United City FC opens title defense as PFL returns from hiatus

United City FC. –PFL/UCFC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–United City FC (UCFC) opens the defense of its title on Sunday as the Philippines Football League (PFL) finally returns after a one-year absence with a pair of matches at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

UCFC takes on Maharlika-Manila at 7 p.m. as it aims for a domestic double after ruling the Copa Paulino Alcantara, the country’s annual cup competition, a few months ago.

Copa runner-up Kaya-Iloilo meets the Azkals Developmental Team to usher in the start of the PFL, which was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other teams that will see action in the four-round season that will last until May 2023 are Dynamic Herb Cebu, Stallion-Laguna and Mendiola FC 1991.

Most of the matches will be played at Rizal Memorial, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, Imus Grandstand in nearby Imus and Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.

But other clubs will play some games in its home venues, namely United City at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, Kaya at Iloilo Sports Complex in Iloilo

City and Cebu at Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay City.

United City will come into the league reeling from the loss of team captain Mike Ott, who signed with Indonesian side Barito Putera.

Kenshiro Daniels and Mark Hartmann are among the prominent names on the UCFC roster.