Stallion edges Global in UFL Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines - Stallion FC pulled off a shocking 3-2 win over defending champion Global FC, even as Diliman FC launched its campaign in style in the United Football League Cup that kicked off over the weekend.

Former national players Ruben Doctora and Jovanie Simpron were on target Saturday as Stallions, fielding an Ilonggo-side, grabbed the headstart in Bracket C, considered as the tournament’s Group of Death.

An elaborate opening rites saw representatives of all 28 teams taking the field and aired live on AKTV on IBC13.

Francis Gustilo struck the first goal of the season, firing from 40 yards out to give Stallions the lead in the 10th minute.

But Global waged a strong fightback in the final 25 minutes and nearly grabbed an equalizer in injury time only for the linesman to disallow Yu Hoshide’s goal for offside.

“This is a good start for our team. This win means a lot because we are in the Group of Death,” said Stallions coach Ernie Nierras.

Unfazed by Global’s strong lineup, Stallions banked on quick counter attacks to stun the defending champions in the first UFL match aired on national television via TV5’s sports channel AKTV.

Gustilo caught Global goalkeeper Paolo Pascual off his line and fired a shot from way out to put Stallions ahead.

The Stallions hung tough in the face of Global’s relentless attack with Wilson Munoz denying Izo El-Habbib from close range in the 18th minute.

Stallions doubled the lead at the stroke of halftime after Simpron, the former Far Eastern U standout, breaking loose before slotting home past Pascual.

Picking up from where they left off, Stallions added a third goal thanks to Doctora, who fired into an empty net after beating two defenders in the 54th minute.