FC Metro Manila are the team to beat in MFL Finals 2016

As FC Metro Manila U13, U15 and U17 qualify for the Mabuhay Football League finals we take a closer look at the U15 squad.

The team is lucky to have Coach Lerche Njang who has brought in lots of experience into the team as a Head Coach and of course the Club Manager Dennis Dokas who is always there to inspire the boys to perform to their full potential.

With a bunch of attacking players capable of posing major problems to their opponents, FC Metro Manila U15 has become a team to beat in every competition.

The winning mentality in this FC Metro Manila U15 side is: if their opponent scores one goal, they must score two. The thrilling play of the attacking predators is complemented with a strong midfield and defensive line and great goalkeepers that rarely concede goals.

In what is widely expected to be a complete showdown between FC Metro Manila U15 and Global FC U15 in the Mabuhay 11 aside football League final, it is worth mentioning here that FC Metro Manila is going into the game full of confidence having won 7 of their last 9 finals in all competitions and a winning run in the league with wins against Young Pinoy FC 10:0, Uno Filipino FC 5:0 and Tuloy Sa Don Bosco FC 4:0 in their last 3 fixtures.

In the Little Azkals striker AARON GENESIS (Horse Power), FC Metro Manila possess a player who has shone brightly in every game and scored almost at will. With 7 goals in his last 3 matches he is regarded as one of the most wanted strikers around at his age. His speed and power is rare at his age, his vision and positioning is of a high caliber. His experience is great and his achievement is excellent with the recent being the 2016 plate winner in the UFL Youth League while on loan with Ceres FC.

MARC ADVINCULA who has been a dominating force for FC Metro Manila is an attacking midfielder with great first touch, passing, dribbling and scoring ability almost equal to that of a striker with 4 goals in his last 2 matches. Watching him play would make you believe that the Little Azkals is missing someone who might become Philippines’ Andres Iniesta in the near future. His decision-making in the final third makes him a dangerous player around the box. He is a player already with lots of international experience in Singa Cup and Gothia Cup.

JIMMEN ALDA is a sensational player capable of breaking down the opponent’s defense with his quick feet, dribbling skills from the flank. He continues to prove his superb goal scoring ability with both legs in all matches with the recent being his 30 yards right footed volley against Tuloy Sa Don Bosco FC that might contest as the goal of the season. He is a selfless player that knows how to create chances for his teammates and himself. No doubt the coach described him as “one of the most important players within the squad” and tipped him for greatness in the game.

NAOKI KAWASHIMA is a utility player known to possess real power and skills and can fit in as a midfielder, winger or a center forward. He has been instrumental for the team getting to the final of Mabuhay League Final. With his desire to be always involved in play and his effort to try new things, it is sure that his future in the game is very bright. His mature attitude towards the game and being a good team player make him a desirable player to have in a team.

MANZANO GERARD is an incredible center forward with good body strength. He is a player that could be deployed as a lone striker with his ability to hold the ball upfront and wait for support. His height and speed is great and shows high potential in his goal scoring ability. He is another player with international experience.

IVON LAVAPIEZ is ammunition going forward with his running speed and his ability to beat the defenders and score goals in one versus one situation. All these exceptional skills make him a perfect player going forward from the right wing. His agility and quickness on the ball is excellent for a young player.

IAMU MILLER TSARLAYZE is an attacking player mastering his treat among the predators. The coach describes him as a “skillful player with great potential”. With his desire to learn, he is tipped to achieve great things in near future.

As we watch FC Metro Manila U15 team maturing into units that could rival those of the great sides in Youths football, we see the defensive midfielder DOMINIC GARCIA starting to earn his recognition as one of the outstanding midfielders in FC Metro Manila U15. His constant presence in the midfield provides extra security for the team’s back line. His height, body weight, heading ability and tackling have been outstanding.

CHARLES CUSTODIO is another impressive defensive wall in the midfield. His ball handling, passing, heading, change of direction ability and his confidence on the ball always put him ahead of some of the other great ones. No wonder Kaya FC took him on loan to help them during the 2016 UFL youth season. His experience playing with the older age groups has made it easier for him when playing with his age group.

Being a new player in the club, PEDRO VILLAMEGOR though yet to establish himself in the team, has a great potential that would manifest, as he continues to gain the confidence and trust of his teammates and the coach. His height and desire to mark the opponent would give him advantage over others in his position and will bring additional advantage to the team when he is finally settled.

The central defender and captain AHRRI CASTANEDA is a must-have defender capable of playing in various positions. He has demonstrated his talent to a wider audience proving to be one of the team’s most inspired defenders. He is regarded as one of the best young defenders around. He is not the most physical player but his ability to read the game and command his back line has been tremendous. His skills and calmness rank him in a different level among others. There is no wonder he has been awarded with best defender awards in various Cups and League competitions.

AKITA TONONOBU is a revelation! Having won 2 Mabuhay Cup with FC Metro Manila U15, the center back has earned the trust from his coach as one of the great defenders in his disposal. His bravery, tackling and sliding always put him in the starting lineup while his height is always a bonus for any team during set pieces.

An all round player who has played in almost all the positions, SOLMAYOR NHEL has excelled with FC Metro Manila U15 as a defender and the coach sees him as one of the best players who is always willing to give his all for the team. As a right back, he offers you that security at the back and attacking option going forward as a make shift forward within the team.

HORII KAITO is another wonderful player who can play as a midfielder but with much competition in the midfield. He showcases strong play with both left and right foot that a regular audience would not know he is a no natural left footer that is rarity. Kaito has flourished in the left back position. He is a player who knows how to have real shooting power with both legs. When playing as a left back, he can make that dangerous cross into the box with his powerful strike.

JOHN MARCO is a great right fullback that likes to go forward. He is seen as a potential attacking option from behind during games. His speed tracking down the opposition player has been fantastic and his dribbling skill is great for a defender.

CERVANTES DAREN is a right back player that sometimes plays as a central defender during cup competitions. He is an excellent player that can give the coach many options. With his fearless mentality he is tipped for greatness as a defender.

Being new to the team, MAZO is yet to establish himself. However, he has already showcased his potential to be another formidable and fast defender. Moreover, the coach recognized his ability in becoming an outstanding player.

The team is blessed with CACAPIT PAUL and JOHN RHAIN MISAGAL. The two goalkeepers work in the goalpost for FC Metro Manila U15 has been outstanding. It is no surprise then that both have won best goalkeeper in cup and league matches. Both young players can play with their feet, which is line with the team’s philosophy of playing out from the back.

With all these exceptional players, it is no wonder why FC Metro Manila U15 have scored 19 goals in their last 3 matches and conceded none.