Azkals overpower Global in tune-up

MANILA, Philippines - Playing their first tune-up game since resuming training camp last week, the Philippine Azkals dominated UFL champ Global FC, 3-1, Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Phil Younghusband (24’), Carlie de Murga (63’) and Patrick Reichelt (’79) delivered the goals for the Azkals, who are in the final stages of their preparation for their defense of the Phl Peace Cup on Sept. 3 at Rizal.

Mark Winhoffer prevented a shutout for Global with his 82nd minute connection.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley used the opportunity to test tactics against the club reinforced by imports. He started the match with a 3-5-2 formation but decided to switch back to the more familiar 4-4-2 in the last 45 minutes.

Dooley explained this was part of his strategy “to make the Azkals team more flexible on the tactical side and to be able to adopt and change tactics during the upcoming games.”

The Azkals drew first blood 24 minutes into the game with Younghusband converting off a classy cross from Daisuke Sato on the left side.

The switch in formation after the interval resulted in two more goals for Phl XI. De Murga looped it over the defense of Global keeper Roland Sadia to double their lead. Reichelt later drew a foul from Sadia in the penalty box and cashed in on the spot-kick to make it 3-0.

Dooley is set to trim the Azkals pool down to 23 men, who will be tasked to carry the fight for the Peace Cup. He is set to announce his final lineup in a presscon today.