Azkals prepare for 2011 Long Teng Cup

(JSG) - Sun Star Bacolod

AFTER falling out from the 2014 FIFA World Cup bid last Thursday, the Philippine Men’s Football National Team-Azkals will again be busy as they prepare for the upcoming 2011 Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei from September 28 to October 4, 2011.

This was disclosed on Saturday to Sun.Star-Bacolod by Azkals’ team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright.

Bright said that, despite the failure in its World Cup bid, the Azkals will continue to strengthen the team as it also looks forward to the South East Asian Games this November and the final round of the Challenge Cup in March next year.

Among other teams competing in this September competition are defending champion Hongkong, Macau and host-Chinese Taipei.
The Philippine team ended last year’s campaign in third position behind Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.

The nationals lost to Hong Kong 4-2 while it secured a draw against Chinese Taipei 1-all and beat Macau, 5-0.

However, the team still has to confirm the availability of its ace keeper Neil Etheridge and midfielder Stephan Schrock, as both are playing abroad. Etheridge is playing for Fulham FC while Schrock plays for the SpVgg GreutherFürth Club.