances but our problem is being confident in front of goal and putting the chances away..."

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib on the Sparks' perceived scoring issues: "Our lack of scoring will not be a problem... On transitions and set plays we can deliver. We are trying to involve more players in attack. At the end of the day one goal is good enough to win a match."

JPV Marikina FC head coach Dan Padernal on the match: "Our finishing was not there."

Padernal on the team's schedule: "Four games in two weeks is a bit tiring. But thank you to my players for their effort, even though we can't finish in the top 4."

FC Meralco Manila seeking to clinch PFL Top-2 seeding

The Philippines Football League has three midweek matches on tap this week, kicking off with the matchup between JPV Marikina FC and FC Meralco Manila at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium at 4pm.

FC Meralco Manila is currently on top of the PFL table with 51 points in 24 matches, and with a win this afternoon, is guaranteed with a top-2 finish after the eliminations. In contrast, JPV is mired in sixth with 28 points in 23 matches, with their postseason hopes hinging on winning out AND hoping that Global Cebu FC fails to win in its remaining fixtures. Global has 40 points in 24 matches so far this season, and will be hosting Stallion Laguna FC in a couple of days.

Even with the large point gap between the two sides, FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib still believes that JPV is a quality team and thus, cannot be underestimated. He added that the Sparks need to check on JPV's combination play in the middle, as it would mitigate the loss of Milan Nikolic due to suspension if Satoshi Otomo and Takumi Uesato are kept in check. Afterwards, Caslib says, the team needs to check their fast wingers.


In spite of its current situation, JPV head coach Dan Padernal says that the team are focused onto this match, noting that a professional approach is in place. JPV winger Aaron Altiche adds that the team remains highly motivated and expects tomorrow to be a quality game. Padernal thinks that loading up with their strikers against a compact defense that will play without Nikolic would work. He also adds that his Filipino defenders will need to step up with Masaki Yanagawa sidelined due to injury.

Tickets are available at the gate, with streaming available below if one is unable to go to Rizal Memorial.

Kaya FC and FC Meralco Manila duel for PFL leadership

Curt Dizon of FC Meralco Manila evades Kaya's Kenshiro Daniels

With the Philippines Football League's inaugural season getting closer to its conclusion, FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati are headed for a collision course in the premier matchup on Saturday night.

The Sparks are fresh from a walkover victory over Ilocos United, as the PFL sanctioned the latter for non-compliance of the Franchise Agreement. Although they secured the three points that officially formalized their entry into the Finals Series, that was only their second victory in their last six matches, reflecting an uneven form that has eaten away at their strong start to the season.

In contrast, Kaya is fresh from a 2-0 victory against Davao Aguilas FC at the Davao del Sur Sports Complex this past Wednesday, their fifth in the last six matches, and in the process became the second team in the Finals Series. One of those five wins was against these same Sparks, a 2-1 victory at the University of Makati that featured a late winner from Eric Giganto.

As a result, Kaya are now just one point behind the lead with 47 points, although they have played a couple more matches than FC Meralco Manila.

Kickoff for this matchup is at 7pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with tickets available at the gate for PhP 20 in bleachers, PhP 50 in grandstand, and PhP 200 in VIP.

Those who are cannot be at Rizal Memorial can check out this streaming link below:



Here are some quips that came from the pre-match press conference:

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida:

• This is a chance for us to regain the top spot.
• We have had a tough schedule. Three games in eight days. But we are happy to play Davao, because they play similar to Meralco. This gives us a chance to adjust. 
• Our players will have time to recover before our last regular season game on November 18.
• We need to challenge the back three of Meralco. You really have to make good runs to confuse the back line.

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib:

• Our advantage is we will be fresh. But we have to capitalize on our rest and stop their transition.
• We have to stop their side players and mid players. A high percentage of their balls go to the right so we have to address that. We also have to address set pieces and balls from right to left.

FC Meralco striker Connor Tacagni:

• We are looking forward to playing it.
• Over the last two games Kaya have gotten good results. If we stay focused we will get the 3 points.

Kaya FC - Makati defender Kenshiro Daniels:

• It's a derby and we are up for it.
• The travel has been difficult but the team looks fit. We need to prepare for this like any other game and work hard.

Philippines Football League rules on a couple of matches

The Sparks cross train in Baluarte in Vigan on Thursday night.

The Philippines Football League made a couple of executive decisions regarding matches that took place this weekend.

The first one came on Friday, when FC Meralco Manila traveled to Ilocos Sur to face Ilocos United FC. The league awarded a 3-0 forfeiture victory for the Sparks against the hosts, citing "as a result of failure to remedy, despite opportunity given, its non-compliance of the Franchise Agreement."

The end result of the win ensures FC Meralco Manila as one of the four participating teams in the Finals Series, as it has amassed 48 points, guaranteeing a top-four finish.

The second one came on Sunday, as the PFL called off the match between the visiting Davao Aguilas against JPV Marikina FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, citing non-compliance of Article 12.6 of the PFL Tournament Regulations, centering on the unavailability of at least two ambulances. For this matchup, the league will soon make its ruling pertaining to this matter.

FC Meralco Manila visits Ilocos United

Spark Ashley Flores takes on Ilocos

In the lone Philippines Football League matchup scheduled tonight, FC Meralco Manila make the trek north to visit Ilocos United FC in a fixture involving the best and the worst of the league.

Even with the point disparity, matches involving both teams have been close, with the Sparks managing to only eke out one-goal victories in all three of its meetings.

FC Meralco Manila is seeking to right the ship after two straight draws, and a victory tonight will undoubtedly ensure themselves a berth into the Finals Series. Head coach Aris Caslib believes that team effort is essential, and that they should be opportunistic against their opposition.

They will have to do so without Tahj Minniecon, who will be suspended due to card accumulation. The good news is that their defensive core of Lee Jeong Min, Joaco Canas, and Milan Nikolic will all be fully available as a unit, after relying on a patchwork set-up for the past couple of matches.

The hosts are fresh from a home-and-home set-up against their fellow newcomers Davao Aguilas, losing both matches by two goals each. Both matches came in the past week, which could potentially affect their fatigue.

Fans who wants to watch the game can do so through this streaming link below. Kickoff is at 7pm at the EPQ Stadium in Ilocos Sur.

Goalless draw between FC Meralco Manila and Stallion Laguna

FC Meralco Manila was held to a goalless draw against Stallion Laguna FC in the first Philippines Football League fixture since the resumption of club play this past Saturday afternoon.

The visitors tried to take advantage of a makeshift defensive unit by the Sparks, with Joaco Cañas, Alvin Sarmiento, and Neil Dorimon all suspended. Aris Caslib moved Tyler Matas to central defense while inserting Jake Morallo as a wingback on the left side. Unfortunately, attempts from the likes of Gabriele Mascazzini and Nate Alquiros were either off target or easy enough for netminder Jun Badelic to handle.

The second half showed something similar, with the likes of Ko Kyung Joon and Carlo Polli getting off shots for the visitors. Stallion also had a case for a penalty shout as they perceived that a Morallo block inside the area could have been called for a handball, but the referee opted not to call it.

The Sparks had their own scoring opportunity, with a Lee Jeong Min header hitting the crossbar.

Stallion had a final scoring chance in stoppage time, but Alquiros' chance was just high. As for FC Meralco Manila, a chance from Minniecon force a save from Bitoy Rosalia, which Jinggoy Valmayor would bunch in. Unfortunately, the assistant referee deemed the UP alumnus to be offside.

With the point, FC Meralco Manila padded their lead to four points against Kaya FC-Makati, and puts them closer to a berth in the Finals Series. Stallion moves into solo fifth place with 28 points in 23 matches.

Notes: Tahj Minniecon got booked in the match, which means he is suspended for FC Meralco Manila's next match. Recent Philippine international Jhanjhan Melliza suffered a groin injury.

Stallion's Ernie Nierras: It was a well-played game from both sides. We wanted to control the middle of the pitch and we did. We also addressed the long throws of Tyler Matas and their corners.

Polli: For me, we played better. We had so many shots.






Caslib: We wanted three points so this is a setback for us. But everyone in the organization knows where we are so we all really need to step up.

Simon Greatwich on the game: A scrappy game, not much football being played. Lots of 50/50s and poor controls. Both teams had chances to score. We need to be positive. We need to regroup.

PFL resumes with Stallion visiting FC Meralco Manila

Spark Jinggoy Valmayor lets fly against Stallion.

The Philippines Football League returns to action this afternoon with FC Meralco Manila hosting Stallion Laguna FC at 4pm.

The international break provided an opportunity for the Sparks to pause and reflect after their dramatic 2-1 loss to Kaya FC-Makati last September 30. In spite of that setback, however, they still remain ahead in the standings with 44 points in 21 matches.

Stallion bounced back from being housed 4-0 by Kaya with a 2-2 draw against Davao Aguilas FC. The point moved them level with idle JPV Marikina at 27, but their inferior goal difference puts them in sixth overall. Both teams are seven points behind Global Cebu FC in the fourth and final postseason slot.

Depth will pose a slight bit of concern for FC Meralco Manila as Neil Dorimon, Joaco Canas, and Alvin Sarmiento are suspended due to card accumulation, although Milan Nikolic will be returning to action. Also suspended for that instance is Balot Doctora, but Stallion will look at Carlo Polli, Gabriele Mascazzini and Jhanjhan Melliza to take the cudgels in his stead.

The visitors have yet to beat the hosts in the inaugural PFL season, losing both its matches at Binan, 5-1 and 3-2, while managing to secure a 1-1 draw at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Tickets are available at the gate for PhP 20 for bleachers, PhP 50 for grandstand, and PhP 200 for VIP grandstand. In addition, if one can't get to the game, one can also take advantage of the streaming link below.



Notes from the Pre-Match Press Conference yesterday afternoon at Rizal Memorial

The two protagonists for this afternoon's PFL matchup

Melliza is not expected to start for Stallion, per CEO Ernie Nierras, as he has just arrived from national team duties.

Nierras: The players are in high spirits and rested. We have been changing how we play and it's a work in progress. But we have been able to execute new tactics in training.

Nierras: Referee in their 2-2 draw vs Davao made a telling call (penalty secured a draw for the Aguilas in second half injury time). League must look into potential conflict of interest involving officials (Ref worked at The Younghusband Football Academy)

Nierras: In these last six matches, we need to get 18 points. I feeel we are out of the competition if we draw or lose any of our remaining games.

Stallion player Jay Shaun Soberano: We have been doubling our efforts in preparation for this game.

Aris Caslib: We want three points this weekend. We want a good rebound after our last game, a loss to Kaya. We scored early, but we need to manage the end game.

Caslib believes JhanJhan Melliza will play, so they will have to stretch ourselves.

Caslib: Franco de la Torre is coming in so we have flexibility in the middle. Dela Torre is coming over from the Davao Aguilas. He used to play

FC Meralco Manila defender Milan Nikolic: I don't remember the last time we had a full squad. I am not afraid. I'm pretty sure we will get three points.

Kaya FC-Makati and FC Meralco Manila set for end of September PFL clash

Tyler Matas tangles for possession with Kaya's Jordan Mintah in the team's meeting last August.

The final set of Philippines Football League matches before the international break are set to take place this Saturday, with the most prominent matchup of the three fixtures being a top-of-the-table clash between Kaya FC-Makati and FC Meralco Manila at the University of Makati Football Stadium. Kickoff is slated at 4pm.

The Sparks have won the past couple of meetings, although the more recent encounter had a controversial nature to it, thanks to a nullified equalizer due to Jordan Mintah being offside late. Nevertheless, expect this matchup to be intense, considering the rivalry of the two sides.

Both sides are fresh from wins last week, with FC Meralco Manila denying Davao Aguilas FC a positive homecoming for the Younghusband brothers with a 2-0 result, while Kaya FC-Makati snapped Stallion Laguna FC's four-game winning streak with an impressive 4-0 victory. The hosts are seeking to snap a seven-match unbeaten run by the visitors in the PFL, while also reducing the gap between them in half with the victory.

Aris Caslib, Tyler Matas, Woody Ugarte, Noel Marcaida

At the post-match press conference, Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida highlighted the very high intensity during training in the run-up for this match. He also praised the Sparks, "Looking forward to the game, I think Meralco has been very consistent. It shows in their results from the previous seven matches, they’re undefeated. Coach Aris has been able to establish a defensive structure for Meralco. For tomorrow’s game, it’s a test of consistency for both clubs." He adds that one important factor in this match maintaining the high intensity all throughout the game.

His counterpart, Aris Caslib, credited the team's togetherness for their current unbeaten run, adding, "I think it’s teamwork. It’s having great ambition, and working together."

Tickets are available at the gate (PhP 20 field side, PhP 350 grandstand) as well as through SM Tickets. If unable to attend in person, one can also check out the streaming below:



NOTES:

Mintah as since emerged as one of the the league's top scorers on 14 goals, and he will test the Meralco defense. Caslib also noted the need to cut off the supply of balls headed towards Mintah as a key factor in this match.

Miguel Tanton, who scored an incredible 40-yard goal last weekend in Makati's 4-0 win over Stallion, will also command respect from the Sparks, after seeing action for the first time recently. Marcaida has gone on to say that Tanton will play later today.

Woody Ugarte on the rivalry between the two teams: "These are the games that everyone enjoys the most. Derby matches are always the best. There's something about Kaya and Meralco games - there's always going to be something interesting."

Tyler Matas on what is needed for the victory: "Both teams go out with good intensity. Kaya, what I've noticed, is that they don't like to lose to us, so we're going to give it all we've got." He adds, "We just have to be organized, which is what we do, and find a way to win."

Milan Nikolic will be suspended for this match, but Simon Greatwich makes his return from suspension last week.

FC Meralco Manila beats Davao, spoil Younghusbands homecoming

In the lone Saturday night matchup for the Philippines Football League, FC Meralco Manila spoiled the much-anticipated Younghusband homecoming with a 2-0 victory over the Davao Aguilas at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Goals from Tahj Minniecon and Jake Morallo in the second half propelled the Sparks to the win, retaining their six-point gap against their upcoming opponents Kaya FC-Makati atop the PFL standings with 44 points.

The Sparks got the first scoring opportunity of the match, with Minniecon firing a long range attempt directly at Marko Trkulja in the 18th minute. Tahj got a second chance in the 35th minute, but his volley off a Tyler Matas throw-in sailed over. Daniel Gadia also had a chance just before the halftime whistle, but was off-target. As for Davao, Matthew Hartmann, Harry Sawyer, and Dylan de Bruycker came close to their respective chances, but unable to convert.

Davao had the first crack of breaking the deadlock in the second half, with Hartmann's left-footed shot forcing an acrobatic save from Junjun Badelic, but it was the Sparks that managed to finally score in the 52nd minute, as Anto Gonzales found Minniecon for the score. The Aussie sent a low drive to the left side of Trkulja for his fifth goal of the season.

Alvin Sarmiento had a chance to double the lead thirteen minutes later, but his volley sailed high. The hosts finally got that insurance goal from Jake Morallo in the 83rd minute, as the substitute nodded home a Matas delivery from the left flank into the lower left corner.


NOTES: Head coach Aris Caslib made just one change to the side that faced Global last week, with Gadia replacing team skipper Simon Greatwich at midfield. Canas inherited the captaincy in Simon's absence.

Matas has continued his "iron man" like streak in the PFL, having played every single minute for the Sparks this season.

Post-match quotes:

Caslib on Gadia being named as the Man of the Match: "Gadia understood his role, to control Matt Hartmann and play in front of the backline. He also worked well with Anto."

Gadia on playing alongside Gonzales, who coached him at UP: "Playing with Anto was like playing with my Dad. He taught me everything about football in college. He corrected me on the small details."

Caslib on their gameplan today: "Our plan was that when Phil and James get the ball, we would double-team them. That's why there were so many orange shirts around them whenever they received the ball."

Marlon Maro on the loss: "Two games in so short a time is hard for us."

Maro on the current roster construction: "Our team is not balanced. I have too many midfielders and not enough side defenders."

Younghusband homecoming set against FC Meralco Manila

Davao Aguilas vs FC Meralco Manila

In the lone Saturday night matchup in the Philippines Football League, FC Meralco Manila hosts the Davao Aguilas at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The 7pm kick-off will feature the much-anticipated return of the Younghusbands to face the team they used to play for the last six years.

Both sides are fresh from draws, as the Sparks snatched a point on the road at the CCSC against Global Cebu FC without scoring, while the Aguilas hosted Ceres-Negros FC for a 1-1 result that keeps them still without a victory in the PFL.

The hosts have won all three meetings this season, with the last meeting back in July at Tagum being the final game the Younghusbands would ever wear the orange kit. They are looking to strengthen their stranglehold atop the league, providing themselves just enough cushion against the contenders below them. On the other hand, the visitors still remain in seventh place, trying to fend off fellow newcomers Ilocos United FC in the battle at the bottom of the league.

Newly-minted head coach Marlon Maro gets to match wits once again with Aris Caslib. Both men are very familiar with each other's tactics and methods, having coaching backgrounds in the NCAA with CSB and San Beda, respectively.

Notes: Both Nate Burkey and Simon Greatwich are suspended for this particular matchup.

Quotes from the pre-match press conference:

Maro:

"We are coming out tomorrow for a win. The spirit is high, the mentality is positive, I can see the attitude in training that they really want to win."
"Tactically not much will change. We will just play to our strengths."
"We want to encourage our fans, but we have to win for them and the sponsors."

Phil Younghusband:

"We have the determination and motivation to win."
"James and I spent six years with Meralco. They weren't just teammates, everyone there were friends. But when we step across the white line it will be all about the team we are representing and we will do everything to make sure Davao wins."

"Before and after the game there will be some emotion when we see familiar faces but during the game there will be no love lost."
"We have the quality. We have a clear goal, structure, and organization. We've improved by leaps and bounds."
"Bojan has good size, experience, and knowledge. He will be a strong asset for us." (Bojan is Bojan Malisic, who made his PFL debut in their last match.)
"I know Aris likes to surprise teams and do something different (tactically). He does his homework and likes to go into detail.

Caslib:

"We have been competitors for a long time, but we are also very good friends off the pitch." (On the match-up against Maro)
"Phil Younghusband ever since has been all about quality. He is always consistent and we expect the same thing tomorrow."
"With Simon Greatwich suspended, we will rely on Anto Gonzales and Daniel Gadia to assist in the midfield. Tahj Minniecon can also help."
"Davao will play high and press us. They are dangerous in set pieces. We have to watch for Matt Hartmann on the break on the left side."
"Coach Marlon is a good manager with a lot of experience. He brings good man management to the table. It will be a tough match tomorrow."

Connor Tacagni: "We have huge respect for Phil and James and what they have done for Meralco and the national team."

FC Meralco Manila, Global battle to a PFL top-of-table stalemate

FC Meralco Manila battled to a goalless draw against Global Cebu FC at the Cebu City Sports Complex in front of 4,850 spectators last Saturday afternoon in a matchup featuring the top two sides in the Philippines Football League.

Patrick Deyto shone for the hosts, ably preventing what was the best scoring opportunity of the match, redirecting a Tahj Minniecon shot to prevent the Sparks from netting a goal.

Rainy conditions during the second half made playing onto the natural grass surface a little bit more dicey, although that did not prevent FC Meralco Manila from making a couple of unsuccessful scoring forays. Alvin Sarmiento had a chance in the 56th minute, but his shot went directly to Deyto, while Minniecon got another chance in the 63rd minute, but his shot went wide instead.

The hosts also had their own missed opportunities, with a couple of set piece situations that they were unable to convert.

As a result of both sides splitting the points, the Sparks maintain their seven-point gap against Global, 41-34, with the former also having a game in hand.

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib post-match says, "The usual fast transition of Global was evident in the last twenty minutes, and we had a hard time managing it." He also took the opportunity to praise the home crowd, noting that "There were a lot of kids watching, which is good because the effect of this will be long-term."

Meanwhile, Aris' Global Cebu counterpart Akbar Nawas praised Deyto's performance, sharing that "He has saved us a lot throughout the season." Patrick highlighted that both teams played safe in this matchup, adding that "It is hard to take risks in this kind of game."

Meanwhile, the two other PFL matches scheduled alongside this fixture netted victories for Ceres-Negros FC and Stallion Laguna FC.

The Busmen extend the woes of the Davao Aguilas FC with a 3-1 victory at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, while the red-hot Jhanjhan Melliza kept his goal scoring run going by scoring the lone goal for the Lakeside Squad against JPV Marikina FC in the 77th minute.