Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge loaned to Charlton

LONDON -- Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has moved on loan to Charlton Athletic FC.

The British-Pinoy, who is contracted to League One outfit Oldham until December 30, will now see out the rest of his deal with Championship side Charlton Athletic.

Despite featuring in one first-team game at Oldham, the 24-year-old revealed he made the decision to move to Charlton after realizing his chances with the Latics may be limited following the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, 36.

"As much as I enjoyed my time there at Oldham, I had to look out for a chance to at least be involved on a Saturday at a club," Etheridge told ABS-CBN Europe.

"I was fortunate enough to stumble across Charlton who I'd been training with in my off-season program. They've got an unfortunate injury to their number one, and after speaking to them they made it very clear - would I like to be involved in their first team for the short period of time?"

"It's a great club to be at - it's a league above, it's in the Championship, and it was really a no-brainer for me to sign the papers to be involved with Charlton's first team."

Etheridge is no stranger to his surroundings having already had a spell at Charlton while still with Fulham FC, and more recently he has been training with the Addicks in the off-season just to keep fit.

"It's a fantastic club, Charlton. It's a club that I was loaned to earlier in my career. Unfortunately I never got to play but it has always been a club that has been very close to me.

"The people I've worked with there have been fantastic. I'd like to prove as much as I can in the short period of time I'm there and fingers crossed I hope I can extend and maybe move there on a permanent in January.

"I will keep all my options open but it's another stepping stone for me and it's in the right direction. For me it's a positive to go to a fantastic club in the Championship that's doing well."

After 19 games played, Charlton currently sits 10th in the Championship with 28 points - four spots off the promotion places.

Etheridge knows he'll have to work hard to get a game, but is up for the fight.

"They've already got a very strong line-up of goalkeepers at the club and I hope I can be an addition to the strong line-up they've got.

"Whether I start or not will be a different story. I understand that my role really is for cover there because at the end of the day I'm only a loan player. And they've got their goalkeepers there. Their number two, Nick Pope, is a good, talented, young goalkeeper, but I hope I get an opportunity. If I get a game that would be fantastic."

Etheridge made the bench for Charlton's league match on November 29.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Bangs opens up about ties with Phil Younghusband

MANILA – Sexy actress Bangs Garcia finally opened up about her supposed romantic ties with Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, months after the athlete confirmed that they are "hanging out."

In an exclusive interview with entertainment site Push, Garcia said that they are indeed going out.

“We are going out, we’re not hiding. We always go to the malls. We always eat out. We go to Baclaran and we love going to videoke. We love singing. Mahilig kami manood ng sine. Actually a lot of people see us outside. We’re not hiding anything,” she said.

The actress, however, added that they are still getting to know each other.

“We cherish every moment eh. Sobrang okay kasi kami eh. Sobrang click kami,” she said.

According to Garcia, she and Younghusband have actually known each other for two years now.

“Magkakaibigan ‘yung mga ex namin. Well siyempre kahit na nandiyan ‘yung mga ex namin nag-uusap na kami. Okay kami, naguusap kami but we never texted each other at that time until this year. So nagulat kami that we clicked so much,” she said.

Saying they have many things in common, Garcia said: “Sabi ko para kaming mag-best friends talaga eh. We can talk about anything under the sun. We can just keep on talking the whole day. As in. Of course with the company of his sister and our friends. Marami kaming common friends.”

Asked if things are okay between her and Angel Locsin, Garcia said, “Angel and I are friends and she’s happily with Luis [Manzano], who’s also my friend. Deadma. I don’t care.”

Younghusband and Locsin used to be in a relationship but they broke up late last year. The Kapamilya actress is now in a relationship with Manzano again, years after they first parted way.

For the complete interview with Garcia, read the original story on Push.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals' Etheridge seeks new club after Fulham

LONDON – Philippine Azkals goal-keeper Neil Etheridge is currently seeking a new club as a free agent, after Fulham FC released the Filipino-British player at the end of the 2013-14 season following the club's relegation to the Championship from the English Premier League.

In a phone interview, the 24-year-old footballer told ABS-CBN Europe he is unsure about the future, but is very eager to start his next challenge.

"I'm just looking forward to next season. I'm not sure where I'm going to be at the moment. My representatives are working very hard," said Etheridge.

"I've been speaking to a few teams and a few are interested, so it will be exciting to see where I go," he added. "At the moment, there's no definite answer to where I'll be playing my football next year."

When asked if he has thought about plying his trade in the United Football League (UFL) in the Philippines, Etheridge said: "I haven't really considered the Philippines, and I think people will understand my situation."

"The reason why I haven't chosen to go to the Philippines – and not just the Philippines, but Asia in general – is because I believe that, without being very critical, even though Asian football is very upcoming, I don't believe it's up to the standard of European football yet," he explained.

"I've spoken to my management and we're looking more into staying within Europe and within England. To maybe drop down a level is an option," he added.

"But for me next season, wherever I go, I'll give 100% to that team, whether it be as a number one, or going in as a number two, or even going in as a number three somewhere," he added. "It depends where it is, depends what club it is."

Etheridge played in the Philippines' opening match in the recent 2014 AFC Challenge Cup before a recurring thigh injury struck and forced him to sit out the rest of the tournament. He has since been working hard to regain full fitness and said he is doing well.

"At the moment, it's really good. I've been going to the gym every day and doing everything that I need to do to keep fit," said Etheridge. "I'm just looking forward to doing a medical – which I'm happy to do – and I'm sure I'll pass. I'm just waiting to see what happens."

"At the end of the day, it's about me giving 100% to the team I'm playing for and involved with. But the main point is that I'd like to play next season," he stressed.

Etheridge, who joined the West London club as a 16-year-old, featured once for the Fulham first team in a Europa League encounter against Denmark's Odense Boldklub in December 2011.

He also had loan spells at Leatherhead, Charlton Athletic, Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals' Etheridge rejoins League 1's Crewe on loan

LONDON -- Philippine Azkal goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has rejoined League One side Crewe Alexandra FC on loan from English Premier League outfit Fulham FC.

The 24-year-old, whose spell at the Alexandra Stadium last November was cut short due to a thigh injury, will be with the Railwaymen until April 13.

ABS-CBN Europe caught up with the British-Pinoy before his first game back against Stevenage Town, which Crewe lost 1-0.

"I'm glad to be back out on loan," Etheridge said. "I had three games with them at the back end of last year but then I got injured and I was disappointed. Massive thanks to their manager [Steve Davis] for holding on and taking me back. It's great."

During his previous stint, the London-born shot-stopper conceded just four goals and helped bolster a defense that had leaked 36 goals in its last 16 games.

"I must have done something right in the first three games and I know I played quite well, but I know when I got injured that my job wasn't done there. I wanted to go back and I wanted to prove myself in that league again," he said.

Etheridge is also eager to reverse the fortunes of Crewe, who have conceded the most number of goals in the division at 62, and currently sit in 20th place with 34 points after 33 games -- just two points above the drop zone.

"I want to help the club out of the very unfortunate situation they're in, towards the bottom of the league. For the time that I'm going to be there I'll give 110% to make sure that by the time I leave they won't be anywhere near that relegation battle," he said.

Having previously been loaned to Charlton and Bristol City, Etheridge views this as another chance to gain more experience and playing time.

"I'm happy, very happy. It's a move that needs to happen for me, personally. It's a great opportunity for me to put myself in the shop window or to force myself into situations where I'm used more in the first team. I know I need the experience to be able to do that," he said.

"I've got two great goalkeepers [Maarten Stekelenburg and David Stockdale] ahead of me at Fulham with a lot more experience and I know the only way for me to gain experience is going on loan. I'm delighted that I'm able to go out and play some games."

Etheridge will be flying to the United Arab Emirates next week to join up with the Philippine national team in Dubai, who will be facing Azerbaijan in a friendly match on March 5.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Borromeo rejoins Azkals training after injury

MANILA, Philippines – Former national team captain Aly Borromeo was delighted to be back in training with the Azkals last week after having spent more than two years on the injured list/

Borromeo is hoping to once again wear the national team colors.

The football star suffered an ACL injury in October 2011, a month after his last appearance for the Azkals – a 4-0 win against Nepal.

He attended the Azkals’ training session last Friday at the Emperador Stadium, where he met some of the younger members of the national team pool as well as new head coach Thomas Dooley.

“My last game with the Azkals was back in September 2011, so yeah, it’s been quite a long time,” Borromeo told ABS-CBNnews.com. “I’m not rushing it. I’m still just training with the guys, just being out there and getting involved a little bit with the drills and the coaching staff.”

Borromeo said he was already cleared medically but is still taking things slowly.

“Dahan-dahan pa lang,” he said. “I’m just getting the confidence back. I want to make sure that everything’s a hundred percent this time around.”

Although he has been out of action for quite some time, Borromeo is still hoping to work his way back into the national team line-up.

“It’s more of a challenge, and I love challenges,” he said. “It’s gonna make me work harder, make me a better player in the end, no matter what the outcome is.”

The presence of young players in the 34-man training pool has also lit a fire not only in Borromeo but even in some of the other national team mainstays.

“Just being involved in the first training session, you can see the young guys working hard and trying to impress the coach,” he related. “That reminds us, the seniors, from back in the day when we first started around 10 years ago.”

“So okay, that pushes us also, pushes us harder,” he said.

Borromeo also praised Dooley, who replaced Michael Weiss as the Azkals’ coach, and said that the team had little trouble adjusting to his style.

“Our first training session, right away he emphasized the tactics and what he wanted to do, from the defense to the offense,” Borromeo said. “So alam niya talaga ‘yung strengths and weaknesses ng team.”

Borromeo noted that with Dooley in charge, it’s a “clean slate” for all of the players.

“Everyone has to vie for their positions,” he said. “Dati, when you have a coach for a long time, he has his favorites. Comfortable na eh, you’re comfortable at that level.”

“So at least now, it’s a clean slate for everyone, that’s the good thing. Definitely, there’s a healthy competition, and that’s the beauty about it. The core players are still there, but there’s still gonna be competition in the end,” he added.

The Azkals are training for the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives in May, where they have been drawn with Turkmenistan, Laos and Afghanistan.

“It all comes down to experience in the end,” said Borromeo of the Challenge Cup. “Even though we’re favorites, and though we beat Turkmenistan the last time, it doesn’t mean a thing. Right now, we have to concentrate on getting the actual team together and the system for the Challenge Cup.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How new Azkals coach will choose players

MANILA – New Philippine Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley has revealed the four factors that he will consider when it comes to choosing the players for the national football team.

Dooley was formally introduced as the head coach of the Azkals last Friday and his first challenge with the squad is to prepare the team for the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives this May.

When asked what he kind of attitude he would require from his players, Dooley said there were “four things that I have to consider and evaluate.”

“No. 1 is, technically, you have to be good with the ball,” said the coach. “If you cannot handle the ball, then it’s difficult.”

“The second thing is, you have to understand what your role is in the game. For example, if I have a center-back who is always going up front and leaves the back, then I have to talk to him. ‘This is your position, and you have to play that role.’”

“He has to understand the tactical part.”

Dooley said a player’s attitude is also important.

“Everybody should come in and know that it’s a team,” he said, adding that he is looking for players who are willing to work hard for the team’s success.

“The last thing is, you have to be fit,” he said. “If you are not fit, you can’t play. It is impossible to play a professional game or in the national team if you are not fit.”

Dooley has only watched two Azkals games, but is planning to watch UFL games so can observe some of the national team players in action. He is also planning to contact some of the Azkals players who are based in Europe.

“I want to get in touch with them right now. I don’t want to waste any time,” said Dooley. “(They have to) understand how I want to play, and then they can think about already what kind of system we play, what the starting position is when we have the ball, or the starting position when we don’t have the ball.”

Dooley also stressed that it is important for the national team players to understand that they are representing the Philippines every time they step onto the pitch.

“They are representing the whole country,” he said. “And the fans in the Philippines are proud, and we can do a great job to make them happy. That’s what everybody has to understand, but that’s a lot of work.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals' Etheridge suffers injury

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals' top goalkeeper Neil Etheridge suffered a leg injury while playing on loan for Crewe Alexandra FC at the English football League One.

The Filipino-British injured his quad muscle while making a final clearance against their opponents' attempt during their recent 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

“Neil has had a scan after suffering a strain in his quad muscle. He sustained it by making the final kick of the game,” team coach Steve Davis said in Crewe Alexandra’s official website.

Etheridge is officially with the English Premier League’s Fulham FC, which loaned him to Crewe Alexandra.

Davis rued Etheridge’s injury as the Fil-Brit keeper has showed some defensive might for Crewe Alexandra.

He hopes the keeper's injury heals soon.

“We are waiting for the scan results but if he has suffered that type of injury it could be 3-5 weeks maximum. We will know more today,” he said.

“We will have to see but if he is ruled and his loan deal had to come to a premature end then that would be a blow for us, because he was playing well and improving with every appearance.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jake Cuenca to try out for Azkals

MANILA - Actor Jake Cuenca wants to pursue his dream of becoming a football player.

During his guest appearance on the ABS-CBN game show "Minute to Win It" on Friday, Cuenca said he plans to try out for the Philippine national football team, also known as the Azkals.

"'Yung Jake Cuenca kasi para sa mga tao, usually bad boy, maangas. Pero ang hindi nila alam, susubok ako na maging professional football player next year. Susubok ako mag-Azkals," he said as he introduced himself in the show.

"Bukod doon, mama's boy ako. Mahilig din ako magluto pero mas mahilig akong mag-football," he added.

Currently, Cuenca is busy taping for ABS-CBN's hit series "Maria Mercedes" with Jessy Mendiola.

He is also promoting his film, "When The Love Is Gone," with Alice Dixon, Gabby Concepcion, Andi Eigenmann and Cristine Reyes.

In 2011, Cuenca expressed his interest in joining the Philippine football team.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Food poisoning downs 8 Azkals players

MANILA – The bid of the Philippine Azkals to defend their title in the ongoing 2013 Peace Cup in Bacolod is now in jeopardy after eight players were hit by food poisoning.

Dr. Emily Zerudo, the medical officer of the Azkals, confirmed on Monday that eight members of the football team are currently suffering from gastric irritation. Five of them have been vomiting, while three have been suffering from diarrhea since Saturday.

The doctor refused to name the affected players.

Of the eight players, one was already brought to the hospital.

The doctor said they are still in the process of investigating what caused the irritation but they are sure that it was caused by food.

The Philippine Azkals are currently in Bacolod City for the Peace Cup against teams from Chinese Taipei and Pakistan.

On Sunday, Pakistan defeated Chinese Taipei, 1-0, in their match at the Panaad Stadium to boost the Azkals’ hopes of retaining their title, after the Philippine team lost to Chinese-Taipei, 2-1, last Friday.

Thanks to Pakistan’s victory, the Azkals still have a chance of retaining the Peace Cup crown if they beat Pakistan by two goals in their match on Tuesday.

However, because of the illness of the players, it is likely that these players may not be able to play for the Azkals' final match with Pakistan tomorrow night. – Report from Mark Salanga, ABS-CBN News Bacolod

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals unprepared for HK fans' rude treatment, says Palami

Palami: Azkals surprised by HK fans' rude treatment

MANILA – The Philippine Azkals are no stranger to hostile territories.

However, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the recent incident in Hong Kong was something else.




In his Twitter account, Palami said they were surprised by the rude treatment given by Hong Kong football fans to the team and the Filipino spectators.

“The AZKALS are used to playing in a hostile environment... but we were unprepared to deal with [the situation],” he said.

The Azkals defeated Hong Kong, 1-0, in what was supposed to be a "friendly" game.

But Chinese fans at Hong Kong's Mong Kok Stadium didn’t take the loss well.

They heaped verbal abuse at the Filipino players and fans, calling the visitors a “slave nation."

Worse, they even threw mineral bottles at Filipino fans, most of whom were women and children.

Palami said the incident has placed the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) under a bad light.

“It's unfortunate that the HKFA, who really treated the AZKALS well, could be dragged down by the actions of unruly and hostile fans...,” he said.

Meanwhile, the HKFA has assured that an investigation is now underway.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals to go for prestigious Asian Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Aiming to move farther than their modest achievements to date, the Philippine Azkals have trained their sights on the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where the continent’s top guns like Japan and Korea regularly play.

The Pinoy booters, coming off a second straight semifinal stint in the AFF Suzuki Cup, begin their ambitious journey towards Asia’s version of the World Cup when they vie in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers slated Mar. 22-26 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Challenge Cup serves as qualifying meet to the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives, where the champion will eventually book a spot in the Asian Cup in Australia the following year.

“We’re undertaking a program that will hopefully take us to the Asian Cup. The first step towards this is the qualifying that we’ll host,” Azkals manager Dan Palami said during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

Azkals will host 2012 runner-up Turkmenistan, Cambodia and Brunei in Group E, seeking to top the group, or be one of the two best group runners- up, to advance to the Challenge Cup main draw for a shot at the Asian Cup tourney.

“That’s the long-term program and in order for us to achieve it, we’re calling up local players to various training camps and at the same time, we’re looking at players based abroad,” he added.

The Azkals, at least those based in Phl, will get back together on Jan. 28-30 yet in a three-day camp at Rizal designed to jumpstart their buildup. They have also set a friendly against Myanmar in Yangon on Feb. 6.

Behind the scenes, Azkals management and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) are busy taking care of matters that need to be resolved and finalized – the contract extension of coach Michael Weiss and the recruitment of Fil-Spanish striker Javier Lachica Patiño of Cordoba FC.

Weiss, whose two-year contract expired this month, has been offered a six-month extension by the PFF.

“He’s indicated that more or less, he’s going to accept it,” said PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes, the officer tasked to negotiate with Weiss. “He just requires some other provisions and considerations which we’re currently discussing.”

The federation is rushing to process the documents of Patiño, who traces his roots to Cebu, for the Challenge Cup.

“He (Patiño) is one of the more experienced, active strikers in the European circuit,” Palami said of the 24-year-old forward who has 10 goals in 44 appearances for Cordoba since 2011.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals no longer Suzuki Cup underdogs

As the Philippine national men’s football team is set to face regional powerhouses Vietnam and Thailand in the group stages of the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, it would be easy to conclude that the nationals are, once again, underdogs in the tournament.

After all, the Azkals are coming off just their first semifinal stint in history in the 2010 edition of the tournament, paving the way for the skyrocketing popularity of the sport in the country. Vietnam and Thailand, meanwhile, have already won Suzuki Cup titles in the past and have been considered as the top teams in Southeast Asia.

But former national team coach Aris Caslib believes that the underdog tag is a thing of the past for the nationals, saying that the team has vastly improved. In fact, the Azkals have been the busiest team in the region, playing in over 20 competitive matches since their 2010 semifinal run.

“It’s 2012, it’s completely different,” said Caslib, who failed to steer the nationals past the group stages of the 2007 edition of the tournament after failing to win any matches.

Caslib remains confident that the Azkals have an edge against Vietnam after their 2-0 upset two year ago, and Thailand, who the nationals last faced in a 4-0 loss 2007.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami agreed with Caslib, even declaring that the Philippines are now among the favorites to win the title.

“We’re not coming in as a surprise team anymore. We’re coming in as one of the favorites,” Palami said. “Everyone wants to beat us.”

Palami, however, admitted that overcoming this huge challenge won’t be that easy.

“We need to back up our words by complete preparation,” Palami said. “(That’s why the team is having) tough camps, tough games against tough teams.”

Aside from Vietnam and Thailand, the Azkals are also drawn with the top team from the tournament qualifiers in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B features defending champions Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the runner-up of the qualifiers.

Slated from Nov. 24 to Dec. 22, the 2012 Suzuki Cup will be co-hosted by Malaysia and Thailand and will be aired on AKTV.

source: interaksyon.com

Azkals drop again in latest FIFA world rankings

The Philippines slid down once again in the latest FIFA world rankings released Wednesday.

After dropping one step last June, the Philippines fell three more points to rank 152nd in the global football ladder and 24th in Asia. However, the Azkals still remain third in Southeast Asia behind leaders Vietnam (120th) and Thailand (135th).

The Azkals played only two friendly matches since the previous rankings were released last month, a 2-2 draw against Indonesia last June 5 and a 3-0 victory over Guam last June 12.

The Philippines reached its highest ranking in history at 148th last April after the Azkals’ third place finish in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup. Its all-time low ranking was at 195th in 2006.

Aside from the Philippines, many countries also suffered significant drops in the rankings. Global football powerhouse Brazil, for one, got booted out of the top 10 after losing six points to have their lowest ranking in history at 11th. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian leaders Vietnam fell by 22 points to settle for 120th.

After successfully defending its European title, Spain remains on top of the rankings, followed by Germany, Uruguay, England and Portugal to complete the top five.

Japan, ranked 20th in the world, still leads countries in the Asia zone, followed by Australia (23rd), South Korea (28th), Iran (50th) and Uzbekistan (65th).

Every month, world football body FIFA calculates the world rankings depending on the result of the match (a win, a loss, or a draw), importance of the match (i.e. a friendly or a World Cup match), and the strength of the opponent based on the rankings.

source: interaksyon.com

Studio 23 to air Azkals vs Aussie U-23 tonight

MANILA, Philippines -- Studio 23 will be airing the friendly game between the Philippine Azkals and Australia's Qantas Under-23 team on Thursday night.

The Nationals will wrap up their 10-day training camp as they face the Aussie team in Dubai.

The kick-off will take place at midnight (Manila time).

Studio 23's coverage begins at 11:30 pm.

The Azkals are coming off a 3-1 win over Qatar's Al Ahli after bowing to the Uzbekistan Olympic team, 0-3.

The friendlies are part of their preparations for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in March.

source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/02/16/12/studio-23-air-azkals-vs-aussie-u-23-tonight

Azkals members keep lips sealed on Amanda Coling's latest claims

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Philippine Azkals accused of committing rape have all taken the “no comment” stance in the face of recent revelations made by their purported victim, model Amanda Coling.

“I have no comment on anything. All of that is nonsense to me right now. I don’t even care for it. I don’t listen to anything that comes out of her mouth,” said Anton del Rosario in an interview aired on “The Buzz,” July 31.

The team’s goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge, gave a curt “no comment” when queried about the issue.

“I just want to talk about the game. I’ve no comment on that. We’re obviously disappointed right now. We don’t need to talk about that,” a quite annoyed Simon Greatwich said, referring to the Azkals’ loss to Kuwait’s Al-Azraq during their July 29 game for the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.

In Coling’s interview with “The Buzz” last July 24, she claimed to have been acquainted with Greatwich and Etheridge since 2009, and even went as far as saying, “Mag-close friends ata sila eh, so parang si Neil, nag-give way na lang to Simon… parang nagdidiska-diskarte, parang ganun.”

As for del Rosario and their other teammate Jason Sabio, Coling said she had only met them on June 2 this year, the date of the alleged rape incident.

And while she has used several “no comment” responses in other previous interviews, Coling’s legal counsel Apollo Sangalang answered on her behalf “may nangyari,” when host Boy Abunda about the relevance of the date June 2.

Despite Coling’s latest claims, the Azkals has no plans of getting back at her.

“She hasn’t done anything, so… what’s there to do anything about? We’re just happy we got our game over with,” said del Rosario in the same July 31 interview on “The Buzz.”

Another one of their teammates, James Younghusband, maintained that the Azkals has remained focused on their matches despite the furor that the whole sex violence controversy has generated.

“We’re okay when we went away, which I think was good for the team, [to] get away from Manila, go to Bahrain and Kuwait when that thing was brought up. I think the players carried it well and were very professional by the whole thing,” said Younghusband.

Rob Gier, meanwhile, brushed off the whole brouhaha as “gossip.”

“People talk about this kind of stuff all the time… When people are popular, this kind of stuff happens. We don’t lose sleep over it, we don’t waste our breaths talking about it,” said he.

Although Coling hasn't sought legal action—saying she simply wants to live life peacefully—Abunda related during the post-report live discussion on “The Buzz” that her camp has gotten in touch with a women’s rights group.

“I got a text message, I think from Atty. Apollo, the lawyer of Amanda Coling, na puwede nang sabihin na sila’y nakikipag-ugnayan… sa Gabriela. I got this text message kahapon. Because I was not allowed to mention this in my interview last week. Kung anuman ang kanilang pinag-usapan, hindi po natin alam…” said the TV host.

Another Twitter love affair?

In lighter news, it seems another Azkals player is following in the footsteps of their striker Phil Younghusband when it comes to trying to meet women through Twitter.

Paulo Pascual is said to have been going out with young actress Jessy Mendiola after the former had declared his admiration for the latter.

And apparently, in true Phil Younghusband style, Pascual invited Mendiola to watch one of the Azkals' games over the micro-blogging site, as the actress herself revealed to “The Buzz.”

“It all started kasi with a tweet. He tweeted me about his game. But this isn’t the recent game, ha. It was before pa. He invited me, he offered me tickets. Tapos sabi ko sayang, kasi I have work at that time. So sabi ko, ‘Naku, next time na lang.’ Pero ayun, hindi ko pa siya nami-meet,” said Mendiola, adding that she’s “flattered” by Pascual’s admiration.

Pascual’s teammates, however, sang a different tune.

“I think they’re dating,” Greatwich unabashedly said.

“I saw them on Starbucks, a few weeks ago. But I’m not sure what’s the deal. Maybe they’re just friends. But they went to Starbucks for a drink,” he added.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, was evasive on the matter.

“It’s confidential information…” he said.

But Greatwich insisted, “We don’t want to tell the world about his love life. I’m pretty sure they’re dating.”

Source: mb.com.ph