Philippines vs Singapore, not your whipping boy anymore!

Excellent results for the Azkals last tune up game before the much anticipated AFF Suzuki Cup. Another historic first against a long time Philippine foil is just what the doctor ordered as at the very least the players and coaches comes into the "Group of Death" in a positive and winning mindset, and not against minnows, mind you.

Azkals vs The Reds(Bahrain) A time for old men

The Red *

Sure you'd always want to be positive when rooting for your national team. Sure you know that it would be a mighty undertaking. Maybe deep down, you felt they'd probably lose because, well, it's just that the numbers call for a loss. They're the big boys after all and were the new guys trying to get a foot in the door. But sometimes while you may not get what you want, you'll get what you deserve. And we did! 

PFPC Azkals vs the Matao, in with the old, in with the new!

Patrick Reichelt's moment of glory*

I'm not going to do the typical game report as there are numerous accounts already available, I also promised myself I won't rant about both Younghusband's "situation" with the team management, so I won't. It'll be the typical Wiking player performance rants and a few random thoughts.

Azkal foreign based players report - September 2012

Here's a quick post-week reader for all you Azkal fans who follow our foreign based national team members.

Neil Etheridge(Bristol Rovers) - After a quick announcement by Fulham, Neil was shipped to League 2(4th tier) English outfit, the Bristol Rovers who are currently languishing at 23 of the 24 team league. Neil's presence quickly produced some acceptable results as they had their first cleansheet of the season after 7 league games. Next up for "The Gas" is an away game against powerhouse and current 3rd placer Exeter City on the 29th.

RELEGATION! for Ray Jónsson's GRINDAVÍK

So it's final then, Ray Jónsson's UMF  Grindavík is, or rather will be relegated to the 1.Dield for the next(2013) season. Unlike last year when the team was saved by the "skin-of-their-teeth" that same luck would not continue on to this season.

ANGEL GUIRADO'S Salgaocar FC wins 1st game of the Indian Fed Cup

Angel Guirado/Salgaocar FC/Indian League/India(1st tier)

Today was Salgaocar FC's first game after signing Angel Guirado. It was a Federation(Indian) Cup match against fellow I-League team and big transfer market spender, Prayag United SC.

Azkals vs The Lions: History made!

Yes, this pic is used with permission :)

I'm not gonna write about how the match went, everyone has already, but let me just say for those who were unfortunate enough to miss it, it was history in the making! In my mind it should rank up there with the "Hanoi miracle", the 3rd place win in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup and above the 2010 draw with Singapore!

Azkals vs The Angkor Warriors: Parting shots!

Next game Friday!

There were lots of talk on twitterverse and in soccerforums excusing ourselves the draw because of bad pitch conditions and the "end-of-days-like" downpour. I say bullshit, stop the excuses, stop the madness! Remember, the RMS game on Feb 29th 2012 against Malaysia? I've saved that game and watched it countless times, enjoying the draw from the heretofore unbeatable Harimau Muda. But did anyone remember how bad that pitch looked? We Filipino fans even complained about it saying what an embarrassment it was for us. But we struck first and it took the Malaysian side up until the 90th minute to score a draw. We were disappointed but happy the opponent could not punk us as they used too.

MARK DRINKUTH & JACQUES VAN BOSSCHE early season updates!

2012-2013 Season Report

 
Mark Drinkuth/DJK Agon 08/Niederrhein Bezirkliga/Germany(8th tier)

Mark's DJK Agon has lost it's first two league games and surprisingly last seasons strength has been lost to them. The team was a scoring machine last season yet has only scored once in both fixtures.

Oliver Pötschke & BFC Preussen: On the right track for the 2012-2013 season!

2012-2013 Season Report

Oliver sitting 2nd from left

Oliver Pötschke /BFC Preussen 1894 e.V./Landesliga Staffel II/Germany(7th tier)

You didn't forget about Oliver Pötschke did you? Oliver still plays in Berlin in the same team he was in last season, and yes it's true they were relegated. READ ( HERE ).

ROB GIER still a mainstay with Ascot United!

2012-2013 Season Report

Rob Gier/Ascot United/Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League/England(9th tier)

Azkal veteran defender Rob Gier is in the early stages of his teams season. Once again they are mid table and as unpredictable as ever.

THE AZKAL CURSE?

Picture credit to the owner.

Ok, ok, the title is a little over the top, but it got your attention. But if you're like me who scan through, spox, bundesliga and just about all the other team websites of our foreign based players, I couldn't help but notice a disturbing trend.

DENNIS CAGARA and Karlsruher SC: Struggling bigtime!

2012-2013 Season Report

Dennis Cagara/Karlsruher SC/3.Liga/Germany(3rd tier)

Things are unfolding very quickly for Dennis Cagara and his recently relegated club Karlsruher SC. Before the season, hope were high with the club of regaining their rightful position in the 2.Bundesliga, Germanys second tier football league.

Ray Jónsson, UMF GRINDAVÍK'S resurgent midfielder!

2012-2013 Season Report

Ray Anthony Jónsson/UMF Grindavík/Úrvalsdeild/Iceland(1st tier)

By the skin of its teeth Ray Jonsson's, Úrvalsdeild team UMF GRINDAVÍK was saved from relegation at the last game of the 2011 season. This season, time is running short and with 6 games left and nothing short of a miracle can prevent Ray's team from seeing Icelands 2nd tier "1.Deild" for the first time in 5 years.

JERRY LUCENA, versatile veteran presence for Esbjerg fB!

2012-2013 Season Report

Jerry Lucena/Esbjerg fB/SuperLiga/Denmark(1st tier)

Jerry Lucena and his newly promoted team are struggling to prove that they rightly belong to Denmarks premier football league.

To be fair there are two factors why the team is in last place. One, the offensive side lacks a scoring punch which was insufficiently addressed before the season. Second, the unfortunate injury situation of almost the entire defensive side roster. Through it all Jerry has been a steadying veteran presence on the pitch. He has been forced to play as a center back, a lone defensive midfield anchor and his customary center mid position. 

MANNY OTT gets more playing time & PAUL MULDERS missing in teams season debut

2012-2013 Season Report 

Manny Ott/Ingolstadt 04 II/Regionalliga Bayern/Germany(4th tier)

The new season brought a two year contract for the 20yo Manny Ott and vastly more playing time with the team. 

Former Man City youth and A-League player turned coach, ALAN WILLIAMSON would like to coach for you!

In his favorite Man City jersey

Coach Alan Williamson wants to coach your team and he's got the credentials to back it up.

But first an introduction. Alan says that he is "in my fifties although super fit..." he is also married to a Filipina from Davao, the former Melody Fuentes Huyatid and they have a daughter. Because of this, he says that getting a visa would be no problem. He continues, saying that his favorite place is Cebu(and coaching there wouldn't be a bad thing at all) and that he loves Jollibee and Lechon, with moderation of course!  

An Azkal that never was... Michael "Mika" Ortelli

Name: Michael "Mika" Torrefranca Ortelli

DoB: March 2, 1989

Age: 23

Place of birth: Vénissieux, Lyon France

Height: 5'6"

Weight: 150lbs

Playing position: Right/Left Fullback; Right mid

Current club: AS Minguettes Vénissieux (5th tier)

Previous clubs: US Vénissieux, AS Saint Priest, AS Minguettes Vénissieux(5th tier), Lyon Duchère AS(4th tier)

"Mika" Ortelli, was a once promising soccer player and future Azkal. A youngster who was climbing his way up to the higher tier in the French leagues before a spate of injuries more than one year in duration derailed his football career in France and with the Azkals.  

MALVEN FRANCIS: Azkal dreamin' UFL playin' Canadian?

Malven D. Francis

DoB: Nov 7 1993

Nationality: Filipino/Canadian

Birthplace: Toronto, Canada

Height: 5'10

Dominant foot: Right

Positions: Prefers playing midfielder but can play the striker pos.

Meet Malven Francis a Canadian who happens to be of half Filipino and half Sri Lankan roots. He lives, breathes and eats football and there's nothing more he'd rather do than play in the UFL and with the Azkals U23 team.

DARIO DAKIC, ready to take on the UFL!

Dario Dakic

Midfielder

Age: 25 yo

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 176lbs.

Previous clubs: NIF Bosna, IF Sylvia, Assyrian IF Norrkoping, Smedby AIS

Highest level: Smedby AIS(2nd Tier)

Meet Dario Dakic friend and shadow of Phil-Swede player, and UFL hopeful, Wilbert Latoy . Dario has decide to follow his long time friend in a football adventure. And what more adventurous than going to an exotic new place to ply his trade than the Philippines. 

JUAN LUIS GUIRADO: el talismán

So why the Talisman you ask? Well sit back, relax and read on. 


Most Philippine footy fan see Juani as the friendly guy who's always got a smile even for the opponent. The guy who's ever steady on defense from the defensive midfield or at the left back position. The guy whose outlet passes few Azkals can match. Turns out, we've been short changing him all along. He's much more than that!

Good news for Roland Müller bad news for Azkals fans and new team pics for Stephan Schröck

It's official, the 24 year old Roland Müller is the number two goal keeper for 2.Bundesliga outfit MSV Duisburg. From an interview, assistant coach Sven Beukhert has commented that Müller will be number two keeper after starting goal keeper Felix Weidwald. The 22 year old phenom was a great surprise for the Zebras last season and was voted by fans as best goal keeper of the entire 2.Bundesliga and also MSV Duisburg's player of the season. 

2012 IN-SEASON REPORT: Chris & Simon Greatwich and the Morris County Colonials

KNOCKING ON "PLAYOFF'S" DOOR. The Morris County Colonials are an American soccer team in the NPSL playing in the Northeast - Keystone Conference. They sit in the 4th tier of the American soccer pyramid. Veteran Azkal midfielder Christopher Greatwich is a first year head coach and player of the team(he coached the youth teams last season), his younger brother Simon is also on the teams roster.

PRESEASON RUMBLINGS: Mulders, Cagara, Lucena & More!

Paul Mulders:

ADO Den Haag. Monday was the official start of ADO's training camp and Azkal "Dream Teamer" Paul Mulders suited up for camp. See picture above.

2012 IN-SEASON REPORT: Ray Jónsson & UMF Grindavík

DEAD LAST is where 33yo Ray Jónsson's UMF Grindavík currently finds itself. In the 2011 campaign season Grindavík saved itself in the very last game of the season when they defeated ÍBV to finish 10th in the 12 team Úrvalsdeild(Icelands premier football league) the 2012 season might be different and for the worst.

Paul Mulders denies being cut and more on Lucena, Ott, Cagara, Müller...

After a report surfaced that Paul Mulders was let go of Dutch premier league outfit ADO Den Haag(which I also blogged about HERE ) he fired back on twitter writing in tagalog: 

Kahit natapos ko ang aking ang 3th pagsasanay na ito umaga! Salamat sa iyo! Hindi importanteng bagay.

KANBAWZA FC primer

Like me you are probably curious who Loyola Meralco Sparks will be playing in the next round of the RHB Cup in Singapore so I tried to do a quick search just to see who Kanbawza really is. Here's a Kanbawza FC primer.

PAUL MULDERS has been cut from ADO Den Haag, Indonesia a likely destination?

Although it might seem like a sudden release, it has not been quite unexpected. Paul Mulders has been a long time fixture in the Dutch Eerste division(2nd tier) and it has been a pleasant surprise that an older player like Paul has been called up to play in the Eredivisie against giants like Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord.  

2011/12 End of Season report: Paul Mulders and ADO Den Haag

JUST MISSES RELEGATION! Paul Mulder's ADO Den Haag had a horrendous last quarter with their last five games going down in defeat. In this same time frame their opponent scored 15 points on them while they themselves only managed a poor five.


The team, finished the season 15th in the 18 team Dutch premier league(Eredivisie) with perennial powerhouse, Ajax taking first. "The Hague" had an 8-8-18 record. They scored 38 goals, third lowest in the league and allowed 67, fifth worse. To make matters worse, long time defender and arguably ADO's best player, Christian Kum has left the team.

2011/12 End of Season report: Patrick Hinrichsen and SV Darmstadt 98 II

Patrick, seated far right.

REMAINS A CONTENDER in the Verbandsliga Group South is what Patrick Hinrichsens team has accomplished for the 2011/12 season. 


Patrick began the season in the player pool for the team and was hardly used or included in a game roster. This slowly changed as the season drew to a close. By the end of the season, the 21 yo midfielder saw playing time as a reserve and even as an occasional starter for his 6th tier team. 

2011/12 End of Season report: Rob Gier and Ascot United FC

A rare photo of Rob in Ascot United kit!

Less than a middling team, is how one can describe Rob Gier's Ascot United last season. It survived a bad campaign season and is ready to begin climbing the table for the 2012/13 season.

It is important to note that Rob was away from the team for more than half a season either from supporting the Azkals in its FIFA friendly games, the AFC Challenge Cup campaign where he effectively was the Captain of the team and led the Philippines to its highest ever major tournament results(a 3rd place finish as an underdog team all the way), or because of injury, suffered in the Los Angeles Galaxy vs Azkals exhibition game. 

IN PICTURES! Training camp for our European based players.

Stephan Schröck is fitting in well with his new team mates as they undergo training camp in Bavaria.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim is a newer 1.Bundesliga club who finished 11th in the 18 team German premier league for the 2011/12 season. They finished with a 10-11-13 record with 41 goals scored and 47 goals allowed. Clearly there is a need on both offense and defense. From a kicker.de article the team management is currently aiming for a 6th place finish at the very most but conceded any position from 10th place is a step in the right direction. Surely Stephan will be of great use for the team.

2011/12 END of SEASON report: Roland Müller of MSV Duisburg

PROMOTION for Roland's reserve/youth team MSV Duisburg II. Last season they were a powerhouse team in the NRW Liga(Oberliga 5th tier). For the next season 2012/2013 they will be in the newly revamped Regionalliga which is the 4th tier of the German football pyramid. Manny Ott, new Global FC player Patrick Reichelt and newly released Denis Wolf also plays or has played in the Regionalliga.

A Filipino fan in Myanmar explains what he saw.

Pic from Kat Liscano

This article is actually a post by a usapangfootball.proboards.com member named "bakdrap". He has been a member since Dec 2010 and is based in Myanmar hence his first person account. To any true blue Philippine footy fan, the game, even if "watched" through futbol24.com was a devastating and heartbreaking event. We want explanations, now we have a first person account.

DENNIS CAGARA'S Karlsruher SC vs Dynamo Kiev watch it on live streaming

Got nothing to do on a late Saturday night? Watch Karlsruher SC and Dennis Cagara as they play a friendly against storied Soviet and later Ukrainian Premier League team FC Dynamo Kiev.

Watch it here: http://www.laola1.tv/de/at/fussball/freundschaftsspiel/fc-dynamo-kiev-karlsruher-sc-/video/265-1087-88274.html

The game is Saturday 23rd at 18:00 CET

2011/2012 END of SEASON report: Mark Drinkuth and DJK Agon 08

Mark top right standing

LATE SEASON MELTDOWN! Mark Drinkuths DJK Agon 08 started the season well, flirting with the top five teams in the Niederrhein Bezirkliga(8th tier). As the season progressed the team lost its focus and as could be seen by its last few games, deserve the middling ranking it has now. 

BREAKING NEWS! Jerry Lucena moves to new SuperLiga team Esbjerg fB

An undisputed member of the Philippine national football team "Dream Team", Jerry Lucena, last of Danish premier league team AGF Aarhus has signed a 2 year contract with newly promoted team Esbjerg fB. Jerry had a contract with AGF until June 30 2013 yet was allowed to sign with Esbjerg fB. The 31 yo right back has been with AGF Aarhus for 5 years and has played over 150 games for them.

2011/12 END of SEASON report: Oliver Pötschke and BFC Preussen Berlin

Oliver, kneeling second from left

RELEGATION! The once proud team of Oliver Pötschke finally succumbs to the inevitable as BFC Preussen Berlin 1894 e.V. after struggling for two straight seasons, is relegated from the Berlin-Liga(6th tier) to the Landesliga Berlin(7th tier).

DENNIS CAGARA back on the saddle with Karlsruher SC!

Dennis at left

Philippine international football player and one of the very best of the Azkals has finally found a new club. After a very bad injury a few years ago, he has bounced around with 6 month contracts between Danish and German clubs. After his mother passed away early this year, a once promising stint with 2.Bundesliga club FSV Frankfurt fizzled leading to his release. Finally he has signed a long term contract with 3.Liga(3rd tier) German team, Karlsruher SC. 


Note that Karlsruher SC was recently relegated from the 2.Bundesliga in the 2011/2012 season and are determined to fight its way back to where they belong!

The Azkals vs The Matao, The showdown at Panaad

If you didn't know who the "Matao" are, think back at the Azkals 3-4 years ago and think Guam. They are also a team much like the Philippines a few years back struggling to wake up from a soccer nightmare. For sure they aren't a team who will keep you up at night, but I'm sure that's how former Vietnam coach Henrique Callisto felt about us in 2010 too.

PHILIPPINES vs INDONESIA, a reckoning

The Red and Whites in better days

Its a little less than a full day for our next scheduled friendly and once again I am feeling giddy like a little boy in a candy store. For the Filipino soccer fan, there is a lot to be happy about this match. One of them is a chance to avenge the double losses against Indonesia at the tail end of 2010. It was to be one home and one away game but since the previous PFF "leadership" decided not to invest in a FIFA acceptable pitch, the Philippine home game was instead played in the very hostile pitch in Indonesia. We lost both game 1 to 0. I've often wondered if we had played in Rizal, would we have lost 1 to 0 too?

WIKING'S take, MALAYSIA 1-1 PHILIPPINES

So we tied Malaysia IN Malaysia and proved to the South East Asian elite that we are for real. I believe it was a great result considering almost half of our starting XI had less that a week to train with the team. We also faced the best crew that Malaysia could offer with the exception of one or two players. But there are so many things we could yet improve on as it seemed that for most of the game, we still relied on individual talent rather than team play. Here is how I saw the Azkals starting XI play.

ALAIN CEDILLO of CFIM wants to play for you, UFL!

Name: Alain Aliaga Cedillo

DoB: 09-02-1990

Place of birth and residence: Madrid, Spain

Height: 5' 7"

Weight:150lbs

Civil Status: Single

Current position: Right Midfielder

Current Club: C.F. Internacional de Madrid

Meet lightning quick Alain Cedillo, seeing that two of his team mates are on the verge of signing with a UFL club, he has decided to do the same. Having been instantly smitten with the Philippines and its people for the short while he was there, he would like nothing better than to return and share to the league and people his love for futbol. 

DENIS WOLF is now a free agent!

Denis Wolf is now a free agent. Following a dismal 2011-2012 season where 1.FC Magdeburg saw themselves in 18th and last place in the Regionalliga Nord(North), management decided to unload almost a dozen players to reduce the teams losses and to begin rebuilding as quickly as possible. The announcement was made(released) about a week ago today.

SWEDISH-FILIPINO, Wilbert Latoy has UFL wishes and Azkal dreams!

Wilbert Latoy
Age: 25
DoB: Dec 22 1986
Height: 5' 9"
Favored foot: Right
Position played: CM, DM, L or R Wing
Goals scored last season: 8
Current team: Hageby IF(Sweden)
Highest level played: Superettan(youth; Sweden)

Meet Wilbert Latoy, currently balling for Hageby IF a Div. 5 Östergötland Östra(East) team, and here is his story. Wilbert, like any footballer worth his salt has always been driven to play for their National Team. Not knowing about the Azkals until a few months ago, he has now made it his new goal to play for the national team, but to do this, he knows he has to show what he's got in the growing local league, the UFL. He harbors no doubts that if given a chance he can succeed and in the process receive an invitation to the national team. But first things first!

Meet ANTONIO UGARTE, a UFL prospect and Azkal hopeful

Antonio Ugarte
Born: San Francisco(Daly City), Ca

 Hometown: Danville, Ca

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 150lbs

Age:21

Position: Forward

Meet Antonio Ugarte. A star player for San Francisco State University who has recently graduated. In his own words: "After researching the UFL and seeing how it is developing and growing into a great looking league, it looks like a great opportunity and something I would want to pursue. I know if given the chance I can play on a team in the UFL." 

Random Azkal notes, infos and Wikings old blogs

To the hard core Azkal fan, Manny Ott, Dennis Cagara and Denis Wolf's contract situation were of concern. All three of these gentlemen had contracts expiring on June 30 2012. See here: http://wikingandtheazkals.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-much-is-azkal-worth.html

Wikings take: The Philippines vs Malaysia friendly

 So here we go again, another friendly series for the Azkals and with that, a new round of missing players, players with previous engagements, club commitments what have you. Either way its going to be exciting and perhaps with the missing players, the coaching staff will be able to utilize other "newcomers" thus adding to the depth of the national team pool. After all "missing" or absent players are not the exception but the norm for National Teams around the world. 

KEVIN INGRESO'S HAMBURGER SV U19 less than dominant but remains at #1

You want a replica jersey of KI?

MATCH REPORT: Kevin Ingreso/Hamburger SV U19/Staffel Nord/Nordost, German youth league

Apr 7 2012  Hallescher FC  2-2  Hamburger SV

JERRY LUCENA is out with injury as AGF Aarhus lose again.

MATCH REPORT: Jerry Lucena/AGF Aarhus/Superliga, Denmark(1st Tier)

Apr 5 2012  Silkeborg  2-1  AGF