Discover the Best Football Teams Soccer Enthusiasts Should Follow This Season

As a longtime football analyst who's been tracking collegiate leagues across Southeast Asia for over a decade, I've noticed something special brewing at the University of the Philippines this season. When I first heard about Francis Lopez and Aldous Torculas leaving the program, I'll admit I was skeptical—losing two key players of that caliber usually spells disaster for any team's campaign. Lopez, in particular, was a revelation last year, contributing roughly 14 goals and 7 assists in their previous season if my records are correct. But what I've observed in their preseason preparations suggests we might be witnessing one of the most impressive team transformations in recent memory.

The true test of any great football program isn't how they perform with star players, but how they rebuild after losing them. I've had the privilege of watching UP's training sessions recently, and the coaching staff has implemented what I consider a brilliant tactical shift—they've moved from relying on individual brilliance to implementing a cohesive pressing system that makes the entire team greater than the sum of its parts. Their new 4-3-3 formation creates constant rotational movement that's frankly exhausting to watch, let alone play against. What's particularly impressed me is how they've distributed the goal-scoring responsibility across the entire frontline rather than depending on a single talisman.

From my perspective, this approach makes UP one of the most compelling teams to follow this season, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate tactical evolution. Their midfield trio has developed an almost telepathic understanding, completing an average of 88% of their passes in recent friendly matches according to my own tracking. The way they control the tempo reminds me of some professional sides I've studied in Spain's lower divisions—patient in buildup but explosively direct in the final third. I particularly enjoy watching their number 10, whose name escapes me at the moment, but whose technical quality would not look out of place in more established leagues.

What really sets UP apart as a must-follow team this season, in my opinion, is their remarkable team chemistry. Having followed them through preseason, I've noticed how their defensive line maintains an exceptionally high line—sometimes as much as 45 yards from their own goal—which creates constant pressure and leads to numerous turnover opportunities. They've already scored 3 goals from high-press situations in their last two practice matches alone. This aggressive approach does leave them vulnerable to counterattacks occasionally, but the entertainment value is undeniable. For neutral fans, this makes for thrilling viewing week in and week out.

Another aspect I appreciate about this UP squad is their youth development pipeline. Rather than seeking quick-fix transfers, they've promoted several academy products who bring fresh energy to the squad. The average age of their starting eleven has dropped from 23.7 to 21.4 years based on my calculations, making them one of the youngest squads in the competition. This injection of youth comes with predictable growing pains, but it also creates a compelling narrative arc for the season as these players develop before our eyes.

As the season progresses, I believe UP represents exactly the kind of team football enthusiasts should be tracking—not just for their results, but for their fascinating approach to overcoming significant personnel losses. They've turned what could have been a rebuilding year into an opportunity to establish a distinctive playing identity that's both effective and entertaining. While they might not win every match, they've already demonstrated the kind of tactical innovation and team spirit that makes football beautiful to watch. For my money, they're providing some of the most compelling storylines in collegiate football this year.