United Football League Cup nears quarterfinals

The United Football League Cup is nearing the end of its eliminations stage with just six matches left in the Round of 16 to be played on the remaining three play dates. The quarterfinals start on Nov. 26. At the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) on Saturday, the first afternoon match will be between Stallions FC and Diliman Victory Liner FC while the second fixture will be Global FC versus Philippine Army Fritz & Macziol FC. Sunday at the University of Makati, Team Socceroo FC and Kaya Cignal FC take to the pitch, followed by Green Archers United versus Lions Meltique Beef FC. Finally on Tuesday, the UFL goes back to the RMSC for the match between Pachanga FC and Philippine Navy Red Juice FC followed by the Loyola Meralco Sparks versus Sunken Garden United FC. UFL Cup top scorer thus far is Ian Araneta of Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC with 17 goals but only three goals behind is Phil Younghusband of Loyola Meralco Sparks FC. Current group leaders are Nomads Auction Manila FC, Loyola Meralco Sparks, Philippine Air Force Phoenix, Philippine Army Fritz, Kaya Cignal FC, Green Archers United FC, and Pachanga FC, “In the Cup, the 28 teams are divided into seven groups of four. Each group will play a single round-robin, and the top two teams from each group will make it to the knockout stage," the UFL explained on its website. “The two top-scoring teams who do not make it to the top two of their group will complete the round-of-16. The knockout elimination phase will determine the UFL Cup champion," the UFL added. The seven groups are as follows: - Group A: Nomads FC, Baguio FC, Union Internacional FC, Lions FC; - Group B: Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, Internacionale FC, Agila FC, Team Socceroo FC; - Group C: Global FC, Pachanga FC, Stallions FC, Cebu Queen City FC; - Group D: Kaya-Cignal FC, ABC Stars FC, Schwarz, Diliman Victory Liner FC; - Group E: Philippine Air Force FC, Philippine Navy FC, Manila All-Japan FC, Laos FC; - Group F: Green Archers United FC, Dolphins United FC, Pasargad FC, Forza FC; and - Group G: Philippine Army FC, Manhur FC, Sunken Garden United FC, and Garuda FC PH. The UFL Cup is “an open competition which serves as a gateway for teams seeking a place in the UFL top flight competition beginning in January." That next competition is the UFL League, which will have only two divisions. Global is gunning for back-to-back crowns “in what is expected to be the most competitive Cup since Football Alliance started running the tournament three years ago," according to the UFL. Global got Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado to play for them. It dropped only one game in 20 matches last season. Global is managed by national team manager Dan Palami. It claimed two titles in 2011—the UFL Cup and the National Club Championship crown. The Airmen are the lead challengers to Global. Kaya FC, bolstered its lineup during the off-season with national players Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey. Loyola FC got brothers Phil and James Younghusband. — Earl Victor Rosero, GMA News