League

Rizal Memorial
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) Dark clouds were building up when the players entered the field. None of the them looked very eager to play. Papi Masibay started the match with the kick off. 6 minutes into the game, Tito Bengco cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 0-1. Ali Vinoray was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. Berting Tulabing took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Papi Masibay, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The supporters of Philippine Azkals booed when Manila Bears was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 12 match minutes in a wonderful position. Oscar Dacalcap didn't get a good kick on the ball. An unexpectedly hard shot by Ian Bagongarao in the 17th minute of play forced Manila Bears's goalkeeper Ali Vinoray to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Papi Masibay in the 29th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Berting Tulabing saved Philippine Azkals from getting behind. When Adolph Tumanda came up free with the goalie in the 32nd minute, the Manila Bears fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Adolph Tumanda couldn't finish the play. If Igme Querimit had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 33rd minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 35 minutes into the match, Igme Querimit had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Berting Tulabing. Philippine Azkals's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Igme Querimit was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 2-1. Papi Masibay struck a weak shot in the 38th minute. Berting Tulabing didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Manila Bears. 46 minutes into the match, Ian Bagongarao notched a goal, 2-2, to the right of Manila Bears's Ali Vinoray. Ali Vinoray was clearly disgusted with the effort of the defense and let the defenders know about it. The first half was very even, with the score at 2-2 when the whistle went for half-time. The players welcomed the break and quickly retired to the dressing rooms.

The wind increased when Ian Bagongarao made the kick off in the second half. Oscar Dacalcap charged in rather forcefully in the 57th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Oscar Dacalcap the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. A collision led to Manila Bears getting a freekick after 57 minutes play. Oscar Dacalcap hit a great ball. In the 59th match minute, Philippine Azkals was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Herbert Karingal to maneuver through the defense. Allen Paranpan received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 61st minute. Berting Tulabing tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After a rather tough play, Philippine Azkals's Elijah Tongol got a free kick in the 62nd minute. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Reynante Cabael during the 64th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. In the 64th minute, Reynante Cabael hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 65th minute, Tonying Mangkay got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. Papi Masibay sent away a hard shot on goal in the 68th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Ian Bagongarao charged in rather forcefully in the 74th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Ian Bagongarao the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. Philippine Azkals's Cornelius Francisco got a good chance for a goal in the 79th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Papi Masibay sent away a hard shot on goal in the 85th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. In the 86th match minute, Philippine Azkals was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Jack Monzon to maneuver through the defense. When Papi Masibay came up free with the goalie in the 89th minute, the Manila Bears fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Papi Masibay couldn't finish the play. In the 94thth minute of the game Papi Masibay who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Philippine Azkals's Berting Tulabing was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. Chants of Philippine Azkals echoed around the stadium as the match drew to a close. Supporters and players were both delighted with the win, as Manila Bears had held the ball for most of the match.