PH men's floorball yields to Latvia in WG opener

CHENGDU, China — Team Philippines was off to a rough start after the men's floorball team suffered a 12-2 loss against Latvia on Thursday at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre here.

Melvin Mendoza's goal in the third period offered a consolation to the team that was fighting up to the end against the taller and more physical Latvian side.

Simon Larano scored first for the Nationals off an assist from Mendoza to tie the game, 1-1, at the 13th minute mark of the opening period.

The European powerhouse, however, sprung back to action and left the Philippines huffing and puffing behind to score a bounce back win after yielding to Switzerland, 4-3, on Wednesday.

"Overall we had some chances which is a good chance. But against a good team like Latvia it is a lot different," floorball head coach Noel Mendoza said.

Twelve different players contributed on the offense for the Latvians in the sport that has a resemblance to ice hockey but minus the face cage, the heavier body protection and equipment, and the rage oftentimes branded to the North American game.

Next for the floorball squad, which is backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, is Sweden on Saturday, and Switzerland the following day.

The Philippines targets a top 2 finish in its group to advance to the semifinals.

SIMON LARANO (right) protects the ball against Latvia's Karlis Bitmanis during their Chengdu World Games match Thursday at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre.