Caligdong leads FFABL program in Tagum City
STALLION FC derailed Loyola Meralco Sparks FC’s attempt to snatch the second place plum of this season’s United Football League (UFL) after eliciting a 2-2 draw from the latter at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Saturday.
David Basa in the second minute season, relied on the strikes of Fitch of stoppage time. Arboleda and team skipper Ruben As the game continued, StalDoctora to end Loyola’s hopes of lion’s Doctora notched a breakclinching a berth to the Asian Footaway goal in the 53rd minute. ball Confederation Cup next year. Down by one goal, Loyola
It was a quick-paced opening half sustained their attacks and was for the Stallions as Arboleda scored rewarded with the conversion by the initial goal just 50 seconds into - the game via long-range shot. wich from outside the box.
However, the two clubs forged a The opposing teams went toe1-1 stalemate at halftime followto-toe but no goals were notched ing a goal by Stallion FC defender until the end of regulation.
The Stallions ended their campaign in the 2016 season of the UFL with a record of eight wins, seven draws and four losses.
third with a total of 41 points on 13 victories, two draws and four defeats.
“When Fitch scored that goal, it was not accidental that was rehearsed. Even the second goal—that was rehearsed. I told the guys, that you should just play the way we train and good things will happen,” head coach Ernest Nierras said during the postmatch interview.
He added it is unfortunate that they spoiled Loyola’s chances of playing in the AFC Cup but reiterated that they aim to close the season giving their best shot.
“For us, it was always playing because we want to win. It does not matter who we are going to play [against]. We are going to play with everything we got. That is how we are,” he stated.
Nierras noted that he is please with the performance of their club toward the end of the season despite failing to win the title.
“I think we have been able to play well in the past three or four games. At least in the second round we played better. The players understood what they are supposed to do,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kaya FC capped off the UFL with a convincing 5-0 victory over former second division
Kaya banked on the scoring prowess of Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy, who had an impressive output of four goals.
The men in yellow finished points while Forza is eighth with 13 points. PHILIPPINE National Football Team assistant coach Chieffy Caligdong will lead the Football For A Better Life (FFABL) program at the Davao Del Norte Sports Stadium in Tagum City from October 29 to 30.
The nationwide grassroots initiative that aims to encourage the youth to play football, is funded by British Insurance brand Pru Life UK and is supported by the Azkals Foundation and Spears Sports.
“The FFABL encourages football clubs and associations under the Philippine Football Federation to field footballers who have the potential to become players in universities in Manila and even in the national team,” Caligdong told
. He explained that through the FFABL, they were be able to teach the building blocks that a player needs to become suc- cessful in and out of the football field.
“The knowledge we share with the grassroots players does not only include information about shooting, passing and dribbling. We also teach them character and responsibility through following the instruction of their coaches,” Caligdong added.
Joining Caligdong in Tagum are Azkals center back and Davao native Amani Aguinaldo, and Misagh Bahadoran as well as Little Azkals Amir Amaikurut and Agiel Rojo.
Former Loyola Meralco Sparks FC striker Graham Caygill will also assist in the football clinics.
A total of 100 squads from all over the region are expected to join the activities that include mini-tournaments and training sessions.