Football
Global crushes Air Force, nears UFL title
AKTV file photo/Mark Dimalanta
Global moved one step closer to bagging the United Football League Division One title after thrashing Philippine Air Force Phoenix, 4-0, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The victory put Global back on top of the standings with 41 points. It could annex its first Division One crown by winning its last match on June 26 against the Loyola Meralco Sparks.
Explosive play from Izo Elhabib propelled Global as he blasted goals at the 24th and the 61st minute. The Sudanese striker also dished an assist to forward Alex Obiang at the 11th minute for their first goal of the match.
Midfielder Patrick Reichelt also scored in the 72nd minute to put the game out of reach of Air Force, which was coming off off a thrilling 2-1 victory against the Sparks Wednesday.
Global’s victory also shut down the title hopes for the Sparks, who were written out of the championship picture because of their winless outings in their last two matches.
Meanwhile, second-ranked Kaya, which has 39 points, still has a shot at the title. It needs to win its last match against fourth-ranked Stallion Giligan’s on June 26, and hope that Global loses to Loyola.
In the day’s second match, Division Two champion Pachanga FC notched a 2-1 victory over Diliman Victory Liner FC in a heated battle between the division’s top teams.
Former national team star Freddy Gonzalez slotted a goal at the third minute to give Pachanga an early lead in a match marked by three red cards and seven yellow cards slapped to both of the teams.
Diliman had chances to tie the match, managing to stop Pachanga’s attacking for most of the second half. But defender Carlo Taculsame hit the back of the net in the 87th minute to seal the victory for the Red Phoenix.
Midfielder Jay Eusebio sank a late goal at the 92nd minute for Diliman, the only team that forced a draw against Pachanga, who remained unbeaten in their 22 matches.
In other matches, Lions Meltique Beef pummeled Sunken Garden United, 3-1, in the battle of Division 2 cellar dwellers, while Laos FC edged Union Internacional Manila, 2-1 at the University of Makati.
