THE 2020 season of the Philippines Football League (PFL) kicks off Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, with three matches inside the “Bubble” at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Training Center football field in Carmona, Cavite.
Azkals Development Team (ADT) makes its debut in the national pro league against Mendiola FC 1991 in the opening match at 9 a.m.
ADT is composed of young promising Filipino prospects, the likes of Jarvey Gayoso, Yrick Gallantes, Kainoa Bailey, Christian Rotini and Matthew Custodio.
Mendiola FC 1991 is on its second season in the PFL and finished fifth place last year.
Kaya FC-Iloilo faces Stallion Laguna FC in what should be a very competitive game at 4:30 p.m.
Kaya FC-Iloilo is a team that’s stacked with talent, the likes of Simone Rota, Dylan De Bruycker, Marco Casambre, Emmanuel Ossei and Kenshiro Daniels. Kaya FC-Iloilo is also currently competing in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup and is ranked No. 91 in the AFC club rankings.
Stallion Laguna FC has been in the league since its inception in 2017. The squad also has a very talented roster with the likes of Ruben Doctora, Jhan Melliza, Argentinean striker Ricardo Sendra, Abou Sy and Fitch Arboleda.
The final match at 8 p.m. will be a very interesting game between defending PFL champion United City Football Club (UCFC) and newcomer Maharlika Manila FC.
UCFC, formerly known as Ceres Negros FC, is still the league’s favorite. Though its name has changed, the club retained key players from its championship campaign, the likes of Stephan Schrock, Bienvenido Marañon, Mike Ott and Robert Lopez Mendy. The club also acquired more fire power by signing Manny Ott, Hikaru Minegishi and Takashi Odawara.
Although Maharlika Manila FC is a fledgling club, the squad is comprised of a mix of veteran former Azkals and young promising players. The club is led by Anton del Rosario, Jerry Barbaso, David Basa, Misagh Bahadoran and Joaquin Cañas. (EKA)