Worm Love

Did you watch, read or hear about the reception that Dennis Rodman got when he was presented the honorary game ball before the Game 2 match between Chicago and Miami? For a longtime Bulls fan, it was gratifying to see Rodman get that electric ovation from the fans. And to think that he only played three years in the Windy City but my, what a three years! He helped the Bulls win their second wave of three-peats while winning the rebounding titles in every one of those years. Plus he also made the All-Defensive Team in his first year in red and white.

What a year for Rodman. The Detroit Pistons retired his #10 jersey last April 1 then three days later, he was inducted into to the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Worm also turned 50 last May 13 and during the Bulls-Heat game last May 18, he got an incredible reception at the United Center prompting him to exclaim, “The electricity was really high, but they didn’t need me for that. They’ve got this team, but being out there was really cool. It’s nice to see that people haven’t forgotten you. I’ll take it.”

It was an instant reunion with former teammates Scottie Pippen, Bill Wennington (who does radio commentary for the Bulls), and Steve Kerr (who does game analysis for TNT alongside Marv Albert and Reggie Miller).

From all accounts, the atmosphere was electric as the new generation of Bulls attempt to win a NBA title. With many former Bulls in attendance, for an old time fan like me, I was hoping for some déjà vu more so after the loss to the Heat. Nevertheless, it was still a treat.

Added Rodman, “Coming back here is like a reunion with everybody in this city. I’d take being here over going to the Hall of Fame any day, because they’re going to love you here no matter what. The Hall of Fame is a one-time deal. I don’t get too many accolades like this, so maybe I’m not taking advantage of it, but I’m just trying to be as humble as I can.”

photo and quotes from chicago.com

Gamebreakers

Released in 2008, if this is your intro to Major League Soccer, then it's not bad. Not great but certainly not bad. It could really use a better script, better editing, and better direction. I thought about other similar DVD of other sports that feature stars of their respective leagues and GAMEBREAKERS sticks to league exploits. No personal backgrounds and that doesn't help. 

In the segment about Landon Donovan, there is brief mention of his first two stints in Germany but it doesn't mention that they were failed experiments. Of course it shouldn't because it makes the MLS look like a lower tier league (some think that way though). Maybe the updated version considering Donovan's successful Everton stint should make that more appealing. 

I also find the constant repetition of certain goals a little disappointing because I begin to wonder about the dearth of footage. 

Or maybe these were segments that worked well on TV like NBA Action or some such. Gripes aside, GAMEBREAKERS well, it's not bad. But I hear that the DVD The History of the MLS Cup is much better.


If you're looking for cool intro-to-certain-ballclubs, I don't have many but check out Liverpool: No Heart As Big or Arsenal: The Highbury Years.

Bacolod takes crucial away win in Suzuki Cup Finals

Photo: Bacolod defender Janrick Soriano (who will also be playing for the Philippine Homeless World Cup team in Paris) sends the ball across the CPU pitch to a teammate as Iloilo's Chester Braga is too late to retrieve a forward pass.

This appears in the Friday May 20, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

Bacolod takes crucial away win in Suzuki Cup Finals

by rick olivares/photo by jerome galunan

JARO, ILOILO CITY -- If the first finals game of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Finals between Bacolod and Iloilo is any indication, then we’re headed for a fiery wind-up.

The two neighboring rivals battled through full time and two extension periods at the Central Philippine University football field that at times seemed more like a wrestling match. But after the smoke had settled, Bacolod left for Negros with a 3-1 win.

The marginal goal, remarkably, came from Joven Bedic, the Barotac Nuevo native who is playing for West Negros University and Norman Fegidero Jr. who is also Bacolod’s head coach.

Brutally knocked down several times over, Bedic, taunted by the home crowd, blasted a heater at the ninth minute of the first extension period from 25 yards out that Iloilo substitute goalkeeper German Doronilla was unable to punch out.

Bacolod, took the lead in the 13^th minute when striker Aldrin Dolino’s blast from outside the box managed to skip right in at the far post as Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz looked helplessly away.

And Muñoz will watch helplessly from the bench in the Bacolod leg as he was given an automatic red card by referee Grant Rojas when he rushed out of the box to bat away Bedic’s shot.

Iloilo managed to draw level in the 54^th minute when midfielder Glester Sobremisana converted a penalty shot after a handball by Bacolod defender Janrick Soriano.

Following Bedic’s goal in extension, Dolino, likewise knocked repeatedly knocked down by the rugged defense of Iloilo, scored his sixth goal of the tournament at the eighth minute of the second extension period.

Iloilo, missing Francis Gustilo and Neckson Leonora, activated Nicholas Leonora who last played in the Visayas Regionals, and temporarily sent injured midfielder Shirmar Felongco to stem the tide. But Bacolod broke Iloilo in extension with Bedic’s goal.

“It was a big win for us. A big away win,” said Fegidero. “We wanted to score more goals and this is crucial to us defending our home field in Panaad.”

“When Bedic temporarily went out, I told him, ‘Bumalik ka. Bumalik ka.’ And he made the difference with that goal.”

Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado remained optimistic despite the loss of the game and his starting goalkeeper. “We were able to have more attempts than Bacolod but were unable to finish properly. It’s not yet over. It’s going to be hard but hopefully, we can prepare for it.”

Iloilo will have Gustilo, Leonora, and Felongco back but there will be a gaping hole at the net with Muñoz out.

The final leg of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup is on Sunday, May 22 at 6pm at Panaad Stadium.

Thoughts on Ateneo Women's Volleyball & the Suzuki U23 Cup Finals

Ateneo Women’s Volleyball

During Charo Soriano’s last playing year for Ateneo, I wondered how far they won go given the lineup wasn’t deep and they had lost Bea Pascual to injury. They won enough to get to the UAAP Final Four but they were eliminated in one match by Adamson.

The following season, Gretchen Ho, Jem Ferrer, Fille Cainglet, and Dzi Gervacio entered and there was a sense that the pieces were falling into place despite the lack of ceiling at the net. During their second year, they were losing in five sets. Whether it was experience, mental fortitude, or maybe that one more player who can elevate them, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was all three.

Even as players graduated, new and talented players have come in and now I can’t help but feel giddy that they can now compete with the traditional powers like UST, FEU, La Salle, and Adamson. It proves that there is life after. What I mean is, I thought that when Charo's batch graduated, I figured that there went some talented volleybelles. Can they be replaced? Of course, new ones will arise. 

Now they’ve taken a massive jump by winning a V-League title. That should do wonders for their confidence when they head into the UAAP season.

All I know is now that Alyssa Valdez is now playing it’s going to be an exciting season. I missed the past season and this one I can't wait to watch.

The PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup Finals

When you listen to the Ilonggos and Negrenses talk, there’s mutual respect. Filipinos are generally polite and hospitable and trash talking really isn’t in our nature.

Even as the coaches from Iloilo and Bacolod exchanged platitudes, I asked them how they did against one another during their time as players.

Norman Fegidero Jr. said that during his time, they won most of the games. But he also acknowledged that many of the best players from Iloilo were plying their trade in the collegiate leagues in Metro Manila. “If they were able to keep that core magandang laban yan,” he said.

Assistant Iloilo coach Richard Bedia on the other hand said that during his team, the won most of the battles.

Emphasis on battles.

It’s not just the skill on display but also an intensity. If they first encounter during the Visayas Regionals was any indication, the finals series will be a rough, intense, and filled with cards.

Hanging out here in Iloilo

Just some random pics from our stay here in Iloilo. In the top pic, this was snapped after the Bacolod-Davao match at CPU.  In the picture below (taken at Barotac Nuevo), at the center is former Ateneo keeper RS Mantos and former La Salle midfielder Enrique Romero-Salas who both play for Davao.

After the Iloilo-NCR match (that the home side won in case you have been living under a tansan), we repaired to Nonong Araneta's family home just a stone's throw away from the football field. We had some food and drink with local and former PFF officials. Good food, Sir Nonong. Thanks!

Deo Segunial, Nathan Octavio, and Stephen Permanes after the early supper. Below Hans Smit, Nonong Araneta, Adolfo Alicante share a drink and a laugh as they recount their school days while playing for the varsity and the national team.

David Basa shares a light moment with Patrick Deyto, Don Rabaya, and Miguel Montelibano while Pablito Araneta chats away in the background.

Azkals to play a friendly match in Barotac Nuevo

This appears in the Thursday May 19, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

Azkals to play a friendly match in Barotac Nuevo

by rick olivares

The Philippine Men's Football National Team will be going back to a familiar yet bittersweet place next week as part of their preparations for their World Cup Qualifiers match against Sri Lanka.

The Azkals will spend three days in Iloilo where they will train at Santa Barbara on May 23 before competing in a friendly match with Central Philippine University International School at Barotac Nuevo on May 24. The Centralians, as CPU’s team is called, have mostly Korean players in their lineup.

The last time the national team played in Barotac Nuevo was during the 2008 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup Qualifiers where they were unable to advance because of the goal difference of which Tajikistan had a superior goal difference to the Filipinos.

The friendly match will be a homecoming for Azkals Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Roel Gener, and Mark Ferrer among others who are all Barotacnons.

The team, which will also have goalkeeper Neil Etheridge in harness, will briefly fly train in Cebu before heading back to Manila for further training.

In the meantime, the Philippine Football Federation announced yesterday that the tickets World Cup Qualifiers for the July 3, 2011 match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka will go on sale on June 3 at all Ticketworld outlets. Tickets to the match which will be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila will fetch for PhP 200, PhP 300, PhP 2,000 and PhP 3,000. 

To drum up support for the Azkals, the PFF is holding an support event titled "We Believe" at the Trinoma Activity Center on June 10. The event will be a whole day affair and is open to the public. The nationals leave for Germany on June 12 where they will train under the auspices of the German Football Federation (DFB). The team departs on the 26th for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

You think he's making excuses?

The rebuilding begins now. Two seasons ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season ended with a surprise ouster from Boston. And then there was The Decision. Followed by a season from first to one of the worst. Was there any relief on the horizon?

Now there is.

The Cavaliers with their good luck charm in Nick Gilbert, the son of owner Dan who is stricken with neurofibromatosis, won the NBA Draft Lottery by receiving the number one and four picks.

They’ll be able to rebuild in earnest by taking two very good and promising young players to complement Anthony Parker, Baron Davis, Anderson Varejao, and Antawn Jamison.

And give their fans something to cheer about. Instead of burn.

Photo of Cleveland Cavs fans celebrating their winning the NBA Draft Lottery by the Cleveland Plain Dealers' Joshua Gunter.

Congrats, girls!

Hail to the V-League Champs. And the prettiest volleybelles in the land. Sorry I've missed the past season and this V-League finals. But even far away, I'm always wishing you the best of luck and One Big Fight! 

The title that evaded Charo Soriano as a player she got as a coach for the team. Guess this one was also for those who graduated and never got to savor one. 

Thanks for snapping this, Brosi. Love it.

"El Clasico" -- Pinoy style

This appears in the Wednesday May 18, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

"El Clasico" -- Pinoy style

by rick olivares

After a month of intense football action, the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup is down to two teams – Bacolod and Iloilo.

To the country at large, it might seem a battle between two nearby cities. In truth, think Ateneo-La Salle or Crispa-Toyota. That’s how intense it can really get even if some of the protagonists on the sidelines tried to downplay it by using “safe” words.

“Mainit,” described Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado with a sly smile. Eventually he conceded: “It can get rough at meron din trash talking. Bragging rights talaga yan pagdating sa football.”

“Matagal nang rivalry yan,” added Iloilo assistant coach Jessie Sazon. “Dati rati pa yan and from every age level yan.”

“Intense,” chimed in Aly Go, assistant coach for Bacolod. “Walang magpapatalo diyan.”

Bacolod (6-1-0) is coached by Norman Fegidero Jr. A fearsome striker for the national team and Air Force in his day. That attacking philosophy and strict adherence to discipline has been imbued to his team as they have lead the tournament in goals. In seven matches, Team Bacolod has scored 31 goals and given up only five.

Their best defense is a strong offense despite goalkeeper John Robert Mendoza who has made a strong case for best keeper of the tournament. Their troika of strikers is non-pareil in Joshua Beloya who is leading the tournament with 13 goals, Jovin Bedic and Aldrin Dolino who each have five goals to their name.

Although they boast of a deep bench, Bacolod has shown an alarming trend of fading in the second half. Their saving grace has been pulverizing foes in the first 45 minutes. They have scored 19 goals in the first half and 12 in the second. But in their last three matches (if you take away the rout against overmatched Dipolog) they have scored no goals and given up three against NCR, Masbate, and Davao. Their defense, the crossbar and posts, Mendoza’s goaltending, and luck have only prevented opposing teams from racking up more goals. If you consider the final 35 minutes of their match against Dipolog, they gave up a goal and the lads of coach Reginald Jukes found their attack despite missing four key players who were unavailable for the game.

“Maybe it’s overconfidence. Maybe it’s other teams adjusting to us,” postulated Fegidero. “We have to find a way to correct this.”

Bacolod will catch a break against Iloilo (5-1-1) which will be without two key players in midfielder Francis Gustilo and defender Neckson Leonora. Both will miss their home match on account of two yellow cards. Like Bacolod, Iloilo is an offensive juggernaut. They have scored 26 goals and surrendered only four. They also have two top-rated defenders in Ronald Batisla-Ong and Leonora. And that is where Allado has to be concerned. Leonora is out and Jenver Vergara was injured during the semifinals clash with NCR.  

Iloilo has also been inconsistent. After blowing out NCR Team A in the Laguna group stages they struggled against Masbate before dispatching Davao. Against NCR Team B in their semis clash in Barotac Nuevo, it was the visiting team that played more attacking and creative football. The home side pulled through with a goal from a pair of defensive mistakes. “A win is a win,” said Allado. “But we have to really prepare kasi kulang kami (there was also some concern about midfielder Shirmar Felongco’s injury). Sigurado we will do our best. Rivalry yan.”

But Allado couldn’t resist one last dig at their rivals. “Kami Iloilo pride. Puro taga-Iloilo. Walang taga-labas.”

Allado, who coaches UST (while Fegidero coaches West Negros University), was referring to the no Bacolodnon players such as Jake Morallo who is from Dumaguete, Jovin Bedic who is from Barotac Nuevo, and Beloya who was born in Olongapo but recently moved to his mother’s hometown of Bacolod.

“Big game talaga,” he concluded as he turned and walked away.

The first game of the home-and-away series will be at the Central Philippine University football field in Jaro, Iloilo at 2:30pm on May 19 while the second match will be played at Panaad Stadium on May 22 at 6:00pm. The games will later be televised on ABS CBN.

A first! Congrats Ateneo Lady Eagles!

Congrats, girls. Our first volleyball title. Hey, Brosi! What did I tell ya? We were gonna win, yeah?

Taj-down Chicago!

In the fourth Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry film Sudden Impact, Sandra Locke's character is driving a car when some punks eye her rather sexually. Locke asks, "Need a lift?" The punk answers, "Yeah." "Then shove a jack up your ass!" she hisses as she steps on the accelerator.


Needing a lift against the rising Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls didn't need a jack because they have Taj Gibson. Gibson (University of Southern California) was selected 26th overall by Chicago in the 2009 Draft.  He played behind Tyrus Thomas and now Carlos Boozer. I think if he starts and play consistently, he'll be a starter and maybe a top-notch defender. Here are his 2010-11 season stats:

Regular season

80 games played, 19 started. 

7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, .7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 2.5 fouls in 21 minutes per match.

Playoffs

12 games played (as of today), zero started

6.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, .7 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 2 fouls in 18 minutes per match. 

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Gibson compiled the following stats:

9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 3 fouls, and 2 death-defying dunks in 23 minutes.

Figure he'll get more playing time the rest of the way. Now it's Miami's turn to make the adjustments especially on matchups.

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photo by Nam Huh

Out of (batting) order

Out of (batting) order

by rick olivares with photo from Reuters

The last time a New York Yankee took himself out of the lineup (at least to my knowledge), Lou Gehrig did it voluntarily when he was feeling the initial effects of the disease that eventually killed him and bore his name. So the other day, I followed with great curiosity the incident where longtime Yankee catcher Jorge Posada asked to be taken out of the lineup after he was demoted to ninth spot in the batting order. Jorge felt disrespected.

On the other hand, Joe Girardi, the catcher he replaced in the late 1990’s in New York and now the team manager, thought that Posada’s plummeting batting average wasn’t helping hence the demotion.

Of course that created a firestorm of controversy as it became a debate between sentiment and rational thinking.

When centerfielder Bernie Williams’ contract was not renewed in the early 2000s, I felt bad because he had patrolled that outfield so magnificently like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle before him. The Yankee brass felt his skills were declining and Williams was eventually gone.

Even after New York won another title two years ago, I wondered how the Core Four of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mo Rivera, and Posada would be able to keep it up. Obviously, they were on the downside of their careers. It was like when they entered, Don Mattingly was on his last legs as a player.

Again, I wondered if former cross-town rival Mike Piazza felt this way when he split time catching and playing first base before he filed for free agency and a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

I don’t believe that Girardi was disrespecting Posada and surely it was a difficult decision. But the writing was on the wall in the past couple of years when Francisco Cervelli then Russell Martin came in. The addition and impact of both catchers (with Martin being the everyday backstop) were obvious that the brass figured Hip Hip Jorge’s time was close to done. Remember how Hideki Matsui responded to going from right field to designated hitter? That was tough especially after being named MVP of the World Series two seasons ago.

It’s tough when you’ve been an everyday player who was such an integral part of the ballclub to be relegated to the bench or a utility player. And I thought that Jorge should have taken one for the team. “A bad day” is what he termed it and I don’t think he should be punished for it. I certainly don’t think he should quit at this stage and he must finish the season before making that decision.

I’m sure that it’s also the same with Derek Jeter who more than ever has to answer questions about his batting and fielding. At times, I thought the way the Yankee management handled matters and negotiations should have been conducted with a little more prudence and sensitivity but that’s management. I have to deal with similar issues as the office as well. Lots of should haves and should bes. It’s just about coping, adjusting, understanding, and making the most out of things. It’s easier said than done but there it is.

Posada however should not be punished. He has been the consummate Yankee and is a winner, champion, and many-time All-Star. Here’s hoping you get back your groove, Jorge.

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Jorge Posada has spent his entire 17-year career with the Yankees. He's a five-time All-Star who batted .248 last season with 18 homers and 57 RBIs. Though he is hitting just .165 this year, he does have six home runs and 15 RBIs.

My thoughts on the Bacolod-Davao game

If the two semifinals games of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup are any indication of the sheer beauty of the sport and the quality of the competition, then the finals should be a slam bang affair when cross-river/city rivals Iloilo and Bacolod tangle.

Davao skidded somewhat at the end of the Laguna regionals when Iloilo killed them 4-1 and many wondered if they would similarly get skewered by powerhouse Bacolod. Boy, was everyone wrong. The first 20 minutes was actually an eyesore as both teams struggled to get their game going. In fact, Davao had the first three decent chances to score. Then in the 20th minute, Davao coach Ramoncito Carreon surprisingly substituted playmaker Enrique Romero-Salas for Joey Arobo. The result? Three goals for the rest of the half by Bacolod. 

A Bacolod assistant coach seemed baffled by the move: "You don't just replace a key player like that. At least not that early."

Davao had dug itself into a deep hole. 

But come the second half, it was a different story. Davao played better defense and now the link up to the final attacking third was complete. Mysteriously, Bacolod's game went south. I'd be mighty alarmed if I were them. They beat NCR but they did so in the first 20 minutes because the Manilans dominated the rest of the way. Against Masbate, Bacolod dominated the first half but in the final 45 minutes, Masbate took over. And now the near meltdown against Davao. 

The top-rated defense of Davao had given way. After a few mistakes, Jake Moralla, Lemuel Unabia and Anton Tongson were replaced. Ditto for Joven Bedic who had not played well. Now I wondered if the substitutions had affected Bacolod's game because the reserves had not been able to make any serious headway.

If defense had been a problem for Iloilo, for Bacolod it has been closing out matches. If there was a little more time on the clock, Davao would have equalized. That's how in control they were of the second half. So what happened? Carreon's boys utilized their speed which was their advantage. And Bacolod's backfour while solid in the air aren't that fast. Well, they have their work cut out for them.

But there would be no Istanbuls for Davao. Instead, they were eliminated from play. Even as they went out, they didn't go with their heads bowed. They had taken it to the Visayas regionals winners and showed that they belonged in the semifinals cast (some wondered if Laguna would have been a better foe for Bacolod but NCR Team A killed them in the final playing day of the Laguna Group Stages).

Bacolod joins Iloilo in Suzuki Cup finals

Bacolod's Fil-Am striker Joshua Beloya scored his 13th goal of the tournament to open up an early 3-nil lead over Davao. The three-goal margin was a sufficient cushion as Davao mounted a furious comeback in the second half. Bacolod won 3-2 to join Iloilo in the finals of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup.

Bacolod joins Iloilo in Suzuki Cup finals

game recap and photo by rick olivares

JARO, ILOILO CITY -- They were the favorites before the tournament began. One month and 27 teams later, Bacolod and Iloilo are the last two teams standing in the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup. Although barely.

Bacolod was on its way on fashioning a rout against Davao when they led 3-nil after 45 minutes of play at the Central Philippine University football field yesterday. On display was a clinic in pinpoint passing and devastating finishes.

But Davao, resolving their midfield woes, pressed their attack and pulled two back in a thrilling second half that saw them nearly draw level. But time ran out on the spirited rally as Bacolod won 3-2 to join Iloilo in the first national football finals in four years.

In the 27^th minute, with Bacolod on a counter attack, striker Joshua Beloya fired a heat seeker straight at Davao keeper  RS Mantos from 25 yards out. The ball ricocheted off Mantos and spiraled at the edge of the box. Beloya collected the ball, scooted around Mantos who dived at the ball, and fired into the empty net for the first goal of the match.

In the 39^th minute, midfielder Ralph Layumas, who had just come in for Michael Pacite, blasted one from just inside the box that hit Davao defender Mark Anthony Fernandez and was redirected past Mantos for the second score.

And in the 40^th minute, Bacolod playmaker Aldrin Dolino was the recipient of a nifty cross that he volleyed home for his side’s third score.

At the half, Davao coach Ramoncito Carreon urged his side to not give up against a powerful Bacolod side. His side responded splendidly as they dominated Bacolod and gave them a taste of their version of the killer cross.

Aldinn Tiboron pulled back the first goal in the 66^th minute when his long-range shot hit the crossbar and bounced in to get on the board. In the 74^th minute with time running out on Davao’s comeback, Joey Arobo received a through ball to beat the defense and score one-on-one against John Robert Mendoza who conceded only his fifth goal of the tournament.

Davao had one last opportunity to send the game into extra time but their final offensive thrust but Clifford Dacera was dispossessed of the ball.

Last Sunday, Iloilo despite being thoroughly outplayed by NCR Team B, pounced on two mistakes by the Manilans to become the first team to advance to the Under-23 Finals.

The finals will be a home-and-away format between Iloilo and Bacolod. The first game will be played at CPU on May 19 at 2:30pm while the second match will be played at Panaad on May 22 at 6pm.

The finals match-up is sure to be fiery one as both cities have had a long-standing rivalry that dates back to “forever” as Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado called it.

“Palagi yan kahit anong age group Bacolod-Iloilo ang naglalaban,” added assistant coach Jessie Sazon.

Bacolod head coach Norman Fegidero Jr, who is no stranger to the rivalry, agreed. “Basta football walang magpapatalo. Bacolod pride. Iloilo pride. Bragging rights yan. But it’s going to be an exciting finals.”

Notes on the PFF Suzuki U23 Cup in Iloilo

Notes on the PFF Suzuki U23 Cup in Iloilo:

When I went down to the hotel lobby yesterday morning (I was leaving for the GMA7 complex in Alta Tierra), NCR coach Hans Smit called me over. A couple of his players were under the weather. I asked him if he thought it would be a factor especially in the heat. We just had to see.

It was a really hot day and it did become a factor in the game. In fact, Smit gave his boys a nugget to chew on at the half, “If the heat is bothering you it is also bothering them. But you have to play the game. Kaya niyo yan.”

I also wondered if settling down would be a problem. You see three teams – NCR, Bacolod, and Davao are all staying in Iloilo City and in one hotel and it takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes to get to Barotac Nuevo. The home team was staying in Barotac and they were settled down.

If NCR was worried about a rowdy crowd… nada. The home crowd was gracious and fantastic. Thanks, Barotac Nuevo. You were great.

If people are wondering about Iloilo’s game, it’s simple – NCR knows them well and vice versa. So you cancel each other out. For the second time in four matches, NCR attacked from the get-go (the other was against Dipolog) while somewhat – and for lack of a better term – throwing caution to the wind. Was throwing Deo Segunial and David Basa in the attack a risk? It is always risky but it was brilliant. For those who watch UAAP football regularly, the two are dangerous on the attack. And Deo, FYI, was named Best Defender in the last UAAP tourney.

And Iloilo practiced with Mark Ferrer and Peter Sobredo only to be left out of the lineup last night because of the protest. It doesn’t take a Phd in rocket science to figure out that losing two men throws a monkey wrench in one’s rotation. And it certainly hurt that Jenver Vergara went out with an injury.

Honestly, I think and still believe so that NCR is the most dangerous team in the tournament. Not making an excuse here but if they had the same number of games under their belt as the others, they would have beaten all comers. They just played better and better as the games went on.

In trying to assess the NCR team, a lot of players really played well. It would be tough just to name a few players so suffice to say that they did good.

But if I were Iloilo, I’d be worried. They pulled the rabbit out of this one, but the game was eerily reminiscent of their match against Bacolod which the Negros Occidental team won 1-0. They dominated that match. Misfortune hit NCR. But congratulations to Iloilo. If they find their groove that was on display early in the Visayas regionals they’ll be a tough team to beat.

It’s also a bloody shame, that people are not able to watch Team Masbate coached by former UST keeper and current assistant head coach Kim Versales. They are simply fun to watch despite missing a few key players. They play terrific defense and play even more exciting offense. This team has many players from UE and a few from UST. The hallmark is their disciplined and controlled passing game.


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There are questions arising on why NCR did not have it cluster elimination or regionals. The PFF when mapping out the competition placed NCR as a region. There was also a budget allotted for an NCR tournament but it was decided to use the budget for a tryouts from the colleague leagues. And it was the PFF that said that they can pick their players from the NCAA and UAAP which has always been the practice. Since there are no competitions of that sort save for the collegiate leagues and the UFL, then a selection was decided. 


Hope that clears up everything. But keep in mind that many football associations were unable to properly prepare given the time frame involved. By next year's U-23 competition, it will get better.

Pics from today

I was invited to DYSI Super Radyo Iloilo this morning to talk about the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup and football here in the Philippines. The radio station is owned and operated by GMA7. I thought that the interview by announcer John Mandanio (in the picture) would last five to ten minutes. Instead it took an hour! And before I knew it, I was gabbing and gabbing and telling jokes and anecdotes. It sure was fun. I've been invited tomorrow on a local television talk show. Now, I told our Suzuki clients and PFF officials to attend that because maybe they are better suited for that. We'll see now.

With Iloilo's German Doronilla and Mark Ferrer (who is also with the Philippine Men's National Football Team) after the match between Iloilo and NCR. The Ilonggos won 2-1.

The NCR team with Miguel Montelibano in the foreground during their pre-game warm-ups. When the team got up in the morning, several of them felt sickly causing some concern among the coaching staff. During the warmups, I asked Patrick Deyto if the heat would affect them. "Definitely," he said. "I actually feel tired." Not a good sign. But once the game started -- they came out with a great effort that had the home side on their heels.

With the Subo family. Hazel, Domingo, and Phoebe. They are native Barotacnons and it was great to find out that they religiously follow Bleachers' Brew. I met a number of people here in Iloilo who really follow the blog whether it be football or basketball. It's kind of humbling when even the players (from the various teams) ask if I am done writing so they can read the new piece or if they offer their own two centavos worth of ideas as well. At times, I am taken aback by it. Like this evening, the Bacolod players swarmed over the table at the lobby to read and take a gander at the pics. Thanks, guys! And to the Subo family -- super thanks! And there's more stuff here.

Iloilo nips NCR to book U23 Finals seat

This appears in the Monday, May 16, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.


Iloilo nips NCR to book U23 Finals seat

story and pics by rick olivares

BAROTAC NUEVO, ILOILO -- A football coach once said, a striker can make a thousand mistakes and it won’t hurt a team. one defensive mistake on the other hand… well, that kills.

The National Capital Region Team B, a team loaded with UAAP stars dominated possession, corners, shots on goal – you name it. But their inability to find the back of the net and a pair of defensive mistakes cost them dearly as Iloilo went on to beat them 2-1 in the semifinals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup.

In the 23^rd minute, NCR defender Ronnie Aguisanda headed the ball towards his own goal that Iloilo’s Chester Braga chased down. With midfield mate Shirmar Felongco sprinting forward, all they had to beat was goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.

As Deyto rushed out, Braga laid the ball for Felongco who slotted the ball into an empty net.

NCR answered with a series of attacks that saw them hit the crossbar four times. Striker Jon Melliza who had been marked well since the quarterfinals, equalized in the 78^th minute when his set piece evaded the Iloilo wall and curved back in to blow past keeper Wilson Muñoz.

As NCR renewed their attack, misfortune struck when defender David Basa was whistled for a handball inside the box in the 83^rd minute. Francis Gustilo converted the penalty shot for a 2-1 lead to take the wind out of NCR’s sails.

Iloilo qualified for the home and away finals that will take place on the 19^th and 22^nd of May. The other finalist has yet to be decided as Bacolod and Davao have yet to play their semis match.

“I knew the pressure was on them,” said Gustilo who recalled his thoughts prior to taking the penalty shot. “If I missed – but I knew I wouldn’t – the worst that could happen was we will go into extra time.”

“We are looking forward to getting back at Bacolod if they advance to the finals,” said victorious Ilonggo head coach Marjo Allado who is a Barotac Nuevo native. “It was a good victory in front of the home crowd considering that the NCR team is very good but a championship will be better.”

NCR gambled early in the match when they sent defenders Segunial and David Basa on the attack. The relentless pressure put Iloilo on their heels. But after the Felongco goal, NCR went to a more conventional 442 formation.

A disappointed Hans Smit, NCR coach, lamented his team’s ouster from the first national competition in four years. “All the goals against us (including the two by Bacolod in the quarterfinals) have been on the counter and a mistake. Sayang because the boys played their hearts out.”

Bacolod and Davao will play at Central Philippine University in Jaro, Iloilo on Monday, May 16 at 230pm.

Notes: Because of the carry-over system in the cards, Iloilo will miss the services of Francis Gustilo, Shirmar Felongco, and Neckson Leonara in the first game of the finals due to two yellow cards. After the match, Iloilo Football Association General Secretary Duffie Botavara texted NCR coach Hans Smit: “Congratulations for allowing Barotac Nuevo to watch your team. You played better than Iloilo.” The day before the match, NCR expressed concern about playing in Barotac Nuevo. Botavara assuaged Smit’s concern when he said that “Barotacnons appreciate good football. Play good football and they will cheer for you.” And true enough, the crowd was respectful and highly appreciative of the match and the visiting team. 
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This was a quality ballgame. I wish that others were able to witness this. ABS CBN covered it and it will come out as a segment (rather than the whole game). But.... I do have the entire game on DV8. Will find a way to get that on youtube. The talent and skill was on display for all. As someone who has watched and written extensively about UAAP football, it sure was fun to see Stephen Permanes, Jay Eusebio, David Basa, Nikko Villa play as amateurs one more time. Steph and Gung (Villa) were the team captains and I thought it was a marvelous opportunity to work with them. Same with the other teams. This has been a most gratifying experience -- writing about regional football. I made new friends and it made me appreciate the game all the more.