It is indeed. Different national team manager, team coach, and players . You don't see that happening in well run organizations.
Apparently there was some mitigating circumstances behind the debacle in Taipei. When they were first extended an invitation by the CTFA, they were told that it was going to be an U23 tournament so the manager and coach of the U23 team was the one delegated to head the team. But prior to the start of the competition it was announced that matches will be considered as men's friendly games by FIFA. The PFF was a little bit blindsided by this decision. Apparently there was invitations given on short notice at the last minute to players from other teams, but they never got a reply back. With only 3 days left to organize a team, they decided to send primarily a group of young players from the U23 team(including amateur university players) reinforced by a few senior players from his PFL club Davao and Stallion. Apparently the excuse they are making now is they wanted to provide experience to the young players of the U 23 team that will be the backbone of the team participating in the SEA tournament that the Philippines will be hosting in 2 years time. That is why they decided to bench most of the seniors and fielded a very young team against Timor Leste. Unfortunately this backfired, and despite dominating possession and most of the play, this young team couldn't score a goal and lost 0-1. I agree that giving experience to our younger players is important(in the right circumstances like U23 friendlies or tournaments this would be ideal) but not at the cost of possibly harming our chances in the Asian Cup. If they were placed in pot 4 in the AFC Cup draw, they would most likely be facing 3 potentially strong opponents in their group minimizing their chances of ever getting out of that group. No matter the circumstances for this debacle and the excuse we are hearing from various quarters now that the deed is done, it cannot be ignored that lack of foresight on the coaching staff of the team sent by the PFF to this tournament, has potentially harmed the regular men's chances in the coming Asian Cup. I don't think he would be so lackadaisical with his decisions if he was coaching the regular men's team as well.
Global Cebu clinches a place in the final of the inaugural Philippines Football League, with an aggregate 3-2 win over Meralco Manila. They will be facing Ceres Negros in the Finals after Ceres won their tie against Kaya FC Makati on a 3-1 aggregate score.
Good draw for us. It is amazing how the host got all the weaker teams in their group, but I am not complaining at all. With 5 slots for Asia in the World Cup, all we need to do is finish top 2 in our group.
The Philippine Women's National Football Team (PWNFT) is slated to compete against Jordan, China and Thailand in the group stage of the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup on April 7 tto 22, 2018 in Jordan. The groupings were a result of the draw held on Saturday, December 9, where the Philippines will be competing in Group A along with hosts Jordan while defending champion Japan and world no. 6 Australia are grouped with Vietnam and Korea Republic in Group B. "We are happy with the outcome of the draw and look forward to the opportunity to bring honor to our country. We call on all true supporters of Philippine Football to come together to help make the World Cup Qualification a reality," said Philippine Football President and Project Jordan Head Mariano Araneta. The Women's Asian Cup acts as a qualifier for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where top 5 teams of the competition will advance to the world tournament in France. The team dominated their matches against the United Arab Emirates (4-0), Iraq (4-0), Tajikistan (8-0). Sara Castañeda's 82nd equalizing volley allowed the team to draw 1-1 with Bahrain and assured them of a spot in the Asian Cup finals. The PWNFT only lost to the hosts Jordan (1-5), who also finished on top of Group A with 15 points. "In 2010, the Miracle in Hanoi brought us all together to support the Men's National Team. Now is the time for Women's football to take us to the next level," said Araneta. https://www.rappler.com/sports/philippines/190951-pwnft-2018-afc-womens-asian-cup-group-a-draw
The Philippine women's football team, more popularly known as the Malditas, now know their opponents in their maiden appearance in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup. The Filipinas were drawn into Group A alongside South East Asian powerhouse Thailand, host nation Jordan, and China. "I'm actually speechless! Thank you God for this draw. I'm excited!" Captain Patrice Impelido said in a statement. The draw was made at the King Hussein bin Talal Convention Center in Jordan Saturday. Group B contains some of the tougher squads in the region, with Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Vietnam grouped together. The winners and runners-up of each group will advance to the semi-finals of the competition and automatically qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Third placed nations from each group will meet in a play-off for the fifth and final Asian berth for the World Cup. With the Philippines avoiding the likes of Japan, Australia, and South Korea early on, the Filipinas see an opportunity to make it far in the tournament. "We see light and hope to make the next round. But again, it's not going to be an easy journey. It never will," Co-captain Inna Palacios said. "Proper preparation is crucial here. We cannot wait!" The AFC Women's Asian Cup will be played from April 6 to 20 in Amman. http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2017/12/10/2018-AFC-Womens-Asian-Cup-Philippine-Malditas-draw.html
By virture of being the top two sides of the 2017 PFL campaign, both Ceres and Global will also play in next year’s AFC Cup for the second season running, with the champions also set to earn an AFC Champions League qualifying berth.
Move over Kawin and Hassan, this England-based Filipino is Southeast Asia's number one No.1 Football fans in Southeast Asia are always asking when their stars will go to Europe. The media too, but we can sometimes forget that some are already there. Neil Etheridge for example... by John Duerden Published 8 hours ago Neil’s journey has been far from straightforward, but he is basking in the glory at the moment - Chris Greatwich The Philippines goalkeeper could be playing in the English Premier League next season and, if so, will have earned his place in the world’s most popular league the hard way – by helping his team get promoted. Etheridge has slipped under the radar in Southeast Asia – unfairly so. Perhaps it is because he was born in London and has never played club football outside Europe. Perhaps it is because he has been knocking around the lower leagues of England for a number of years, meaning another move in May to Cardiff in the English Championship did not receive much attention. The gloveman has been around for some time despite still being relatively young – for a goalkeeper at least – at 27. The former Chelsea youth player made the short journey across West London to join Fulham in 2006. There were then years of loan deals and short spells at Charlton Athletic, Bristol Rovers, Crewe and elsewhere before a 2015 move to Walsall. He did enough in the Midlands to then be signed by Cardiff. Chris Greatwich is not only a former Philippines teammate of Etheridge, he is also a friend. He has incredible self-belief and even when he didn’t have a club and was wondering what would happen, he was always really positive “Neil’s journey has been far from straightforward, but he is basking in the glory at the moment,” Greatwich, now head coach of Kaya FC, told FourFourTwo. “He has done the hard work, playing in the lower leagues with Oldham and Charlton. “He has incredible self-belief and even when he didn’t have a club and was wondering what would happen, he was always really positive that his time would come. “He showed great self-discipline to stay fit and sharp all the time. At one time, he had played more international games than club games.” Not any more. Keeper Lee Camp, who is highly-rated by Cardiff boss Neil Warnock, was expected to be the No.1 at the club this season, but the former Northern Ireland star has been injured. When he returns to fitness he may not get into the team because of Etheridge’s excellent form. He has played every moment of the season so far and after 21 games, Cardiff are sitting in second place, just four points behind leaders Wolverhampton and four points clear of the playoff spots in the battle for a return to the top flight. Cardiff's Filipino wall As well as Cardiff sitting in the automatic promotional places, one other thing stands out when you look at the table. The team has conceded the least number of goals in the entire league, or to put it another way, Etheridge has conceded fewer goals than any other goalkeeper in the Championship. The clean sheets that he has kept in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe is testament to his ability This is something that should be shouted from the bottom of the deepest Welsh valleys all the way to the top of the tallest skyscraper in the glitzy financial Manila district of Makati. This Southeast Asian goalkeeper has picked the ball out of his net just 16 times so far this season. Such consistency is truly impressive. Being a goalkeeper in the Championship is tough. The level is high and the crowds are as big as the rewards for success and the penalties for failure. The pressure to achieve promotion is massive and no allowances are made to keepers for any mistakes. “The Championship is an extremely difficult league,” said Greatwich. “The clean sheets that he has kept in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe is testament to his ability. Hopefully he will get to the highest level. "To have a current national team player in the English Premier League would be gigantic. He is playing a major part in Cardiff’s promotion challenge and the whole of the Philippines will be cheering the Bluebirds on “He is an inspiration for Filipino players and we are right behind him. “ When the debate about the best goalkeeper in Southeast Asia focuses on Thailand’s Kawin Thamstachanan and Hassan Sunny of Singapore, they are forgetting one person. The first two can lay strong claim to be the best No.1’s currently playing in Southeast Asia, but on current form Etheridge is outperforming both. He is playing a major part in Cardiff’s promotion challenge and the whole of the Philippines football family will be cheering the Bluebirds on. It is also time for media and fans in the ASEAN region to give Etheridge the recognition he deserves. Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/feat...east-asias-number-one-no1#mUdw7KA3F8WbIgWh.99
playmakerstats @playmaker_EN Dec 16 Fewest C'ship goals conceded at HOME (17/18): 5⚽️: CARDIFF 8⚽️: Derby, Preston, Villa 9⚽️: Boro, Leeds 10⚽️: Wolves 11⚽️: Birmingham, Bristol C, Fulham, Norwich Neil EtheridgeVerified account @neil38etheridge Dec 16 What a great win! Another 3 points and happy to keep my 10th clean sheet of the season!
www.foxsports.ph/football/asian-football/805805/ph-to-begin-3-month-us-training-camp-for-afc-womens-asian-cup-2018/ PH to begin 3-month US training camp for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 The preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 enter the next phase as four members of the Philippine women’s national football team departed for the United States earlier today to begin formal training. Patrice Impelido, Inna Palacios, Camille Rodriguez and Sara Castañeda make up the first batch of players based in Manila called up by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and are expected to be later joined by other locally-based players Alesa Dai Dolino, Mea Bernal, Kyla Jan Inquig and Anicka Castañeda. The training camp will begin on Wednesday, December 27, in Corona, California and will last until March. Newly appointed coach Richard Boon will be overseeing the program assisted by Clint McDaniel. Over 40 players are expected to participate in the three-month camp which combines the locals with overseas-based players selected from the identification camp held last November. Notable of these foreign-based players are Eva Madarang, Hali Long, Hanna Parado and Claire Lim who have suited up for the Philippines in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers and Southeast Asian Games earlier this year. The Philippines will be competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Amman, Jordan next April and have been drawn with China, Thailand and Jordan in Group A while avoiding Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Vietnam who are in Group B. They open the tournament against the hosts on April 6 at the Amman International Stadium, followed by the highest ranked team of their group China on April 9 and finally the Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand on April 12; both these matches will be held at the King Abdullah II Stadium. With the tournament doubling as FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, the five teams that finish the best will receive berths to France 2019. The intensive camp is part of the preparations arranged by the Project Jordan task force led by PFF president Mariano V. Araneta with corporate backing from PLDT, the MVP Sports Foundation, Giligan’s, Winner Circle Athletics and Pythos Technology Philippines Inc. The group is also finalizing plans for international friendlies before the team heads to Jordan.
BLACKED OUT: Meralco Manila folds, reduce PFL to seven teams ahead of second season When the Philippines Football League is set to kick off next month, it will be devoid of color. This comes as Meralco Manila announced last night that it will immediately cease to operate and will not join the league for its second season, citing the huge financial burden in running the club after finishing third in the league's inaugural postseason. The announcement ended eleven years in the upper echelon of Philippine football, starting out as an alumni team of former Ateneo stalwarts before alumnus Manny V. Pangilinan bought the club in 2011 and brought Phil and James Younghusband to their fold. Then known as the Loyola Meralco Sparks, the club scored two pieces of silverware in its short yet colorful existence: the UFL Cup in 2013 and the PFF-Smart Club National two years later. The Sparks were pioneers of overseas competitions, having finished fourth in the Singapore Cup in 2012. Last year, they entered the PFL and chose Rizal Memorial as their home, losing only twice in Adriatico and won four of their tiffs with eternal rival Kaya Makati in the Capital Clasico to finish at the podium in third. Despite losing the Younghusband brothers to a financially-strong yet underwhelming Davao Aguilas midway into the season after a starting it on a nine-match unbeaten run, the club soldiered on to retain the top spot at the end of the quadruple-round regular season, but lost out to Global Cebu in the Finals series that cost them not just a spot in the final, but also their last chance of experiencing Asian football. Manila's exit reduce the league's participation to seven clubs as it prepares its sophomore effort full of unanswered inquiries after its inaugural year. http://www.dugout.ph/2018/01/blacked-out-meralco-manila-folds-reduce.html The PFL teams from the south where football is more popular is flourishing and attracting large crowds, but teams in the Luzon region including in the capital Manila, where basketball predominates continue to have attendance problems. The Philippine's capital Manila, will not have a team participating in the PFL in the upcoming season.
Ceres-Negros FC will face Brisbane Roar FC in the #ACL2018 Preliminary Stage 2 after defeating Shan United FC 4-3 on penalties in Myanmar. This was Ceres first game this year after winning the PFL championship last year.
Ilocos United Football Club has today decided to withdraw from the Philippines Football League (PFL) for the 2018 season. Unfortunately, after months of negotiation, efforts to attract a new naming sponsor for the Team were unsuccessful. Consequently, it has become financially prohibitive to continue participation in the PFL. Primarily, the lack of broadcasting exposure in 2017 created an apprehension in the corporate community, cascading into a series of afflictions that has ultimately led to our withdrawal from the competition. The Club, our players, coaches, staff, and management, wish to extend our deepest gratitude to our supporter base around the country for its fervent and unwavering support throughout our 2017 campaign. We are cautiously optimistic of a potential return to the PFL for the 2019 season, whereby secured broadcasting exposure will hopefully lead to higher confidence from potential sponsorship partners. In the meantime, the foundation of football development we helped to build in Ilocos will continue, including grassroots initiatives at local schools, women’s futsal, Special Olympics, and, of course, the IUFC Academy. We wish the PFL continued growth and urge that the nation joins us in continuing to support the development of the beautiful game in the Philippines. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates from IUFC. Tony Lazaro CEO, Ilocos United Football Club ___________ With Meralco Manila also withdrawing the PFL is now down to 6 teams for 2018 and there is the possibility of further withdrawals before the start of the season.
MLS also nearly collapsed a few years into its existence. A couple of billionaires decided to buy multiple teams to keep the league alive before eventually divesting when more owners appeared on the scene.
There are billionaires in the Philippines who could theoretically afford this, but I don't think they are the ones with the passion for football that this requires so I doubt it. They invest in basketball teams instead. Pangilinan for example was funding the national basketball team programs as well as a couple of teams in the PBA(professional basketball) for awhile. Others have done the same in the PBA. That is why we have made the basketball World Cup 2 straight times now and have risen in the FIBA world rankings. FIBA even awarded the World Cup hosting to the Philippines in 2023 recognizing its passion for basketball and it's recent achievements internationally. Anyway let us see if any other teams in the PFL follows suit.
Football: Ceres and Etheridge look to slay giants Both the Azkal goalkeeper and our top club are confident Filipino underdogs against Man City and Brisbane Roar Brisbane Roar vs Ceres Negros AFC Champions League qualifier 5:00 pm Philippine time Tuesday, January 23 QSAC Stadium, Brisbane Australia Cardiff City vs Manchester City English FA Cup 4th round 11:55 pm Philippine time Sunday, January 28 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales A Pinoy club and a Pinoy netminder face long odds in their matches this coming week. Ceres Negros tackles Aussie A-League outfit Brisbane Roar while Neil Etheridge battles Man City. Let's take a look at these two daunting assignments. By virtue of their title in the inaugural Philippines Football League, Ceres not only got a guaranteed slot in the AFC Cup, but also received a chance at the AFC Champions League, the very highest level of Asian club football. Last week the Busmen traveled to Myanmar and defeated Shan United, 1-1 after extra time and 4-3 in a shootout. Stephan Schrock with the goal in regulation. That win earned a second round date with the Roar. The winner of this match then clashes with Chinese squad Tianjin Quanjian on January 30 for a group stage slot in the Champions League, where the best clubs from Asian powerhouses like Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Australia square off. Should Ceres lose against the Aussies or stumble versus Tianjian, they take solace in the fact that an AFC Cup slot will be reserved for them. Last year, Filipino side Global Cebu represented the country at this stage, also against the Roar. Their trip down under was not a pleasant one, as the home team prevailed 6-0. Will this game be any different? “We know we are playing a stronger team than us,” admits Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic. “But this is a big motivation.” Fitness will be an issue. Ceres had exactly 4 training sessions before the game against Shan. They had not played since winning the PFL title against Global on December 16. After a recovery session on Wednesday, they trained on Friday and flew out on Saturday. The Roar have played 17 matches already in the A-League. Their last contest was a 3-2 win against the Perth Glory on Thursday. Brisbane is 7th in the table. Vidakovic says matching the fitness of his opponents is “impossible,” but that the team will be playing with no pressure. “It's a good game to check where we are,” adds the La Liga veteran. Ceres has made some additions to their already-glittering squad. Amani Aguinaldo has come over from Global but he is still rehabbing a knee and won't make the trip. Toni Doblas, a 37-year-old Spaniard, is the new first choice goalie after the departure of Roland Muller. Doblas played much of his career in Betis in La Liga, leading that team to a Copa Del Rey title. Betis fan Carli De Murga remembers his heroics in the Copa Del Rey in 2005, and calls Doblas “one of my favorite players.” Now they are teammates. Doblas could be key in keeping Ceres in the game in Brisbane. Sean Kane is in Bacolod after transferring from mid-table JPV Marikina. The defender also starred for the Azkals last year. Another ex-JPV player now with Ceres is Takumi Uesato, a gifted Japanese center forward. Manny Ott's younger brother Mike is also on Ceres' roster for this season. Martin Steuble is still injured but other than that, the team is healthy. There is no TV coverage of the game but it is hoped that a stream will pop up in cyberspace, allowing Ceres fans to follow the game. Schrock, the Ceres talisman, is unfazed by the mountain his team must climb. “We are the underdog, but I always go into a game with winning as the only thing on my mind. The only reason they are stronger, maybe, is their preparation. Tactically we are up there.” “This will be a historic game,” adds the Bundesliga veteran. “We have a small chance but we will take it.” Etheridge against the Sky Blues. Neil Etheridge's task is even greater on the following Sunday night: try to subdue red-hot Manchester City, currently England's best team, who are atop the Premier League, 12 points clear of Manchester United as of the writing of this article. The Bluebirds and the Sky Blues face off in the FA Cup, a single knockout competition that runs concurrently with the league season. Both professional and amateur teams play in the FA Cup, with the stronger teams typically given byes until the later rounds. In the third round, Cardiff City needed a replay against stubborn Mansfield, prevailing 4-1 last week. In the FA Cup's earlier rounds, a game that ends in a draw does not go to extra time or penalties, but is instead replayed at a later date. This is still the case in the 4th round, so Cardiff and Man City could face off again, but in Manchester, if the teams finish level next weekend. Cardiff plays in the second-tier Championship, and is lying in third place. At the end of the season, the top two clubs are automatically promoted to the Premier League while the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th placers play a two-round single elimination playoff tournament for the last promotion spot to the big league. It is therefore imperative that Cardiff catches second-place Derby County, who is 3 points ahead with 53. Wolverhamption Wanderers, on top with 63, seem destined for the big show next season. Etheridge understands that the race for promotion is of paramount concern with the Welsh capital. The Pinoy has played in goal for all but one of Cardiff's league games this season. While he was with Fulham when it played in the Premiership previously, he never saw action in any EPL games. “The main thing is to enjoy the game (against Man City) and go for the win. We have a home field advantage. At the end of the day what happens, happens. The priority is to win the league and gain promotion.” Etheridge says playing Man City is a “massive step up,” where the “concentration levels are much higher.” He also admits it is going to be his toughest opponent yet. Three years ago, when Etheridge was with Walsall, he played against another English powerhouse, Chelsea, in the League Cup, another single-knockout competition. Chelsea prevailed 4-1 that day. This contest against the Premiership leaders promises to be even tougher, as he will likely have to parry shots from Man City's all-time scorer, Sergio Aguero, who has quality behind him, like Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. “Man City are arguably the best club in Europe and maybe even the world. I can only do my best,” says Neil. "This season has been fantastic." The home team does have some history on their side. In the last meeting between the clubs, Cardiff, then still in the Premier League, defeated Manchester City 3-2 in the 2013-14 season. Etheridge says he has the second-best number of clean sheets in the Championship and that Cardiff has the second-least concessions among all the teams in the second tier. That defensive record will be tested against Pep Guardiola's rampant Man City side. But Filipino teams and players know all about being underdogs, and will face the challenge head-on. https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/football/194107-ceres-etheridge-slay-giants
AFC Champions League Ceres Negros coach Vidakovic ready to take on the Roar In the midst of all the turmoil surrounding football in the Philippines there’s a glimmer of hope and genuine excitement in at least one corner of the country as champions Ceres-Negros continue on their Asian Champions League qualification path tomorrow when they play A-League outfit Brisbane in Australia. Having eased past Myanmar side Shan United on penalties last week they face a far sterner challenge in the form of the Roar, but even with a limited preparation and the odds firmly stacked against them there’s a genuine belief in the squad that they will make things quite difficult for their Australian opposition. Speaking exclusively with FOX Sports Asia from the northern Australian city, Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic termed this an ‘historic’ moment for football in the Philippines. “The issue we face is that we are not prepared as our league finished in December and now we are back here playing already in the Champions League but we will try to compete and do the best we can. “We know though it will be very tough for us because this is a higher level and Brisbane have many top players, many with experience in Europe and they are much better prepared than us. “Sure though the players are motivated and we know how important this match is not just for our club but for football in the Philippines –it’s an historic match – as everybody in the nation wants to see a club in the group stage of the Champions League.” Vidakovic did a fantastic job in leading the side from the central city of Bacolod to a second-placed finish at the end of the regular season in the inaugural edition of the Philippines Football League and after having then thrashed Global 4-1 in the final they were crowned the league’s first ever champions and booked this ACL playoff spot as a result. With the new ASEAN player rule adopted in Thailand and Malaysia that saw cashed-up clubs circling, Vidakovic was delighted they managed to keep the core of the squad intact. “We had a hard time after the success in the AFC Cup last season when we were the champions of Southeast Asia and many other clubs showed interest in our players but we tried the best to keep as many as we could and increased the salaries to do so. “The thing about this club though is that players want to stay here because we have a fantastic atmosphere and they think they can make history if they stay here for maybe one more season and there really is a feeling like a family at the club so players aren’t only thinking about money.” What they do have to think about though is finding a way to topple a Brisbane side with far greater resources and history and off the back of a pre-season barely three weeks long. That followed a 2017 campaign that began in the first week of January and ended in mid-December and which Vidakovic told FOX Sports Asia was the longest year of his career. “We didn’t have time to give the players the break they usually would get because of these matches, but we travelled to Australia trying to make it difficult for Brisbane. “Of course we have good players and players with experience abroad and national players at our club, but the difference is the kind of intensity they are used to in the Philippines will be much more difficult here. “We have to try and compete for as long as we can and of course keep our goal safe but we can’t only look to play behind the ball so when we have a chance we need to take advantage of playing on a good pitch and go forward which is the style of football that we like to play.” http://www.foxsports.ph/football/as...ceres-negros-coach-vidakovic-ready-take-roar/