Rampaging Fullback: Joshua Beloya will be a star, and other things we learned

Ryan Fenix, special to InterAKTV
Two-time defending champion Philippine Air Force’s title defense started off on the wrong foot, with Eric Dagroh’s early goal in the 4th minute of play enough to see title rivals Kaya emerge victorious in the opening day match of the new UFL season.

Here are five things we learned from the game.
1. Joshua Beloya will be the next Philippine football star

Stung by that painful capitulation at the hands of the Loyola Meralco Sparks in the semifinals of the last UFL Cup, Kaya added more weapons to their lineup in the offseason, signing Alu Kigbu and Under-23 national standout Joshua Beloya. And it was Beloya who shone brightest for Kaya when he came on, beguiling defenders and showcasing his talent in front of the local football fans.

Displaying a superb first touch and great vision, Beloya continually threatened the Air Force goal, and it was only the timely intervention of goalie Tats Mercado that prevented the youthful striker from opening his account in the league.

In 45 minutes of a substitute appearance, Beloya lived up to the hype surrounding his signing for Kaya. Have we seen a potential strike partner or perhaps a successor for Phil Younghusband? Given more time to mature, we may perhaps be witnessing the next star of Philippine football develop before our very eyes.
2. Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio are bedrocks of the Kaya defense

Air Force’s attack was, for the most part, toothless in this game, and big credit has to be given to the two centerbacks, Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio, our men of the match for this game.

The maiden game of the 2012 season saw a marked improvement in the performance from the defender from Alabama, as he thwarted Air Force’s attack time and time again. Much-maligned in the past for his erratic defending, Sabio has risen to the challenge and shown the kind of performance in defense that will surely win over his critics.

In the absence due to injury of captain Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario has taken over the captain’s armband and has stepped up to lead Kaya on the field as well. Deployed Saturday as a centerback, he may not have been as influential in directing play as he would have been if he was playing in his customary right back position. However, he was instrumental in warding off the threat of Air Force strikers Yanti Barsales and Ian Araneta, en route to a masterful performance in central defense.

With Borromeo out until April, this solid showing by Sabio and del Rosario will also serve as a welcome boost for coach Hans Michael Weiss and the Azkals in their quest for glory in the AFC Challenge Cup to be held in March this year.
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Posted in: Kaya FC