UFL Cup kicks off next month; 27 teams vying

NATIONAL club champ Ceres-La Salle found itself in a tough group in its maiden foray in the United Football League Cup after landing in the bracket that includes powerhouse Global and another first-division squad, Pasargad.

A surprise winner of the Smart Club Championship early this year where it shocked some tough UFL sides, Ceres is among the most notable entries in the UFL Cup, which kicks off on Oct. 12 with 27 teams vying for the title.

Yesterday’s draw at Bonifacio Global City also saw newcomer Manila Tala FC and Navy joining Global in Group C.

Stallion, which bested Global in last year’s finals, landed in Group D, along with Army, Dolphins and Blue Guards, while Loyola Meralco will be pitted against rival Air Force, Agila and General Trias International in Group B.

Group A is made up of Green Archers United, Forza, Cimarron, Manila Jeepney and Cebu Queen City, which makes its return to the UFL after a one-tourney hiatus.

Pachanga Diliman is grouped with Socceroo, Laos, Mendiola and Bright Star in Group E, while Kaya is in Group F along with Union, Manila All-Japan and Hurricanes.

The top 2 teams in the three four-team groups will advance to the Round of 16. Cedelf P. Tupas