Ceres starts title defense against Loyola

Matches Sunday (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

2:15 p.m. – Pasargad vs JP Voltes

5:15 p.m. – Kaya vs Laos

7:45 p.m. – Ceres La Salle vs Loyola

MANILA, Philippines - Ceres-La Salle begins its title defense against powerhouse Loyola Meralco on Saturday as the 2016 UFL League competition kicks off with a triple-header at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. 

Armed with a star-studded squad that made history Tuesday by becoming the first Philippine side to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Cup, Ceres remains a favorite to keep the title after retaining the core of its team last season and adding Stephan Schrock and Kevin Ingreso into the lineup. 

But the Bacolod side which lost to Global in the UFL Cup finals two weeks ago faces an early test against the Sparks in the 7:45 p.m. kickoff. 

The Sparks are determined to win the league after years of heartbreak and coach Simon McMenemy’s squad could send a strong statement of intent with a victory over the reigning champions. 

Loyola added young midfielder John Kanayama during the transfer window but also parted ways with defender Adam Mitter who was an integral part of the side during the past year.

The Sparks, who lost to Ceres, 1-2, in the UFL Cup opener last February, boast of firepower up front with Alvaro Castiella and Tahj Minniecon expected to lead the line with Phil Younghusband still recovering from injury. 

Kaya takes on last year’s second division champion Laos at 5:15 p.m., after the opening match between Pasargad and JP Voltes. 

Like Loyola, Kaya is also out to end a string of disappointing results in the league where the champion earns an automatic berth to the 2017 AFC Cup.

Coach Chris Greatwich’s side has impressed in the AFC Cup this season, but the LBC-backed club suffered a semifinal exit in the Cup when it lost to Ceres in a penalty shootout. 

Kaya picked up Robert Lopez Mendy from Green Archers and the Senegalese striker has already made his presence felt by winning the Golden Boot as the Cup’s top scorer with 11 goals. Former Far Eastern U standout Eric Giganto was also signed during the transfer window along with Audie Menzi and Adam Reed from Stallion. 

Laos shored up its lineup with the acquisition of Izzo El-Habbib, Sean Bateau  from Global and Ali Mahmoud from JP Voltes. 

Pasargad makes its return to the top-flight after relegation two seasons ago with former Stallion and Socceroo striker Masood Shadideh expected to lead the side. 

JP Voltes, which finished second to Laos in the second division last season, immediately made its presence felt in the Cup by pushing eventual champion Global to the limit in their quarterfinal clash in the Cup. 

Adding depth and experience to the side, Voltes picked up former GAU midfielder Robert Canedo, Mikko Mabanag and Michael Menzi for its league campaign.