Hello there! So anyway, the Maldives U-23 side are currently in Manila for a 2-week training camp. Unfortunately that's the extent of what we fans know because FAM don't care about keeping us updated. They're almost on par with the North Koreans in that regard. Have you heard of any news regarding the Azkals U-23 side playing friendlies against us?
None unfortunately. Perhaps they can play preseason games with some teams in the new league the Philippine Premier League. The Philippine U22 side just participated in the AFF U 22 youth championships a month ago. I think it has disbanded its team so the players can play in their respective college competitions which take priority in the Philippines over the national teams. Unfortunately, I think the PFF is worse than the Maldives federation in preparing their players for international youth competitions. They rarely hold training camps for their youth teams except for a few weeks before the actual competition itself.
Kaya FC–Iloilo Fire Five Past ASEAN Champions in First AFC Cup Home Match Kaya FC–Iloilo (Philippines) 5-0 Home United FC (Singapore) March 13, 2019 Panaad Stadium March 13, 2019; Bacolod, Philippines – Kaya FC–Iloilo made sure their first home match in the 2019 AFC Cup was one to remember. Braces from Darryl Roberts and Alfred Osei, and a goal from Jovin Bedic fired the hosts to a five-goal victory over the reigning ASEAN champions from Singapore, Home United. Kaya got off to the perfect start, with Darryl Roberts heading in from close range in just the second minute of the match. “This whole week we’ve been working hard in training, especially on set pieces,” said Roberts, who was named Man of the Match. “We just executed what was taught on the training pitch and for the first one it worked out well.” The visitors then threatened to level the score almost immediately, but were denied by a goal-line clearance. “We got an early wake up call. Masanari Omura was able to stop an opportunity from Home United. That woke us up. We then accepted the challenge, created opportunities, and we scored goals,” said Noel Marcaida after the match. The second goal came just after the half hour mark. Roberts made the assist, as Jovin Bedic cut inside his man and blasted a shot past the keeper to double the advantage. Darryl made it three not long after, latching on to Connor Tacagni’s low cross for a close range finish. Iloilo entered the break flying with confidence, and they kept their foot on the gas in the second, scoring almost instantly after the restart. From a free kick, Roberts broke free from his man and cut the ball back for Jordan Mintah. The Ghanaian forward’s shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly for Alfred Osei to place in the top corner from close range. Osei then doubled his tally in the 56th minute. Mintah’s cross was headed away, but only as far as Alfred, who clinically volleyed the ball for Iloilo’s fifth of the match. Roberts, Mintah, and substitute Yannick Tuason all came close to adding a sixth as Kaya kept ramping up the pressure, but United were spared any additional damage. “This victory really means a lot to us. Not only is it a gift for our boss, Santi Araneta, who celebrated his birthday two days ago, and for Mike Casas who celebrated yesterday, it’s for one of our players whose mom is in a critical situation,” said Marcaida. The victory pushed the Filipino club to four points and a goal difference of five, enough to top Group H. Kaya is followed by Indonesia’s PSM Makassar, who after their 7-3 victory against Lao Toyota, are behind only on goal difference. Laos’ champions and Home United round out the group. Kaya next travel to Indonesia to face PSM on April 2. www.kayafc.com/match/10727-kaya-fc%E2%80%93iloilo-v-home-united/
Ceres makes it 2 wins in as many games at AFC Cup CERES-NEGROS FC maintained its control of Group G in the 2019 AFC Cup with another victory on Tuesday night over Becamex Binh Duong, 3-1, in Vietnam. Getting a splendid performance from Spaniard Bienvenido Maranon, the “Busmen” made it two victories in as many games in group play of the ongoing tournament to take solid leadership in the grouping with six points. Mr. Maranon silenced the home team early as he out-witted Becamex goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong, stealing the ball from the latter in the host’s penalty area and tapping it into the net for a Ceres goal and the lead, 1-0, in the 26th minute. Becamex tried to get back the point for the rest of the opening half, creating some solid opportunities to score, but Ceres continued to hold sway by the halftime break. At the start of the second half both teams picked up the pace, looking to establish the momentum they needed to seize control of the match. The home team got the first dent in the second half when Brazilian Wander Luiz pulled Becamex even when he volleyed the ball inside the net in the 72nd minute. Ceres immediately regrouped though with Mr. Maranon scoring his second goal two minutes later to give back the lead to his team, 2-1. Mr. Maranon and the Busmen continued to put pressure on Becamex and created further separation, 3-1, in the 78th minute when the Spaniard completed his hat trick with help from teammate OJ Porteria. Becamex scrambled to make a late comeback on the lead of Wander Luiz but nothing would come of it as Ceres fought off everything that was thrown at it down the stretch en route to the victory, Following Tuesday’s fixtures in Group G, Ceres (2-0-0) is at solo first place, followed by Indonesia’ Persija Jakarta (1-1-0), Becamex (0-1-1) and Shan United FC of Myanmar (0-0-2). As per tournament format, the top teams in each of the groupings earn an automatic spot in the Zonal semifinals of the tournament. Ceres next plays on April 3 against Persija Jakarta at its home field of Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City. www.bworldonline.com/ceres-makes-it-2-wins-in-as-many-games-at-afc-cup/
Men's Soccer 3/21/2019 2:56:00 PM Strickler trains for roster spot on Philippine national team All-ACC sophomore performer Kristo Strickler has traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to train and compete for a spot on the Philippines national team roster. The camp held from March 18-26 will help the Philippine Football Federation to determine the pool of players to represent the nation in the next cycle of World Cup qualifying games.Another camp will be held in the summer of 2019 as well. "He has a great opportunity in front of him," Virginia Tech head coach Mike Brizendine said. "This is well-deserved, and I am thrilled that he will get this experience. Kristo is a model student-athlete and represents everything that Virginia Tech soccer is about. He is hard-working, a great student, a great individual off of the field, and a very good soccer player. This is the beginning of a long and successful playing career for him." Stricklerstarted all 21 of Tech's games in 2018, and he earned All-Conference honors as a forward duringa fantastic season. The Hilliard, Ohio native led the team with 10 goals, a mark that was fourth in the ACC. His 24 total points ranked in the top five in the conference. He helped lead Hokies to 11-7-3 record and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, the program's second trip in three seasons. Tech earned a national seed for the second time in school history. Strickler was also named to VaSID's All-State team, and he was recognized as the ACC's Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 22. Another accolade for our guy @kristostrickler He was named to VaSID's 1st team this afternoon pic.twitter.com/GIhWxS6Rox — Virginia Tech Men's Soccer (@hokiesmsoccer) December 18, 2018 After a big week, Kristo earns @accmsoccer Offensive Player of the Week honors! » t.co/svLszRMWNS pic.twitter.com/T7d77Mzo1n — Virginia Tech Men's Soccer (@hokiesmsoccer) October 22, 2018 The Hokies are in the midst of their spring season where they are competing in U.S. Soccer's Spring College Program. Tech defeated Virginia in the first game of the spring campaign, and they are preparing for their next game on Saturday, March 23 at Villanova. hokiesports.com/news/2019/3/21/mens-soccer-strickler-trains-for-roster-spot-on-philippine-national-team.aspx
Players Invited for Trials in Thailand Newcomers : 1. Daniel Champness , Brisbane Roar U20, Australia 2. Julian Schwarzer , GK , Pipinsried Fc , Germany 3. Kristo Strickler , Dayton Dutch Lions Fc/Virginia Tech USA 4. Raphael Reynolds , Canada 5. Kieran Hayes, Nottingham U23, England 6. Yrik Galantes, Hibirnian U18, Scotland 7. Simen Alexander Lyngbø, Bærum , Norway 8. Michael Kempter, Fc Zürich U21, Switzerland 9. Diego Bardanca , Bytovia Bytow , Poland 10. Christian Rontini, Sangiovannese 1927, Italy 11. Kainoa Bailey, USA 12. Enrique Linares, CD El Palo, Spain 13. Kristofer Reyes, Iceland 14. Jose Angel Carrillo, Cordoba, Spain Julian Schwarzer is former Fulham and Australian national football team mainstay Mark Schwarzer's son. Mark mentored Neil Etheridge when both were at Fulham. Kempter used to play for the Swiss national football youth teams.
Cooper sees great talent for Azkals after Bangkok camp National football team coach Scott Cooper hailed the Azkals’ low-key training camp in Bangkok, Thailand, as a “massive success,” saying that they’ve identified several prospects for selection for future Under-23 and senior tournaments, particularly 2022 World Cup Qualifying late this year. While other Southeast Asian nations used the international break to play friendly matches and invitational tournaments, Cooper had 28 players under his wing for a week, giving them time to understand “the style, the philosophy, and culture that we want to build.” “The camp has been a massive success,” Cooper told the Inquirer. “In a way, we were able to take a look at 15 players that we can tap for the future Under-23, Under-22 and SEA (Southeast Asian) Games and the senior team. But, of course, nobody has been ruled out for selection and we’re just following a careful plan that we’ve got to have the team ready for September (WCQ) and SEA Games.” Among the players who were invited for the camp were long-time prospect Michael Kempter, Enrique Linares, Diego Bardanca and Jose Carillo. Kempter, who plays in the Swiss League, has been in the Azkals’ radar for quite some time but suffered an injury that ruled him out of selection for the Asian Cup. Linares, who plays in the third division in Spain, is the cousin of Azkals defender Alvaro Silva. The 26-year-old Bardanca, a defender, has the most impressive resumé among the prospects as he currently plays in the second division in Poland. Bardanca is eligible to represent the country because of his Filipino grandmother. Carillo, a striker, whose great grandfather is Filipino, plays for Cordoba in the Spanish second division. Only four players based in the Philippines—Silva, Mike Ott, Curt Dizon and Kevin Ingreso—joined the camp. Thailand-based players Javier Patino, Stephan Palla, Marco Casambre, Mark Hartmann, Amin Nazari and Michael Falkesgaard also linked up with the team along with Malaysia-based Amani Aguinaldo. “This camp has been quiet, very professional and we built it up slowly,” said Cooper. https://sports.inquirer.net/343458/cooper-sees-great-talent-for-azkals-after-bangkok-camp-breaking
Philippines and Cardiff City star Neil Etheridge has now made the second-most saves in Premier League this season Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has leapfrogged Manchester United custodian David de Gea to become the shotstopper who has made the second most number of saves in the ongoing Premier League season. The Philippines goalkeeper, who saw his side go down 2-1 to Chelsea the other day, now has 105 saves in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign — one more than United’s Spanish star de Gea. Watford’s Polish custodian Lukasz Fabianski is at the top of the stats table — the former Arsenal man having made an incredible 126 saves for the Hornets who are 10th in the English top flight standings. Etheridge has started all 31 of Bluebirds’ Premier League games this season keeping eight clean sheets in the process. He has also saved there penalties — level with Everton and England keeper Jordan Pickford at the top. Cardiff City will now face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on April 4 with the Sky Blues looking to return to the summit of the Premier League table. Etheridge’s side are, meanwhile, battling relegation and sit 18th in the table with 28 points from 31 games. Neil Warnock’s side are 11 points above Fulham and five points behind Burnley who have played one game more. https://www.foxsportsasia.com/footb...ond-most-saves-in-premier-league-this-season/
AFC Cup 2019: Maranon on target again as Ceres-Negros see off Persija Jakarta -A A+ Gabriel Tan Ceres-Negros have taken a big step towards the AFC Cup 2019 ASEAN Zone semi-finals after beating Persija Jakarta 1-0 in Wednesday’s top-of-Group-F clash at the Panaad Park and Stadium. Bienvenido Maranon netted the only goal of the game – and his fifth of the campaign already – in the 9th minute to hand the Philippine outfit the win, which sees them move five points clear at the top of the group at the halfway point of the group stage. As the only team in the ASEAN Zone still with a 100 per cent record of three consecutive wins, the Busmen are now on course to reach the knockout round for the third year in a row. In what was widely expected to be the tie of the round, it was the hosts who opened the scoring after just nine minutes. AFC Cup 2019: Ceres Negros 1-0 Persija Jakarta (Bienvenido Maranon – 9′) Coming in from the left, Martin Steuble floated an inch-perfect ball just over the last defender to pick out Maranon, who adjusted his body well to send a deft header past a stranded Andritany Ardhiyasa. Persija could have responded in the 18th minute when Ismed Sofyan went straight for a goal with a freekick from the left wing and forced Roland Muller into a good save. 42′ – Bambang with a horrendous miss! Bambang Pamungkas has passed on a gilt-edged chance to draw @Persija_Jkt level missing a tap in in front of the goal! The 38-year-old Indonesia international is apparently yet to score in an AFC Club competition! #CERvPSJ #AFCCup2019 pic.twitter.com/1jStLP2sBY — FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) April 3, 2019 The visitors’ best chance of the opening 45 came three minutes before the interval when Ramdani Lestaluhu broke into the area with an enterprising charge before whipping a low cross to the back post, only for the legendary Bambang Pamungkas – with over 200 career goals to his name – to fire wide from five yards out. Ceres then could have doubled their tally five minutes into the second half after Kevin Ingreso was left in acres of space on the edge of the box, only to see his delicate effort clip the outside of the post having had Andritany beaten all ends up. 50′ – Hits the woodwork! Kevin Ingresso lets fly for #CeresNegros, but his effort strikes the outside of the post and goes out! #CERvPSJ #AFCCup2019 pic.twitter.com/iVuoe910Wh — FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) April 3, 2019 But, as the game wore on, Persija increased the intensity in their search for an equaliser but were just unable to find a way past a resilient Ceres, who can now start thinking about a repeat of 2017 when they were crowned ASEAN Zone champions. CERES-NEGROS: Roland Muller, Carli de Murga, Alvaro Silva, Manuel Herrera, Martin Steuble, Omid Nazari, Kevin Ingreso (Mahir Karic 69’), OJ Porteria (Miguel Tanton 78’), Stephan Schrock, Mike Ott, Bienvenido Maranon. PERSIJA JAKARTA: Andritany Ardhiyasa, Ismed Sofyan, Steven Paulle, Maman Abdurrahman, Dany Saputra, Rohit Chand, Ramdani Lestaluhu, Riko Simanjuntak, Bruno Matos (Fitra Ridwan 85’), Heri Susanto (Sandi Sute 66’), Bambang Pamungkas (Ryuji Utomo 89’).
AFC Cup 2019: Lucky to get one point in Indonesia – Kaya FC-Iloilo star Marwin Angeles after PSM Makassar draw Geographic Restriction Close This content is not available in your location. AFC Cup 2019: PSM Makassar 1-1 Kaya FC (Marwin Angeles – 90+3′) Philippines international Marwin Angeles scored a late, late equaliser for Kaya FC-Iloilo to salvage a point against Indonesia Liga 1 side PSM Makassar in Group H of the AFC Cup 2019 on Wednesday. Eero Markkanen had put PSM Makassar ahead in the 56th minute via a penalty at the Pakansari Stadium in West Java, but the Italian-born midfielder popped up to level things up in the third minute of the second half injury time. The draw meant that Kaya are top of Group H with five points from three matches while PSM are second with same number of points but an inferior goal difference. And speaking after the game, Marwin said that Kaya were fortunate to take a point home from the game in Indonesia. “It was a really tough match for us. The team worked hard but we had a strong opponent, they were very strong,” the 28-year-old Marwin said. “We knew that we were going to come to Indonesia (and face) a lot of pressure, especially playing away and we were lucky enough to get a goal and get one point here in Indonesia. It was crucial for us,” the Kaya footballer said. Kaya will now host PSM in the return fixture on April 17. Home United are third in the group with four points after their 1-0 win over Lao Toyota in the other game of match day three. https://www.foxsportsasia.com/footb...-star-marwin-angeles-after-psm-makassar-draw/ Both Philippine teams lead their groups in the AFC Cup.
02 April 2019 Philippine Women’s National Team In 2020 Olympics Asian Qualifiers Round 2 MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Women’s National Team is inching closer towards the dream of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as they compete in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Asian Qualifiers Round 2 in Doha, Qatar from 3-9 April 2019 The team will face IR Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Palestine in Group C. In the first round held in Tajikistan last November 2018, the Philippines finished second in Group A with wins over Singapore (9-0), Tajikistan (3-1) and, Mongolia (5-1), while yielding a loss against Chinese Taipei (5-0). “We wish the Philippine Women’s National Football Team the best of luck as they embark on another round of Olympic Qualifiers in the Asian region,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes.” Women’s football has come a long way and we hope the team builds on this ahead of the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games this November.” The Olympic qualifiers is the first of at least three competitions for the Women’s National Team this year. The AFF Women’s Championship is set for August 2019 in Thailand and the 30th Southeast Asian Games in November 2019 in Manila. Marnelli Dimzon is the head coach assisted by coaches Gerald Orcullo and Melo Sabacan. MVP Sports Foundation supports the Philippine Women’s National Team. 23 players were called up for the tournament. The team left for Qatar this Monday, 1 April 2019. pff.org.ph/2019/04/01/philippine-womens-national-team-in-2020-olympics-asian-qualifiers-round-2/ Players Position School/Club CAVILL, Stacey Janet Margery Goalkeeper Perth Glory (Australia) PALACIOS, Inna Kristianne Goalkeeper Green Archers United FC PARIÑA, Kimberly Goalkeeper Far Eastern University AMITA, Analou Defender OutKast FC BERNAL, Mea Defender OutKast FC HODGES, Chelo Marie Defender De La Salle University LAM, Mary Harriette Defender Far Eastern University LONG, Hali Moriah Defender Green Archers United FC MONTELIBANO, Christina Defender De La Salle University PACHEJO, Hannah Defender Far Eastern University SHELTON, Tara Defender Holy Names Academy (USA) SIMARAGO, Calah Defender UC Santa Barbara (USA) TOMANON, Patricia Defender Florida International University (USA) CASTAÑEDA, Sara Isobel Midfielder De La Salle University DOLINO, Alesa Midfielder OutKast FC IMPELIDO, Patrice Mae Midfielder Hiraya FC LADERO, Loreta Midfielder OutKast FC MENDAÑO, Rocelle Marie Midfielder De La Salle University NAVAJA, Irish Midfielder De La Salle University RODRIGUEZ, Kathleen Camille Midfielder Hiraya FC DEL CAMPO, Alisha Clare Forward De La Salle University MADARANG, Eva Forward Rogers State University SEMACIO, Joyce Forward Miriam College Fixtures: Date Match Time Time (PST) Venue 3 April 2019 IR Iran vs. Philippines 8:00 PM 4 April 2019 1:00 AM Grand Hamad Stadium 6 April 2019 Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei 8:00 PM 7 April 2019 1:00 AM Grand Hamad Stadium 9 April 2019 Palestine vs. Philippines 7:00 PM 10 April 2019 12:00 AM
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team got off to a great start to the second round of the Olympic Qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Iran. The Pinays were tentative for most of the first half, which enabled Iran to dictate possession. The ladies in blue then regrouped at half-time and stunned their Central Asian counterparts with two early second-half goals. Hali Long headed an Eva Madarang long throw-in towards goal in the 47th minute, but missed. Then Joyce Semacio exploited an Iranian defender’s frantic clearance, and executed a brilliant volley that looped over the goalkeeper for the Philippines’ first goal of the round. Five minutes later, Sara Castañeda threaded the needle to get the ball to her La Sallian teammate Alisha Del Campo. The current leading scorer in UAAP Season 81 wrong-footed Iranian keeper Zahra Khajavi to double the scoreline. Iran was suddenly desperate, as momentum shifted to the other side of the field. Fortunately, Inna Palacios made some acrobatic saves to keep the hijab-clad ladies scoreless until full-time, nabbing a tenth career international cleansheet in the process. The Philippines now share 3 points with Chinese Taipei, who lead slightly at the top of the table on goal difference. The Filipinas will face them next on Saturday, April 6 at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar 8:00 p.m. local time (Sunday, April 7, 1:00 a.m. Philippine time.) Iran XI: Khajavi (GK), Amineh, Motevali, Sohrabi, Sarbali, Ghanbari (C), Chahkandi, Taherkhani, Hamoudi, Rouzbahan, Dabbaghi Philippines XI: Palacios (GK), Long, Dolino, Tomanon, Bernal, Impelido (C), Simarago, Navaja, Del Campo, Castañeda, Semacio tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pwnft-blanks-iran-reopen-olympic-qualifiers-campaign-style/145662
Philippines 2-4 Chinese Taipei Sunday, April 7, 2019 The Philippine Women’s National Team suffered a heartbreaking 2-4 defeat to Chinese Taipei in the 2020 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Asian Qualifiers Round 2 last Saturday 6 April 2019 at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The Philippines led in the opening 30 minutes of the first half to put the course for an upset. Joyce Semacio pounced on a Chinese Taipei error in the 13th minute to put the Philippines up 1-0. Patricia Tomanon doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute off another defensive mishap from Chinese Taipei. The two first half Philippines goals were the first two goals Chinese Taipei have conceded in the qualifiers. However, Chinese Taipei reduced the deficit late in the first half from the penalty spot before scoring three unanswered goals in the second half to hand the Philippines a 2-4 loss. The Philippines remained in second place in Group C of the Olympic qualifiers with 3 points. The Philippines will face Palestine in their final match on Tuesday 9 April 2019 at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. http://pff.org.ph/2019/04/07/philippines-2-4-chinese-taipei/
PFF President Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. Re-elected to the FIFA Council for 2019-2023 Saturday, April 6, 2019 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. has been re-elected to the FIFA Council for the term 2019 until 2023 following the elections held during the 29th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress last Saturday, 6 April 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As one of the 7 candidates for the 5 spots available for the FIFA Council position, Araneta received a total of 34 votes from the 46 AFC Member Associations present during the Congress. This will be Araneta’s second term as member of the FIFA Council after being elected to serve from 2017 to 2019. “It is a great honor to be once again elected to the FIFA Council,” said Araneta following his election. “I thank the Asian football family for giving me the opportunity to again serve in FIFA as a council member.” Also re-elected is AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa for the term 2019-2023 by acclamation. pff.org.ph/2019/04/06/pff-president-mariano-v-araneta-jr-re-elected-to-the-fifa-council-for-2019-2023/
Philippines 7-0 Palestine Wednesday, April 10, 2019 The Philippine Women’s National Team hammered Palestine, 7-0, last Tuesday, 9 April 2019 at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. However, with Chinese Taipei defeating IR Iran, 4-1, in the other match, the Philippines missed out on a spot to the final round of the 2020 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Asian Qualifiers. The Philippines raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half. Joyce Semacio converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute followed by Alisha del Camp and Eva Madarang in the 29th and 31st minutes. In the second half, the Philippines padded their score in a 10 minute span. Madarang added a second in the 60th minute. Captain Patrice Impelido also made her mark in 62nd minute. Sara Castañeda added further gloss with two more goals in the 66th and 70th minutes to complete the result. The Philippines, which is led by head coach Marnelli Dinzon, finished Group C in second place with two wins and one loss. The Olympic qualifiers is the first of at least three tournaments the team will participate this year with the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 set this August and the 30th Southeast Asian Games this November. “We thank the Philippine Women’s National Team for their formidable display in the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “The team may not have advanced to the next round, but their performance on the field is a testament on how far Women’s football has improved in the country in recent years.” pff.org.ph/2019/04/10/philippines-7-0-palestine/
xyz1000 posted this on another forum regarding Neil Etheridge's accomplishments in the English Premier League this year. It bares repeating here: "A season to remember for Neil. A relegated Cardiff, but on a personal level this is quite the achievement, being the solid #1 GK for the whole season. Ended the season with a win against Manchester United. His fingertip save redirected the ball to the post and bounced to safety. As for final stats, his total saves second only to Fabianski, and Ben Foster a distant third. Final stats of the GKs for # of saves: Rank Player Club Nationality Stat 1. Lukasz Fabianski West Ham United Poland 148 2. Neil Etheridge Cardiff City Philippines 141 3. Ben Foster Watford England 127 For a relegated team, the number of clean sheets is high. See the list below. Not a bad group to be in. Rank Player Club Nationality Stat 1. Alisson Liverpool Brazil 21 2. Ederson Manchester City Brazil20 3. Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea Spain 14 3. Jordan Pickford Everton England 14 5. Hugo Lloris Tottenham Hotspur France 12 6. Martin Dubravka Newcastle United Slovakia 11 7. Neil Etheridge Cardiff City Philippines 10 7. Kasper Schmeichel Leicester City Denmark 10 The 3 penalties he saved in the early part of the season stood until the end to keep him at the top. 1. Neil Etheridge Cardiff City Philippines 3 1. Jordan Pickford Everton England 3 3. Hugo Lloris Tottenham Hotspur France 2
Neil Etheridge named Cardiff City Player of the Year Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge impresses in the Premier League after finishing 2nd in saves Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge proved he belongs in the big leagues after being named Cardiff City Player of the Year on Sunday, May 5 (Monday, May 6, Manila time). The 29-year-old was voted for the coveted award in just his second season with the Welsh club. "Thank you to everyone who voted for me! Receiving Player of the Year means so much to me but I couldn't have done it without these people!" Etheridge wrote on Twitter. Thank you to everyone who voted for me! Receiving player of the year means so much to me but... I couldn’t have done it without these people! Thank you everyone! Such a great team and squad! #bluebirds #cityasone #cardiffcityfc #football #goalkeeper #football #cardiff pic.twitter.com/PRyTvL85ar — Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) May 6, 2019 The first player from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to see action in the Premier League, Etheridge impressed by finishing 2nd in saves with 127, just behind Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham (140). He also had 9 clean sheets and 3 penalties saved in 37 appearances. Our final award of the evening at City Hall...#CardiffCity's Player of the Season is @Neil38Etheridge!#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/Wk3ARAxzX1 — Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) May 5, 2019 Cardiff City, though, was relegated back to the English Football League Championship after landing in the bottom 3 of the Premier League. https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-s...ge-named-cardiff-city-player-of-the-year-2019
West Ham seems to be interested although they already have a #1 in Fabianski. Perhaps they like the fact that Neil is considered a local bec. of his English citizenship. Since there seems to be other sides interested, if I am Neil I would choose the club where the starting goalkeeper position is not established yet so he can stake a claim for it. EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke West Ham United are plotting a swoop to sign Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge this summer, Football Insider understands. Etheridge enjoyed an outstanding season with the Welsh outfit despite their relegation from the Premier League and was widely considered to be one of the best performing keepers in the top flight. The 29-year-old was an ever-present in his debut season in the Premier League, keeping 10 clean sheets and was rewarded for his fine form by being named Cardiff’s Player of the Year. Cardiff are bracing themselves for interest in Etheridge in the wake of relegation and a West Ham source has told Football Insider the club are one of several sides understood to be weighing up moves for the Philippines international. West Ham are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer with Spanish shot-stopper Adrian expected to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next month. The Hammers are keen to bring in cover and competition for current No.1 keeper Lukasz Fabianski and have been impressed by Etheridge’s performances for Cardiff. Etheridge, who joined Cardiff from Walsall in 2017, also fits the bill for West Ham as he would qualify as a homegrown player to boost the club’s quota of homegrown players in the squad. www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-west-ham-plot-swoop-to-sign-cardiff-city-player/
WhoScored.com Verified account @WhoScored May 13 .@CardiffCityFC ended the season a high as they secured a 2-0 win at Manchester United and having made 10 saves in a clean-sheet attaining performance, @Neil38Etheridge is our final Premier League Player of the Week of the season https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6cL_QPXkAAFK03.png:large
Philippines Head to China PR for International Friendly Match Wednesday, June 5, 2019 The preparation for the Philippines’ campaign in the upcoming Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 / AFC Asian Cup 2023 begins with a training camp in China PR. The training camp includes two matches, a FIFA International Friendly Match between the Philippine Men’s “A” Team and China PR Men’s “A” Team on Friday, 7 June 2019 at Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, China, and a practice match between the Philippines selection and a local club on Sunday, 9 June 2019 in Guangdong Province. The friendly match against China PR is the team’s first match following the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 last January 2019. This will be the second time in recent years that China PR will host the Philippines in a friendly match. The two teams last met in China last June 2017 where the hosts came away with an 8-1 win. A total of 24 players were called up and/or invited. The team held training sessions at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium over the past two days. Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto and defender Marco Casambre make their return to the lineup. The new additions to the squad are Bernd Schipmann who plays for German side Rot Weiss Ahlen and midfielder Christian Rontini who plays for Italian side ASD Sangiovannesse 1927. Scott Cooper will lead the team as the senior coach. The team left for China PR today, 05 June 2019. Players: Player Position Club 1 DEYTO, Patrick Goalkeeper Stallion Laguna FC 2 FALKESGAARD, Michael Goalkeeper Bangkok United (Thailand) 3 SCHIPMANN, Bernd Goalkeeper Rot Weiss Ahlen (Germany) 4 AGUINALDO, Amani Defender PKNP FC (Malaysia) 5 CASAMBRE, Marco Defender Chainat Hornbill (Thailand) 6 PALLA, Stephan Defender Buriram United (Thailand) 7 WOODLAND, Luke Defender Kuala Lumpur FA (Malaysia) 8 SATO, Daisuke Defender Sepsi OSK Sfantu Gheorghe (Romania) 9 SILVA, Alvaro Defender Ceres Negros FC 10 INGRESO, Kevin Midfielder Ceres Negros FC 11 OTT, Mike Rigoberto Midfielder Ceres Negros FC 12 RONTINI, Christian Midfielder ASD Sangiovannesse 1927 (Italy) 13 SCHROCK, Stephan Midfielder Ceres Negros FC 14 BEDIC, Jovin Forward Kaya FC - Iloilo 15 DIZON, Curt Forward Ceres Negros FC 16 REICHELT, Patrick Forward Melaka United FC (Malaysia) 17 PATIÑO, Javier Forward Buriram United (Thailand) Invited for the training camp are foreign-based players: 18 BAILEY, Kainoa Forward Des Moines Menace (USA) 19 BARDANCA, Diego Defender MKS Bytovia Bytow (Poland) 20 BERNAL, Enrique Forward Real Balompedica Linense (Spain) 21 FERNANDEZ, Pancho Forward Deportes La Serena (Chile) 22 GUERRA, Kevin Midfielder ATSV Erlangen (Germany) 23 KEMPTER, Michael Defender FC Zurich (Switzerland) 24 STRICKLER, Kristofer Forward Virginia Tech University (USA) pff.org.ph/2019/06/05/philippines-head-to-china-pr-for-international-friendly-match/
Philippines captain Stephan Schrock sees plenty of promise from the Azkals’ latest recruits, whom he said look “hungry, fresh and excited” to help the country in the next cycle of the World Cup qualifiers starting September. Speaking to the Inquirer before the Azkals left for Guangzhou, China, on Tuesday night, the country’s only Asian Cup goal scorer believes the likes of newcomers Michael Kempter, Diego Bardanca and Pancho Fernandez can bring “positive vibes and energy” in their upcoming training camp and in future tournaments. In fact, the new talents have made Schrock put his international retirement plans on hold. “There are so many reasons to quit and really just a few to stay and continue,” said the 33-year-old Schrock. “This is for the country. I feel like I can still help on the pitch than somewhere else. If they find players much better than me, then I’ll be happy to step away.” Azkals coach Scott Cooper has brought 24 players for the China camp, but only 17 will be eligible for the match against the Chinese national team on Friday. Midfielder Christian Rontini of Italian side Sangiovannesse and goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann of German club Rot Weiss Ahlen are eligible to play against China. Kempter, Bardanca, Fernandez, Kainoa Bailey, Enrique Bernal, Kevin Guerra and Kristoffer Strickler are only invitees to the camp as they are still trying to secure the necessary requirements to play for the country. Kempter, a defender, needs to secure a change in sporting nationality from the Fifa Player Status committee since he played for Switzerland at the youth level, while the Poland-based Bardanca, who has Filipino lineage through one of his grandparents, is still in the process of securing his passport. Fernandez grew up in Toronto, Canada, but plays in the second division in Chile. Both of his parents are Filipino as he traces his roots in Bacolod City and Manila. Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/352310/...lents-excite-ph-skipper-schrock#ixzz5q2pbbMSp