Football
Top team Stallion faces Global; Azkals return to Kaya vs Pasargad
AKTV/Jojo Lirio Jr.
Stallion Giligan’s seeks to keep its unbeaten run going against Global in the United Football League Saturday at the University of Makati field.
Coming off a 5-2 drubbing of Green Archers last Saturday, Stallion will be looking to stretch its undefeated streak to six matches in the 4 p.m. duel against Global.
Kaya tries to get back on the winning track against Pasargad in the 2 p.m. match that will also be aired live by AKTV on IBC13.
Humbled by Loyola Meralco, 2–, two weeks ago, Kaya hopes to secure maximum points this time against a Pasargad squad still in search of its first win of the season.
Pasargad held Stallion to a scoreless draw in its last match and could apply the same conservative approach against a formidable Kaya team. The draw against Stallion was Pasargad’s second point of the season.
Kaya, which welcome back national players Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy and Joshua Beloya back into the lineup, could dislodge Loyola Meralco at second spot with a convincing victory.
With several standouts playing despite injuries, Global has struggled to replicate its searing start last season that saw the former second division champions go unbeaten in 12 games during the season.
Stallion has undoubtedly emerged the surprise package of the season with its squad made up of Korean and Ilonggo players combining well to fuel the side’s early season success.
Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Stallion, but chinks in its defensive armor were exposed by a gritty Green Archers side last weekend.
Joo Young Lee took his tally to seven goals for the season with another strike against Archers, while the likes of Antonio Albor and Bervic Italia have also produced solid performances for the side of late.
Skipper Ruben Doctora will also be returning the side after getting called-up by the national team for the Middle East camp in preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup.
Jovanie Simpron ably filled the void in Doctora’s absence against Green Archers, scoring two goals.
Global is still looking for consistency despite its talent-laden side led by current national players Angel and Juani Guirado and Misagh Bahadoran.
Global will be looking to avenge a 2-3 loss to Stallion in the UFL Cup opener last year. Francis Gustilo, Simpron and Doctora scored for Stallion in that match.
Global hasn’t played since winning, 1-0, over Archers courtesy of a Carli de Murga penalty in the 85th minute.
