Field set for opening Philippine Premier League season

The Philippine Premier League. Set to open March 30.

Seven teams made the cut for the launch of the inaugural Philippine Premier League season, the league announced on Friday afternoon.

Four clubs from the Philippines Football League will make the transition to the PPL, led by defending league champions Ceres-Negros FC and inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara champions Kaya FC-Iloilo. Stallion Laguna FC and United Makati FC will make the move, with the latter rebranding itself from Global Cebu FC.

The other three clubs that will complete the cast are familiar names to many a hardcore Filipino football fan, as they all were part of the United Football League earlier this decade, led by one of its former league champions Philippine Air Force.

The Airmen's representatives were among those present when the launch of the league was conducted earlier this year, led by former Philippine international Ian Araneta, who will take on a coaching role in this go around.

GAU was the most notable club that passed on the opportunity to join the PFL during its existence, spending the time after the UFL instead at the WFL Elite.

The final team that made the cut is Mendiola FC, whose last iteration saw them in UFL's Division II, but has a hallowed tradition based on their bloodline connection with traditional collegiate football powerhouse San Beda.

All seven teams will also take part in the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which the PPL will retain as its cup competition.

The league also revealed today that the schedule for the inaugural season will be released on March 15, kicking off its campaign with a 4pm and 7pm doubleheader on March 30 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The latter portion of the doubleheader will be shown LIVE on 5Plus and streamed online through the media outfit's social media portals.

The PPL also exhorted its fans to help keep the spirit of football alive in the country by inviting them to come and support the teams.

GAU continue WFL Elite romp

Adamson are now in second place. Image courtesy Adamson Falcons Football team.

Green Archers United-Globe extended their stay atop the Weekend Futbol League Elite Division this past Sunday, securing a 2-0 win over Army at the ASCOM Field in Taguig.

Jimuel Ariola and Roy Kent Bedia were on the score sheet for the Archers, which has twelve points from four victories.

In the other two matches, UAAP squads Adamson and Ateneo managed to tack on contrasting victories.

The Soaring Falcons dispatched Navy-Fleet Marine, 1-0, with Karlheinz Ortinez scoring the lone goal of the match.

As for the Blue Eagles, they plastered Stallion Laguna FC-B, 7-1. Jarvey Gayoso and George Baker each netted a brace, with Rupert Baña, Josh Young and Josh Laud also on the score sheet. Stallion's lone goal came from Michael Simms.

Adamson moves into second place with seven points, two ahead of Army. Navy-Fleet Marine is a point further back, with Ateneo entering the points column with three after the victory. Stallion is at the cellar still seeking their first result this season.

WFL Elite action resumes on Sunday, with a couple of confirmed matchups. GAU seeks to extend their winning run to five matches against Adamson at La Salle-Zobel at 4pm, while Ateneo hosts Army at 3pm. No details have been made available for Stallion-B's matchup against Navy-Fleet Marine.

For more details on the Weekend Futbol League, one can check either https://www.facebook.com/Weekend.Futbol/ or go to weekendfutbol.com.

WFL resumes today

Army vs Ateneo at ASCOM

After a one-week break, the Weekend Futbol League resumes with three matches at two venues on Sunday, September 23.

The ASCOM Field in Taguig will be host to a doubleheader, as Navy-Fleet Marine faces Adamson at 10am, with the Soaring Falcons on a two-match unbeaten streak. Later on at 1pm, league-leading Green Archers United face Army. Both teams have yet to lose a match so far.

The other matchup scheduled will take place at the Moro Lorenzo Field inside the Ateneo campus, with the Blue Eagles hosting Stallion Laguna FC-B at 3pm. Both teams have yet to pick up a point so far and are eager to get themselves on the board.

Fans are encouraged to watch the matches, since it is free admission.

Considered as the highest level of football for the National Capital Region Football Association (NCRFA), the WFL Elite is the top tier of the Weekend Futbol League pyramid and aims to serve as a high-level competition for players seeking to turn pro.

Further details on the WFL Elite can be seen on https://www.facebook.com/Weekend.Futbol/ or www.weekendfutbol.com.