Global Cebu back in action

Following a long rest, Global Cebu FC returns to action in the Philippines today in a rematch against FC Meralco Manila at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Global Cebu FC and FC Meralco Manila settled for a 2-2 draw in their last meeting last July 22 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“They scored early against us last time. We need to fix that problem,” Global Cebu FC skipper Misagh Bahadoran said in the pre-match press conference posted at the FC Meralco Manila Facebook page.

Center back Amani Aguinaldo will be out of action for the match with a knee injury. However, the Cebuano side will field their new signing, Dominic del Rosario, whom they got from Ilocos United FC through the transfer market.

Despite losing Matt Hartmann and Nick O’Donnell to Davao Aguilas FC, Global Cebu FC also had some key signings with Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez, who played for the club in 2013, and youngster Darryl Regala.

“We played them once already, but this will be a different game. You know how football is, 1+1 does not always equal 2,” said Global Cebu FC coach Akbar Nawas.

Both sides will be different this time because of the new signing and also with the loss of the Younghusband brothers, staples of FC Meralco Manila.

“This is our first game without Phil and James so everyone will have to step up,” said defender Milan Nikolic, who was on form with two goals in his last match.

“We need to fix our transition play. With Tahj Minniecon, Curt Dizon and Daniel Gadia we are pretty solid up front. We have reliable players who can take us to the next level. I’m hoping that Connor Tacagni and Jinggoy Valmayor will step up (in the absence of the Younghusbands,” said FC Meralco Manila coach Aris Caslib.

Phil and James Younghusband played their last match for FC Meralco Manila last weekend with a comefrom-behind 3-2 victory over Davao Aguilas FC, which ironically is the Younghusbands’ new club.