Who, Where, What: UFL Transfer Window
The United Football League’s latest transfer window has been one of the most exciting so far. There were several surprise moves by clubs to bolster their squads in what should be a nerve-wracking UFL season. (Editor’s note: the UFL has not released the official team rosters as of this posting.)
Transfer Blockbuster: Schrock to Ceres
League champions Ceres-La Salle FC underlined their intent of challenging for titles not only on the domestic front, but also in the AFC Cup. The Bacolod-based club acquired the services of Stephan Schrock for the upcoming season. Schrock is on loan from SpVgg Greuther Fürth until August with the option to extend dependent on his mother club.
Schrock’s experience in the Bundesliga and the higher levels of the German football system may prove to be the biggest factor in the club’s title ambitions. Joining Schrock in the squad is midfielder Kevin Ingreso, who debuted for the Azkals last year. Ingreso, who is days shy of his 23rd birthday, is also a product of the German youth football system. Schrock and Ingreso join established Filipino-German teammates Patrick Reichelt and Manuel Ott in Bacolod.
The Yanson-backed side flew to Singapore earlier this month for a couple of preseason and AFC Cup training friendlies. They won 3-1 vs Balestier Khalsa and lost 2-1 to Singapore Cup winners Albirex Niigata.
Kaya: Bid for Supremacy
Termed one of the League’s bridesmaid teams in the past, Kaya finally shook off the tag by winning the UFL Cup last year, at the same time, they qualified for the AFC Cup.
The LBC-backed club definitely beefed up the squad for the upcoming competitions. Hard-working forward Robert Lopez Mendy from Green Archers United and Shirmar Felongco from Stallion are among the club’s major signings. Anton Ugarte also makes his return to Kaya having played for the club in 2013.
Kaya signed two new players Matthew Action and Isaac Annan, as well as youngsters Charlie Beaton (formerly of the Loyola Meralco Sparks), Sean Kane, and Julian Matthews.
Global: A Comeback in the Works?
Suspended in the UFL Cup last season for fielding an ineligible player, Global has quietly been building up ahead of the season.
The two-time League champions signed Filipino-Iranian midfielder Omid Nazari, who has played in Sweden in the past. Also joining Global is former Manila Jeepney standout Arthur Kouassi.
Nick O’Donnell joins the high profile signings of Global after a successful stint with Kaya FC. A proven penalty stopper, O’Donnell is expected to challenge for the goalkeeper starting spot with Patrick Deyto and Junjun Badelic.
Global’s other signings are the returning Milad Behgandom and Serbian Milan Nikolic. Sean Bateau and Serge Kaole join the club from Stallion.
Loyola Meralco: Maroon Blood Injection
The Loyola Meralco Sparks made a number of changes in the team during the transfer window. Former UFL MVP Jason De Jong was signed to the club from Global, in one of the bigger stories right after the end of last season.
Joining De Jong in the squad is the returning Anto Gonzales, who was on loan from Diliman FC (later on Pachanga-Diliman) with the Sparks several years ago. Gonzales, who is also the coach of the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, is joined by UP’s Jinggoy Valmayor, Ace Villanueva, and Daniel Gadia who all previously played for Pachanga-Diliman. Ian Clarino, another UP booter, joins them in the lineup from Global FC.
FEU standout midfielder Arnel Amita also makes his return to the Sparks but will be unavailable in both the UFL and UAAP after recently picking up an ACL injury. Guilherme Hasegawa who formerly saw action for Stallion and Team Socceroo FC also joins the team.
Stallion: The Perennial Dark Horse
Stallion is raring to return to its winning ways after clinching the UFL League and Cup Double in 2012-2013. The Iloilo-based squad picked up Filipino-Indonesian Reuben Silitonga, who played for Global and Pachanga Diliman in the past.
Joshua Beloya and Max Wright also join the squad having played for Kaya and Loyola Meralco respectively.
Other Notable Transfers
Green Archers United picked up Lee Joo Young from Loyola Meralco, Gary Epesso and Alvaro Alonso from Manila Jeepney, and Hussein Doustdarsefidmazgi from Pachanga Diliman. They also brought in Aldrin Dolino, the MVP of the PFF Under-23 Championship in 2011.
Newly promoted JP Voltes (formerly Manila All-Japan) signed Masaki Yanagawa, Yu Hoshide, and Satoshi Otomo. The Japanese trio played for Global last season — Hoshide was a regular in the Global paddock for several years. Ceres trio Camelo Tacusalme, Lemuel Unabia, and J Bagiuoro along with UFL veterans PJ Fadrigalan and Alex Elnar also join JP Voltes.
Also newly-promoted Laos FC has signed Iranian Hamed Hajimehdi, who previously played for Global and Pachanga.
Agila-MSA FC recently signed College of St. Benilde midfielder Val Calvo. Calvo also previously played for Ateneo de Manila in the UAAP.
Forza picked up Tommy Escoltero, who last played for Green Archers United.
Nomads and Pasargad have not revealed rosters as of posting.
The UFL Cup will be held at Rizal Memorial Stadium starting this Saturday, February 6 at 4:00pm. The games for this weekend are free. For match schedules, check out our calendar.
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