Sporting Kansas City midfielder Martin Steuble scored the second international goal of his career as the Philippines defeated Indonesia 4-0 in its second group stage match of the 2014 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. With the victory in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Philippines clinches a berth in the tournament's two-legged semfinals with one Group A contest to spare.
Phil Younghusband opened the scoring in the 16th minute for his second goal in as many games before Manuel Ott doubled the Philippines' lead shortly after halftime. Earning his 14th career cap, Steuble caught Indonesia out of position in the 68th minute and slotted home an indirect free kick from close range. Robert Gier capped the rout as the Azkals posted their second consecutive four-goal game.
In addition to scoring, Steuble recorded four total shots, completed 58 passes and created an additional goal scoring chance from the right side of midfield.
The Philippines now has a perfect 2-0-0 record and concludes Group A action Friday against co-hosts Vietnam in Hanoi. The Azkals are two points ahead of Vietnam (1-0-1, 4 points) and would clinch first place in Group A with a win or draw. Thomas Dooley's side has a tournament-best +7 goal differential and six different players have found the back of the net.
The 26-year-old Steuble joined Sporting KC on July 16 from Swiss club FC Wil 1900. He featured in the club's international friendly against Manchester City on July 23 before making his MLS debut against the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 1 for the first of three league appearances.
The midfielder previously spent his entire professional career in Switzerland, featuring for FC Wil 1900, Grasshopper Zurich, Lausanne Sport, FC Wohlen, and Neuchâtel Xamax. Steuble committed to the Philippines Men's National Team in 2013, made his international debut this March and scored his first Azkal goal in April. He competed in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup in May, helping the Philippines to a second place finish.
Steuble is one of seven Sporting KC players to feature in international matches in 2014 along with Matt Besler (USA), Graham Zusi (USA), Lawrence Olum (Kenya), Jorge Claros (Honduras), Soony Saad (Lebanon) and Erik Palmer Brown (USA U-20).
