by Jonas Terrado
Game Today (Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore)
7:30 p.m. – Singapore vs Philippines
The national U-22 team hopes to make good use of its preparation for the Southeast Asian Games when it battles its counterparts from host Singapore in the Merlion Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m. with the Filipino booters looking to make the finals of the four-team competition hosted by the Football Association of Singapore.
Reigning SEA Games champion Thailand takes on Indonesia in the other bracket at 4:30 p.m.
Ateneo star Jarvey Gayoso leads the team’s bid to put on a good showing in the Lion City after failing to win a single match in the 2020 AFC U-23 qualifiers earlier this year.
Ceres Negros’ Dylan De Bruycker, University of the Philippines’ King Miyagi, JB Borlongan and Jose Clarino are some of the other notable players for the squad.
Calling the shots are team manager Marlon Maro and UP coach and former national team member Anton Gonzales.
The winner advances to the finals on Sunday while the loser will be relegated to a playoff for third place.
A good showing will give the team a needed boost months before the country’s SEAG hosting in November.
