Global, Ilocos face off at Abellana

Global Cebu FC looks to build on their impressive July this afternoon, as the Visayan side hosts Ilocos United at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

Currently in solo third place with 25 points off a 7-4-2 record, Global just two points behind the leaders Kaya FC-Makati and FC Meralco Manila.  In contrast, Ilocos is still searching for its first official victory as a club, currently at the cellar with only three draws to show.

In spite of the contrast in form between both teams, Global Cebu FC head coach Akbar Nawas remains wary about a potential upset, says "It's always dangerous to play against a team searching for win. If we go out there without the right frame of mind, we might be in trouble."

Adam Mitter admits that the team has been unlucky the past couple of weeks. However, he says, "A win is just around the corner if we continue to do what we are doing." Ilocos head coach Ian Gillan still believes that the team remains on the right track, however.

Reports are out there that Rufo Sanchez has been cleared to play later. That can't be said for Anton del Rosario and Paul Mulders, who are suspended this afternoon.

Kickoff for the match is at 4pm, and if one can't get to the venue, there is streaming available.



There is another scheduled Philippines Football League matchup tonight, as 1 meets 2, with FC Meralco Manila hosting Kaya FC-Makati at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium at 7pm.

ABS-CBN Sports to show ONE: Kings and Conquerors

LIVE on S+A this Saturday night

ONE Championship will be bringing top-quality MMA action this weekend, with the upcoming ONE: Kings and Conquerors on August 5 at The Cotai Arena in Macao. In conjunction with ABS-CBN Sports, the event will be shown LIVE starting at 930pm on both S+A and S+A HD.

The main event features current ONE Championship Bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes defending his title against Andrew Leone, while the co-main feature will have the ONE Championship Flyweight champion Kairat Akhmetov and ONE Championhip interim Flyweight champion Adriano Moraes in a unification match to determine the undisputed ONE Flyweight champ.

ONE: Kings and Conquerors will feature three Filipinos. The most prominent one on the card involves Joshua Pacio going up against Hayato Suzuki, while Eric Kelly faces Kotetsu Boku. Completing the trio is ONE Championship debutant Jomary Torres, who will face fellow prospect Rika Ishige.

Davao Aguilas FC officially complete Younghusband transfer

The official signing. In the middle is team chairman Jefferson Cheng

The transfer has now been made official on Thursday. Davao Aguilas Football Club has acquired the Younghusband brothers.

The contract signing formalizing the move was made on Wednesday night at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, with club executives led by team chairman Jefferson Cheng witnessing the ceremony.

Cheng remarked on the transfer, "We are happy to welcome Phil and James into our club. Both are quality players and fine gentlemen that will blend well into our club and represent Davao Aguilas with utmost professionalism.Our fans and supporters are equally excited about our new signings. I am sure they will contribute not only to Davao Aguilas, but also help us succeed in our vision to promote and advance Philippine football."

Phil will wear number 20 for the team, while James will wear 21.

In a statement, the Younghubands expressed their thanks to FC Meralco Manila for their support, while also expressing excitement in joining Davao Aguilas FC.

Official statement from the Younghusbands, as passed to me from @catnazareno. Official transfer was made Wednesday… https://t.co/pZZ9HWwl3d pic.twitter.com/vRYT6sX5cX

— PHSports LiveScores (@LiveScoresPH) August 3, 2017

FC Meralco Manila was the first to release a statement, doing so through their Facebook page.

The Younghusbands are the latest in the numerous moves that the lone Philippines Football League team representing Mindanao has made during the transfer window, which includes the likes of Simone Rota, Jason de Jong, and Matthew Hartmann. The trio have already seen action for the Aguilas in the PFL.

James 21, Phil 20

As for Phil and James, they will make their team debut on September 9 against Global Cebu FC in Tagum City. But before that, they are expected to be called up for national team duty, as the Philippines will host Yemen in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on September 5 at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

ONE: Kings and Conquerors press conference held

Bibiano Fernandes and Andrew Leone face off

ONE Championship held its press conference for its MMA event in Macao, ONE: Kings and Conquerors this past Thursday at the Sicily Room inside The Venetian Macao.

Gracing the event are its headliners: reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes and Andrew Leone, co-main eventers Kairat Akhmetov and Adriano Moraes as they crown the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion, as well as Rika Ishige and Jomary Torres.

Here is what they had to say:

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong: It is my honor and my pleasure to see some of the greatest martial artists on the planet compete in ONE Championship. The thing that makes ONE Championship different from any other organization in the world, is that we want to build and unleash martial arts superheroes to ignite the world with inspiration, hope, dreams, strength, and courage. Our heroes are role models not only in the cage, but also outside of the cage.

ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes: I'm excited for the fight. I'm going to bring my best to this fight. I'm going to bring my best jiu-jitsu. I'm a disciplined fighter, I work hard and I do my best in training. My opponent says he can defeat me, well let's see.

Andrew Leone: I just want to thank ONE Championship. It's amazing what the organization is doing in Asia. They're really building heroes. Bibiano [Fernandes] has been a champion for a long time. I respect him. It's going to be a tough night but I'm looking forward to it. I'm going out on Saturday to try to win a world championship.

ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat Akhmetov: I want to thank everyone who helped me prepare for this fight - all my teammates, my gym. I've been away for a long time. Now that I'm back, I have become a better fighter. I'm ready to showcase my new skills. I believe it's going to be a good and exciting fight with Adriano [Moraes].

ONE Interim Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes: I'm so glad to be here. This is my second time to be in Macao. The last time I was here in Macao, it was a wonderful night for me when I brought this belt back to Brazil. I don't know if you have seen my last fight with [Kairat] Akhmetov, but I think I won that fight. This time I will show the world that I am the true champion.

ONE: Kings and Conquerors will take place at The Cotai Arena on August 5. For further details re: this event and others, check out www.onefc.com.

Rika Ishige and Jomary Torres face off, with Chatri Sidyodtong in the middle.

Global Cebu stuffs FC Meralco Manila

Global Cebu moved to solo third place in the lone midweek matchup of the Philippines Football League, thanks to a 2-1 victory over FC Meralco Manila at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Substitute OJ Clarino scored the game-winning goal for the visitors in the 68th minute, receiving a Jerry Barbaso cross and nodding it past Ace Villanueva.

The Sparks started the scoring off on the wrong foot, with Milan Nikolic's errant attempt to clear a cross went into their own net instead in the 18th minute. Making things worse is that Joaco Cañas had to be replaced after just thirty minutes due to a hamstring strain.

Even with those mishaps, the defense still managed to hold firm, led by the efforts of Villanueva. They finally found their much-sought equalizer just before the halftime whistle, as Simon Greatwich tied things up off a feed from Tahj Minniecon.

FC Meralco Manila had a chance to move ahead early in the second half, but Philippine international Patrick Deyto snuffed out a Minniecon attempt.

After Clarino put Global ahead, he had the chance to double the lead, but Villanueva managed to prevent that from happening.

The Sparks had their opportunities to replicate their 2-2 result last meeting, especially since the visitors played with ten men in the final few minutes due to Paul Mulders being sent off. Unfortunately for the hosts, they failed to find the tying goal.

Even with their second loss of the PFL season, FC Meralco Manila remains level on points with Kaya FC-Makati at 27 points, toting the inferior goal difference against their upcoming opponents this Saturday. As for Global-Cebu FC, it moves them up into solo third place with 25 points, with an outside shot of moving into first place also this Saturday as they host cellar-dwellers Ilocos United.

NOTES:

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib went with Daniel Gadia and Connor Tacagni to replace the Younghusbands on the starting lineup. Start list still reflected the Younghusbands as part of the Sparks' roster, although this photo taken last night shows transfer has been made.

Here is the photo of @PhilYHusband and @JYH7 reflecting the move to @davaoaguilasfc -> pic.twitter.com/MXpW1CngHi

— PHSports LiveScores (@LiveScoresPH) August 3, 2017

Meanwhile, Dominic del Rosario officially made his Global FC debut after his transfer from Ilocos United FC. Darryl Regala was an unused substitute. As for Rufo Sanchez, his name was not yet officially on the team sheet, even if the team announced the transfer.

.@rufinho9 isn't on @GlobalCebuFC's team list yet. #PFL2017 pic.twitter.com/La9Ewfi331

— Football.com.ph (@FootballComPH) August 2, 2017

Caslib acknowledged the team's frustration with three missed handball calls during the match, but he says, "We all have a responsibility to develop the game. Players, coaches, and referees. Let's hope the officiating evolves as the league evolves." He adds, "Everyone in the team has to step up, but it's a process. If we all do our job well we can succeed."

Global Cebu FC head coach Akbar Nawas after the match: "Everyone thought it would be a walk in the park without the Younghusbands, but it was not the case. It was a tough match. Global defender Wesley Dos Santos praised Barbaso and Dennis Villanueva's work during the match, while also crediting the hosts' strong and fast attack.

FC Meralco Manila seeks solo PFL lead versus Global Cebu

Life without the Younghusband brothers officially begins for FC Meralco Manila this afternoon, as the Sparks attempt to take solo leadership of the Philippines Football League against Global Cebu FC at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Currently level on points with idle Kaya FC-Makati at 27, FC Meralco Manila owns the inferior goal difference, but has a couple of games in hand.

Head coach Aris Caslib noted that "it will not be easy" to try to pull off the victory against the former UFL champions, but adds that "we will do their best." He shared that the squad has been working on fixing their transition, with Tahj Minniecon, Curt Dizon, and Daniel Gadia taking up the cudgels in funneling the attack.

As for the team moving on, Caslib noted that "the players were ready already for the next chapter of the club's story." Everyone is prepared. They know their task, they know how to play against Global. I think it is going to be a tough match." He adds that everyone would have step up, although he specifically Connor Tacagni and Jinggoy Valmayor to step up, and guys like Simon Greatwich, Milan Nikolic, and Minniecon that can push the team to the next level.

Global Cebu seeks to take solo third in the standings, as they are level on points with Ceres-Negros FC and own the inferior goal difference. A win would also keep themselves within striking distance of the leaders.

Addressing the media, head coach Akbar Nawas says that the team looks forward to the game, but noted that every game is different from football and "they have to prepare well for the game." He adds that the team just has to go out there and "let out feet do the talking."

The former Tampines head coach also said that they have to go into the game and respect the opponent. "As a team, they are still up there. Due respect has to be given to them, whether the Younghusbands are there or not. We just have to prepare ourselves and go into that game. We can't be complacent, and I don't think they will give us the three points. We will just have to focus."

Misagh noted that the Sparks were the ones scoring first in their previous meeting, a 2-2 draw at Rizal Memorial, so the team has been working all week on fixing that problem.

Amani Aguinaldo was suspended for that matchup, but Nawas said that they have to see if he is healthy enough to be a go for the game.

At the time of the press conference, only Dominic del Rosario was confirmed to have joined Global Cebu. When asked about what the recent Philippine international can do to help the team, Nawas described him as a "natural left-footer in his natural position of left back." The team has been lacking in that area for quite a while now. "He brings a little bit of presence to us on that area of the field, which could help us play better the way we want to play."

When asked about what del Rosario can bring, Bahadoran noted that there are not much left-footed players in the Philippines, and also acknowledged that it addresses a position weakness. He also highlighted the difficulty finding Filipino defenders, and "Dominic is one of the players we really needed, especially [since] we have fast wingers. We need someone who can supply these players and play the ball fast, forward. Dominic is a player whose feet who can run, can cross, can shoot the ball. It's good that we have him also. We will see what he can bring for Global."

The team has since announced that have snapped up Rufo Sanchez and Darryl Regala, with the former making his long overdue return to Philippine club football.

Tickets are available at the gate, with kickoff slated at 4pm. For those who cannot come to the game, one can watch via streaming, with the link for the match available below



NOTES:

Global Cebu FC at FC Meralco Manila is not just the major football match scheduled today. Later on tonight, Ceres-Negros FC attempts to be the best ASEAN club in the AFC Cup by facing off against S-League side Home United FC in the first leg of the ASEAN Zone Final.

When asked about the matchup:

Caslib: Ceres has this momentum right now of winning. And if they would really focus the way they can, I think it would be easy for them to win in their matchup.

Nawas: Of course in a final, anything can happen. The more hungrier team will win, but Ceres is a good team. Home is a good team in Singapore, but technically I think Ceres has the upper hand.

Nawas when when asked about the state of Philippine club football: I think Philippine football is getting into another level, especially with this year going professional and all that. Definitely, we have seen some improvement that can elevate the league to another level. it is a good start for being professional.

​​ Jomary Torres happy to compete alongside Kelly, Pacio in Macao

If you ask Jomary Torres, being a part of the undercard of ONE: Kings and Conquerors this coming August 5 at the Cotai Arena in Macau with fellow Filipino MMA fighters is a privilege.

She relishes the chance to be a part of this event alongside Eric Kelly and Joshua Pacio, says "I am very happy because all of us are representing the Philippines and not against each other. This is good. I hope all of us will win on fight night." She adds, "We get to represent the country. It's really an honor and a privilege. We are one team in Macao. We are all hoping for a clean sweep."

Torres faces Rika Ishige, while Kelly faces former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku and Pacio will face Hayato Suzuki for a chance to get another title shot against Yoshitaka Naito.

Toting a 1-0 record, Jomary is not expecting to be someone's footstool to move up the rankings. She claims, "It's my first time to compete in ONE Championship. I am honored and blessed to be in this top-notch organization, which is widely considered as the frontrunner of MMA in the region. Of course, I am aiming to get a big win. I've worked hard just to make it here. I won't waste this opportunity."

She adds, "I am prepared for this fight. Every fight is a challenge for me. But I welcome all challenges. Bring it on."