Four-team race when UFL starts Saturday

Loyola Meralco, featuring the Younghusband brothers, remains a contender in the UFL.

MANILA, Philippines — A four-team race looms when action in the first division of the United Football League kicks off Jan. 14 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Air Force Phoenix, with its battle-tested lineup, remains a favorite, but a slew of challengers are out to end its stranglehold in the league.

Their rosters strengthened during the off-season, Loyola Meralco, Kaya and Global have been tabbed as contenders to the Airmen’s throne.

The league kicks off with the Airmen facing Kaya at 4 p.m. on Saturday after a colorful opening ceremony. Loyola Meralco, led by the Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, meets Green Archers United at 6 p.m.

“All the teams are getting stronger, but we’re ready,” said Air Force striker Ian Araneta in Filipino. “We still have the same team and I think our familiarity with each other is our advantage.”

Air Force bagged the UFL Cup, toppling Loyola, 2-0, in a thrilling final before a record crowd of 6,000 last month.

But Loyola Meralco Sparks striker Phil Younghusband sees a wide open title race with Air Force, Kaya, Global and the Sparks expected to duke it out on top.

“It’s a league where any team can beat any team on any given day,” Younghusband said at a press conference held by AKTV, which is airing matches on Saturday live on IBC 13.

Unlike the UFL Cup, where there are knockout stages, the 10-team league will adapt a double-round format. Army, Navy Red Juice and promoted teams Pasargad, Nomads and Stallion are also part of the first division.

For Kaya striker Nate Burkey, midfielder Lexton Moy and defenders Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio, consistency will be key to their campaign.

“That’s the beauty of the league play, every goal and every game matters,” said Del Rosario during a roundtable discussion with the Inquirer Sports Staff yesterday.

James Younghusband said squad depth will also be crucial as the league will run until June.