Explosive UFL All-Star matches at Rizal pitch today
IT WILL be the turn of the United Football League All-Stars to test Australian club Perth Glory when they collide today in the highlight of the UFL All-Star Showcase at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Held to a scoreless draw by Global in a friendly just a day after their 36-hour journey to the country, Glory hopes to come up with a stronger showing in the 3:30 p.m. clash against some of the UFL’s best players who will be coached by Loyola Meralco Sparks mentor Simon McMenemy.
McMenemy has kept six players from the Sparks squad to form the core of the side, which remains formidable even with the absence of Ceres-La Salle players.
Phil and James Younghusband were not included in the lineup since the brothers are expected to suit up for the national team on Tuesday when it battles Perth at Quirino Stadium in Vigan.
Making up the UFL All-Stars are Loyola’s Jason de Jong, Tahj Minniecon, Jinggoy Valmayor, Daniel Gadia, Kouichi Belgira and Ian Clarino, Kaya’s Aly Borromeo, Robert Mendy, Louis Clark, Woody Ugarte, Shirmar Felongco and Matthew Acton and Stallion’s Fitch Arboleda and Jim Ashley Flores. Masaki Yanagawa of JP Voltes complete the All-Star lineup.
“The players are excited to play and represent the league,” McMenemy said. “Everyone is keen to prove themselves.”
The match pitting UFL Philippines against UFL Rest of the World All-Stars will serve as the curtain raiser at 1 p.m.
Mentored by Ernie Nierras of Stallion, the UFL Filipino side will be led by former Azkals Joven Bedic, David Basa and Ref Cuaresma. Also part of the team are Jim-uel Arriola, J Baguioro, Aldrin Dolino, Jess Melliza, John Gumban and John Celiz.
The UFL Rest of the World side will be coached by Leigh Manson, who has called up Global players Arthur Kouassi, Hikaru Minegishi, Serge Kaole, Milan Nikolic to link up with the likes of Takashi Odawara and Takumi Uesato of JP Voltes, Stallion’s Carlo Polli and Christian Nana, Kaya’s Alfred Osei and Masa Omura, and Loyola’s Joaco Canas and Alvaro Castiella.
