Football
UFL 2012 Preview: 12 burning questions
AKTV/Jojo Lirio Jr.
Which of the new first division clubs will make the most impact?
Jamlang: Stallion will be the most dangerous of the newly-promoted clubs. Despite its pristine league run last season, few gave them credit going into the Cup, but it proved it is a very organized squad, with a wealth of underrated players. They are brave and unafraid to mix it up with the very best, and that was plain to see when they gave Global no respect in the previous competition. Their attacking mindset might get them in trouble at times, but they will certainly be a real threat for any opposition team, especially those that don’t like to get physical.
Fenix: For its return to the top flight, Pasargad have restocked and reloaded in the offseason, overhauling 70 percent of its team with new players on loan from Iranian professional clubs.
Nomads have added Darren Hartmann back to its stables, albeit on loan, which bodes well for a side sometimes lacking that bite in the final third.
However, Stallion, with the fiery Ernie Nierras at the helm, should make the most impact among the newly-promoted teams. Beating Global in the very first day of the UFL Cup was a portent of things to come from this Ilonggo team; they gave Phil Younghusband and the Loyola Meralco Sparks a good fight before ultimately being eliminated in the quarterfinal round.
This however, comes with a big caveat: They should strive to finish the game with eleven men to stand a chance.
