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| Graphics by Kevin Estrada |
The third week of the PFL is upon us starting today, where three matches are on the billing for the weekend and this is all about the streaks and skids as six clubs are on hand to try to get their bearings right as early as now.
With our friend Ferdin Sanchez not feeling well for this week, yours truly will keep you in step on what's in store this weekend. And with that, we begin.
Match of the Week
JPV Marikina v Meralco Manila
MAY 20, 4PM
Biñan Stadium
Live on PTV4
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| Expect more of these when Meralco Manila and JPV Marikina collide in Laguna |
After successfully defended Rizal Memorial against Ilocos Utd last week, Meralco Manila are back in Biñan, but this time with a different opponent.
And it was not just an ordinary side, but the ever rising JPV Marikina are also riding high after silencing 4,384 in Davao Del Norte against a game Davao Aguilas (in which we'll talk about later) side to take their first win of the season.
But for the second time this season, Dan Padernal's men are back in Biñan once again, and they aim for all three points this time against a blitzing capital club, in which all of the seven goals scored were credited to seven different players, a proof that they have to take their defensive assignments seriously.
For Aris Caslib, expect a war in the midfield, noting that Voltes' field vision was the key in their triumph way down south.
Knowing that there is still bad blood following their pre-season bust-up, both sides will try to put it aside as a win either way can take them to the top of the table.
Honorable Mention
Kaya FC Makati v Davao Aguilas
MAY 20, 7PM
UMak |
| Will Miguel Tanton and Kaya finally set Makati on fire? |
It will be another battle between veterans and newbies as Kaya aims for nothing less than three points after salvaging a point away from a fully loaded Ceres outfit at home to open the season a fortnight ago.
The age gap between the two clubs will motivate Mindanao's lone outfit in the PFL to have what it takes to shock an establishment like Kaya who were founded 21 years ago.
"They’re a strong team. The advantage is with them because, they’re playing on their pitch. Our team is just three months old but we are ready to compete," said Davao assistant Lalas Carreon, whose side are at the bottom half of the table alongside the hosts with a point to share and will only play in the second match of the season.
Noel Marcaida expects a tough match but he hopes that the rust will not be a factor after a two week break.
"Because we were given ample time to prepare for this match, everyone can play 100%," the Kaya gaffer said.
Contrasting Fortunes
Stallion Laguna v Global Cebu
MAY 21, 4PMJ
Biñan Stadium
Live on PTV4
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| Pika Minegishi and Global face a domestic acid test against Stallion Laguna |
Both clubs opened their season with contrasting results in the same stadium a fortnight ago.
Although the reigning league titlists stymied JPV, the hosts had the worst of their starts, leaking in five against Meralco MNL, letting in the next four after Ryota Ishikawa equalized.
Global Cebu will have their hands full against Stallion Laguna on Sunday, knowing that this will be Marjo Allado's first test domestically, after seeing his side blew a 2-1 lead to split the pot with Home United in the AFC Cup.
Richard Leyble's Stallion will have to improve their defensive discipline in order to have a shot against a loaded Global side rocked with internal issues the past week.
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