Elite League finally kicks off, more established Manila clubs come out on top after Match Day 1

Team Manila Tala FC hosted the Green Archers United to launch the new league at the BGC Turf (Yup, BGC TURF!). The home side were down 2 goals at half time and struggled to find their rhythm against the former UFL club in the first 60 minutes.

Tala 1 – 2 GAU

The Archers were able to hit the back of the net at the 34^th minute mark and the second goal followed from a rebound few minutes after the referee awarded the away side with a penalty kick; from what seemed to be a controversial call for a hand ball off the Tala Captain, Nico Bolzico. The home side was able to get a consolation goal with fourteen minutes to go from thirty yards out. Tala FC were then reduced to 10 men after their full back received the second yellow.

The Archers will be happy with the win after finally making a come back into competitive football. Expectations from the club will be high, considering they refused to join the PFL and settled for the Elite League.

Kaya 5 – 2 Meralco

Few hours later that same day, Kaya Elite hosted the FC Meralco Manila RT led by Coach Pong Liman in an arena home to both clubs, McKinley Hill Stadium. Kaya Elite, one the favorites to win the league, finished the match with a comfortable 5-2 victory.

This is the second loss of the club over the weekend after the first team (Meralco Manila) knelt down to Ceres-Negros FC to a shocking 0-7 first defeat of the season at home in the PFL, the night before.

FC Meralco Manila RT is one of the newer teams in the league and should be an exciting team to follow once they find their form.

Laos 3 – 4 Stallions

Laos FC faced the Stallions of Laguna (B) at home in Makati Circuit Blue Pitch to what seemed to be a high scoring physical game (about 8 yellow cards). The match ended with a 3-4 loss to the home side with a hat-trick from the former UFL star, the skillful nutmeg-seeking Hamed Hajimehdi.

Not much is known about Laos FC after their exit from UFL and the least expected team to sign up for the Elite League but for sure it will be exciting to know what happens after match day two when they play away against another new team, Meralco.

Here is the list of the upcoming games (Match Day 2) Sunday, July 23.

Green Archers Utd FC vs Stallion Laguna FC B (Tentative Venue: DLS-Zobel Ayala Alabang)

Manila Tala FC vs Kaya FC Elite (Venue: BGC TURF 2PM KO)

FC Meralco Manila RT vs Laos FC (Tentative Venue: McKinley Hill)

Be sure to catch one of the games!

Enjoy the Beautiful Game! #OneLove

Written by: Kaman Lee A. Suleiman