UFL: Centerbacks play pivotal role in Global’s victory over Loyola
The centerback is truly one of the most sensitive positions on any Football team.
He stands sentry in front of the six yard box, the penultimate line of defense against the opponent's attack. A centerback operates in a maelstrom of powerful headers, fierce shots, flying challenges, and sharp elbows. All framed in a cauldron of noise and fury.
His skills and virtues must be manifold. The finest central defenders know how to position themselves to frustrate opposing strikers. They should be strong and fast, and ideally tall, to command the air.
The best central defenders have the ability to see two different things at the same time. They must keep their eye on the ball as well as the man they are marking. And although their prime responsibility is to thwart attacks, they can go forward and help in scoring.
Central defenders are rare birds, especially in the Philippines. No wonder a player like Amani Aguinaldo of Global is so prized for his height, skills, and musculature.
On Saturday night Aguinaldo and his mates defeated league-leaders Loyola 3-2 in a thrilling match at Emperador Stadium to pull to within one point on the table. For both sides, the central defenders were key. Some rose to the occasion, while others faltered in the crucible of pressure.
Sam Bonney has been a rock in Loyola's backline since the Cup, when he and Joaco Cañas bedeviled other teams enroute to a title. But Cañas was downed with measles, and is only just getting fit. Enter Yves Ashime. The Ivorian, late of Pachanga, may look stocky and unathletic. But the veteran's catalogue of skills and excellent decision-making make him a sought-after CB in the UFL. He and Bonney would man the center of the Sparks defense in the team's bit to stretch their lead to seven in the table.
Loyola had the lion's share of the chances in the first half. But Bonney was struggling in places. A lackadaisical clearance goes to an opponent. A near penalty when his arm hits a Milad Behgandom cross. Another poor clearance that Behgandom turns into an attempt.
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But in the dying moments of the first half, it's his partner, Ashime, who makes a crucial error. Spying a loose ball outside the box, Ashime rockets out to lay claim to it. He misses.
Behgandom picks up the leather, and with a dash of speed, shrugs off an isolated Bonney, then outfoxes keeper Baba Sampana to blast into the net for 1-0. The Global side of Emperador heaves with delight.
In the second half we saw the other side of being a centerback; the ability to be an offensive threat on set pieces.
Global coach Leigh Manson sacrificed Val Kama for new Mexican signing German Rodriguez.
Just two days ago Rodriguez was folding himself into a seat on a plane in Mexico City for a trans-pacific flight to the Philippines. He was so jetlagged and apparently weary that on Friday he was a no-show for the press con to introduce him.
But here the former Cruz Azul centerback was on Saturday, floating above the fray in the box to nod home a corner for 2-0. Loyola looked dead and buried. But they weren't.
Just three minutes later Lee Joo Young picked up a deflected shot from Paolo Bugas and drilled it in for 2-1. Phil Younghusband leveled just five minutes later from the penalty spot after Global left back Patrick Delon Yao hitched a ride on the striker's back and dropped him in the box.
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But the night belonged to Global. Another inspired Manson substitution, Yu Hoshide for Raul Martinez, paid dividends. With nine minutes to go, Hoshide teed up Mark Hartmann with the most delicious of lead passes to the flank. The former Spark drove the ball in off a deflection for the winner.
“This was the worst result we could have gotten from the Football we played” said Vince Santos, a visibly irritated Loyola coach after the game. He was even more annoyed to learn that there was no one capturing the game on video.
“We control our destiny now” crowed Manson. His side is now but a solitary point away from the Sparks on top of the standings.
In many ways, it was the centerbacks of both sides that settled the contest. Meralco may hope to test Cañas back in the starting lineup, or go for Rodrigue Nembot. Another option s PJ Fadrigalan. Global, meanwhile, will likely field Rodriguez in subsequent matches.
At any rate, there is another vital element of any centerback: the ability to work with another centerback. In some teams, there's a “stopper” who charges out and disrupts and a “sweeper” who clears the ball. There should be a clear assignment of roles and constant communication to ensure proper marking.
“As you can see, centerbacks need partnerships” said Santos. His side is searching for one such team right now. Their difficulties in doing so may alter the course of the league for Loyola.
Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.
