MANILA (20 June 2014) – Even with the United Football League (UFL) title already tucked away, Global remained outstanding against their nearest rivals, dominating Kaya 3-0 in mid-week at the Emperador Stadium.
The result ensured Global won the head-to-head between the two sides, having split the first two encounters. In the game prior, Loyola Meralco Sparks got back to winning ways in style, hammering 2nd Division-bound Pasargad 5-0.
“What we would like to do with the club is to have a winning record against all our opponents because that means we’ll be League champions year in and year out. This game was important. I think Kaya all season have been our strongest competitors. It’s never been easy against them. We have a lot of respect for Kaya. And there’s a rivalry which is nice. As long as it doesn’t get out of hand, it’s healthy for the football,” said Global head coach Leigh Manson after the match.
Mark Hartmann set the tone early in the game, smashing in an uncleared corner with a first-time volley. Nick O’Donnel made several great saves to keep Kaya in the game, but Global found the net two more times to add emphasis to a formidable performance. Jason de Jong pounced on some suspect defending to slot in the second, with substitute Napoleon Bustillo firing in a long-range missile to wrap it up eight minutes from time.
“First of all I want to congratulate Global on winning the championship. After a shaky start to the season, they’ve definitely been the most consistent throughout. In regards to today, we found it difficult. Again we had to make changes to our lineup due to injuries. Not making any excuses, Global were better than us today. They had 11 men, we had 11 men and they rightly deserved the game today,” said Kaya head coach David Perkovic.
Despite the loss, Kaya remains in second spot in the 1st Division standings, ahead of Loyola only on goal difference. Global improved to a staggering 59-point total after 23 matches, having scored 103 goals in the process. Global plays Stallion on June 26 to finish the third round.
Earlier in the day, Loyola Meralco Sparks rallied in the second half to dismantle Pasargad. Matthew Hartmann scored the first of his double in the first half, the only goal of the first period. Graham Caygill quickly doubled the advantage after the break, with James Younghusband, Freddy Gonzalez, and Hartmann scoring late to complete the rout.
Loyola will face Kaya on June 26 to end their League campaign.
SOURCE: http://ufl.ph/
UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2014 Current Standings
