Azkals field newcomers tonight vs Korean side

MANILA, Philippines—The depth of the national team’s talent pool will be put to the test Saturday night when the Azkals face Korean side Icheon Citizen in the 2012 Kia Rio Cup charity match at the Rizal Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with the Azkals expected to parade a slew of newcomers in the absence of several veterans who have not been released by their United Football League clubs.

Made up of collegiate players and veteran internationalists, Icheon Citizen will provide a stern test for the Azkals, who are gearing up for the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar.

Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions, which is staging the event along with ABS-CBN and the Philippine Football Federation, vouched for the credentials of Citizen, which ruled South Korea’s third division last season.

Rob Gier suits up for the Azkals vs Incheon Citizen.

Rob Gier is expected to return to action after recovering from a calf injury he sustained in the 1-6 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy last December. Also suiting up are Angel Guirado, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Carli de Murga, Roel Gener and Misagh Bahadoran.

The Azkals will miss brothers Phil and James Younghusband who have not been released by the Loyola Meralco Sparks, who have a UFL game on Sunday.

Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy, Nate Burkey and Anton del Rosario are also skipping the game as Kaya FC has a UFL match on Sunday.

Denis Wolf, a 29-year-old Fil-German standout from Hanover, Germany, will be among the new faces that will see action for the Azkals.

Wolf, whose mother Patricia Santos is from Manila, plays in the German fourth division after spending time in the Bundesliga.

Azkals manager Dan Palami hopes the absence of some of the team’s stars will galvanize the players to step up.

“It’s good exposure for the team, and those who have not played before will now be given a chance,” said Palami.