Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Three in, three out.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) released the preliminary Azkals roster for the upcoming fixtures this September on Monday (August 17), and there a few noticeable changes in the team’s composition.
Former captain Rob Gier ruled himself out of the Uzbekistan clash through his social media last July, after suffering a knee injury that requires surgery.
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Unfortunately I'm not going to be fit for the Uzbekistan game. Surgery needed on my knee. 👎🏼 #Gutted #Azkals pic.twitter.com/EQ5C3IGnVj
— Rob Gier (@RobDazoGier2) July 30, 2015
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Apart from Gier, Global FC’s Mark Hartmann and Loyola goalkeeper were dropped by coach Thomas Dooley and manager Dan Palami.
Taking their spots are Servette FC’s Roland Muller, Ceres-La Salle’s Paul Mulders, and Under 23 Azkals goalkeeper Jun Jun Badelic Jr.
Related: PFF bares Azkals preliminary roster for Uzbekistan World Cup Qualifier
Born to a Dutch father and a Filipino mother, Mulders first made his debut for the Philippines in 2011 at the 1-1 draw against Sri Lanka in Colombo during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. Since then, the midfielder has earned 20 appearances and contributed two goals for the nationals.
Filipino-German Roland Muller returns to the national team lineup to beef up the goalkeeper corps of the Azkals for the September fixtures, and will compete with the likes of Neil Etheridge, Patrick Deyto, and Badelic for the spot between the sticks.
The 27-year-old shot stopper will look to add on his 16 caps for the Philippines this September.
Bukidnon-born Badelic plied his trade in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), manning the sticks for the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals. The young goalkeeper also soaked in vital international experience with his club side, starting in goal for crucial AFC Cup ties for Global.
Badelic also participated in the ill-fated Philippine team campaign in football during the recently concluded South East Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore.
The Azkals are scheduled for a friendly match against the Maldives on September 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium before meeting Uzbekistan on September 8 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Tickets for the Azkals vs. Uzbekistan are priced at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2, and P125.40 for Price Zone 3 and are available at ticketnet.com.ph.
