Football
UFL: Air Force dispatches Green Archers United to book semis slot
Air Force FC turned on the jets in the second half for two goals that put away Green Archers United for a 3-1 win in last Sunday’s quarterfinals match up in the 2011 UFL Cup.
Following a first half marked by spotty officiating, it was the Green Archers who immediately took the fight to Air Force with some high pressure. But the Airmen broke through one of the competition’s steadiest defense lines in the 35th minute when striker Yanti Barsales headed in a corner shot by Chieffy Caligdong.
Prior to Barsales’ score, Green Archers had two opportunities to put the Air Force side, coached by Sgt. Edzel Bracamonte, on their heels, but Arnie Pasinabo and Tating Pasilan missed two shots on goal including one where all the former had to do was send it through with Air Force keeper Ed Mercado lying helpless on the ground after blocking a first shot by Archers’ midfielder Agbayomi Oloweyeye.
In the 28th minute, Green Archers’ defender Arjay Soliman fired a long range shot that had Mercado backing up. The Air Force keeper’s full extension allowed him to bat away the ball despite pressure from Nikko Villa who rushed forward.
In the 64th minute of the second half, Air Force stepped up their bombing runs. Defender Jalor Soriano pounced on an errant back pass by Soliman that he parlayed into a cross from the right side of the box. The ball was stopped by an Archers defender but Airman Jeruzel Tonog booted in the ball before keeper Martin Villaflor could collect it to put Air Force up, 2-nil.
Ian Araneta added a goal in the 69th minute this time from the left wing but he was carded for excessive celebration when he pulled up his jersey.
“Sakit ko yun,” said a repentant Araneta after the match. “Sabi ni coach pagagawan niya akong uniform na one piece para hindi ko raw maitaas.”
Green Archers salvaged back some pride when Reynald Villareal converted a penalty following a Mercado foul on Pasilan inside the Air Force box. The Adolfo Alicante-coached alumni team of La Salle found confidence in their goal but the referee blew the whistle on full time a few minutes later.
Air Force moves on to face nemesis Global FC in the semifinals.
