Air Force faces Kaya in UFL opener

MANILA, Philippines - Air Force Phoenix stakes its reputation as the most dominant club in the United Football League beginning today as the UFL’s League competitions kick off at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Winner of last year’s League and Cup diadems, the Airmen will be put to a test early as they take on a souped-up Kaya side at 4 p.m.

“We’re ready to defend our title,” said Air Force head Edzel Bracamonte. “But we know it will be tough because all the teams have gotten stronger.”

Highwire action is expected in the opener with Azkals Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, UFL Cup Golden Ball (MVP) Yanti Barsales and Best Goalkeeper Tats Mercado leading the Air Force charge against Kaya’s national mainstays Anton Del Rosario, Jason Sabio, Nate Burkey and Lexton Moy and new acquisitions Alu Kigbu of Pachanga and Joshua Beloya of University of Saint La Salle.

“I think we have a good team, a better team than last UFL Cup,” said Kaya coach Juan Cutillas.

Kaya placed fourth in the last Cup and is raring to redeem themselves.

A club with a similar objective, 2011 UFL Cup runner-up Loyola Meralco Sparks of Phil and James Younghusband also begin their redemption campaign, taking on Green Archers United at 6 p.m.

Unlike the regular format featuring group stage eliminations and semifinal rounds, the UFL League makes use of a double-round robin competitions in which the team with the best record and most points after 18 games wins the crown.

This practically puts the 10 teams in the first division into a must-win situation throughout, in a bid to pile up the points. A win is worth three points.