U23 Azkals Lose TO Timor 2-1!

The Azkals' atrocious defense let them down yet again.

Timor-Leste, a team that seems to be following the Azkals module for international football success, had a relatively easy time dispatching of the Azkals in a game that solidified their darkhorse status in the SEA Games.

With several Timorese-Portuguese with experience in the Australian league in their lineup, Timor Leste found themselves unexpectedly leading Vietnam, a title favorite.

Roland Muller was the lone bright spot on defense, as the Fil-German logged several top notch saves once again. But even the uber-talented Muller can not  stop all the shots as the Azkals back four was outmaneuvered several times leading to 2 on 1 situations with Muller trying to stop 2 Timorese attackers.

If this is how the U23 Azkal play defense, then expect more heartbreaking losses in the upcoming games.

More on this story here.

Junior Azkals Try To Jumpstart PHL's SEAG Campaign

The opening ceremonies for the 2011 SEA Games are still 8 days away...but the Philippine campaign starts this afternoon as the U-23 Azkals take on an extremely formidable Vietnam side.

The U-23 Azkals hope to build on the recent success of the senior Azkals but team officials hope that expectations for the team remain manageable.

After all, only Jason de Jong was in the regular rotation of the senior Azkals, with the Hartmanns, Carlos de Murga, Jeff Christaens, OJ Porteria and keeper Ronald Mueller playing only in the last few tuneup games.

They will be joined by local standouts Neckson Leonora, David Basa, Gerardo Valmayor and Joshua Beloya.

Stand by for the coverage later at 5:30pm.

More on this story here.

Douthit, Slaughter, Parks, Ravena To Banner SEAG Team!

Marcus Douthit, Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks. That's a pretty decent starting lineup for the Philippines, no matter who play at shooting guard.

These four, including collegiate standouts RR Garcia, Aldrech Ramos, Ronald Pascual, Garvo Lanete, Elvin Pascual, Emman Monfort and Nico Salva will form the backbone of the basketball team the SBP will send to the SEA games this December.

Other possible members for the team are Gilas skipper Chris Tiu, Fil-Ams Clifford Hodge and Chris Ellis as well as collegiate stars, Jerick Fortuna, Calvin Abueva and Kevin Alas.

More on this story here.

Suzuki To Back U-23 SEAG Team!

Azkal fever may be all the rage but true soccer, like Suzuki, already have their eyes on the future.

In another bold move by the motor company, Suzuki has offered to sponsor the Philippines' U-23 Football Team in their quest to win a medal in the upcoming SEA Games.

Suzuki was also the sponsor of the U-23 National Championships, where most of the members of the national U-23 team was picked.

More on this story here.

Weiss Opens Door For De Jong Comeback...But Not With Azkals!

Fil-Dutch midfielder and defensive specialist Jason De Jong can suit up for the PHL...but not with the Azkals.

Instead, he will be considered for a spot with the U-23 PHL team that will be competing in the the SEA Games, said Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss.

Philippine Sports Commission Needs 60Mi More for SEAG!

The Philippine Sports Commission has 30million in its coffers. Now, it only needs 60million more.

This is the sobering reality confronting the Filipino athlete as preparations for the 26th SouthEast Asian Games go into full swing.

The PSC is now looking into getting sponsors either for the SEAG (patron who will directly fund the training and competition expenses of the athletes) or the Philippine National Games (so that the savings can be funneled into the SEAG effort)