UFL match to spice up Aboitiz Cup opening

CEBU, Philippines -  Cebuano soccer fans have something to look forward to as the United Football League (UFL) will be having an out-of-town game here pitting the Loyola Meralco Sparks and Green Archers on November 10 at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

The UFL match will usher in the formal opening of the 16th Aboitiz Cup. Last year, it was the celebrated Philippine Azkals who graced the grand kick-off of the longest existing and best-run annual football tournament in this side of the archipelago.

Some Azkals will still be back though, this time playing for the two opposing UFL squads.

Brothers Phil and James Younghusband will lead the cast of the Loyola Sparks, while Azkals team captain Chieffy Caligdong will spearhead the Green Archers.

The Sparks and the Archers, who currently occupy the top two spots in bracket E of the UFL, are supposed to meet on November 7, but the game was moved to November 10 to accommodate the request of the Cebu Football Association (CFA).

Meanwhile, Queen City United FC coach Mario Ceniza would have wanted his team to play before their hometown supporters, but could not do so as their schedules were plotted already.

“Sayang gyud pero naka-schedule naman gud tanan namong duwa and we were not able to check on that date na puwede diay unta duwaan og UFL game dinhi,” said Ceniza. (FREEMAN)