Air Force bombs Manhur out of the UFL Cup

Air Force bombs Manhur out of the UFL Cup

by rick olivares

November 5, 2011

Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

The Manhur players were lounging around the pitch when Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong entered carrying his gym bag. They shook hands with the national player and praised him for what he has done for local football.

Minutes later, the team went to the dugout to change and they mistakenly stumbled into the Air Force changing room. Handshakes were exchanged. Hosannas once more sung.

Manhur FC, formed merely three years ago by players from Dumaguete who played for Silliman University, Far Eastern University, and the University of Santo Tomas, the team was proud of advancing from the group stage to the knockout round.

“It’s an accomplishment,” said forward Anthony Emperado.

Even if they were up against mighty Air Force with its all-star lineup?

“This game,” clarified head coach Rigoberto Buccat, “was a test. When you play Air Force with all they have achieved through the years, through the decades, it’s like climbing Mt. Everest or Mt. Kilimanjaro. We just need to give a good account of ourselves.”

Unfortunately for Manhur, even with their 4-5-1 formation that was supposed to stem the tide of the Airmen’s 4-4-2 attack, they mostly stood by mesmerized by the seamless 1-2 passing between Caligdong and Ian Araneta despite the rain-soaked pitch. And for good measure, the Airmen showed there was more to their patented left wing attack by utilizing the speed and runs and crosses from the right by Jalor Soriano and Joebel Bermejo.

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