Global FC smothers Navy for share of UFL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC blanked a listless Navy Red Juice side, 5-0, and gained a piece of the lead with Loyola Meralco Sparks and Kaya FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field.

The Dan Palami-managed Global booters overpowered the Navymen from start to finish with Misagh Bahadoran scoring right on the first minute of the one-sided match.

It was Global’s fifth win against two losses as it moved from No. 4 to a share of the lead alongside the idle Sparks and the LBC-backed Kaya with 15 points apiece.

But Loyola has the best goal differential of 16, Global second with 11 and Kaya, mentored by locally based Spanish coach Juan Cutillas, with six.

Stallion Gilligan’s FC fell to No. 4 with 13 points.

Juan Luis Guirado, teammate and brother of Azkals’ Angel, knocked in the second goal 35 minutes later before Sudanese Izzeldin Elhabbib unleashed anchored Global FC’s big second half charge with two goals, on the 58th minute and the 72nd that sandwiched a 67th minute goal by Bahadoran.

Navy absorbed its sixth setback against a draw to remain at the bottom of the 10-team standings with just a point to show.

In the Second Division at the Turf in Bonifacio Global City, Cebu Queen City United FC waylaid Sunken Garden United FC, 12-0, with Dan Villarico leading the way with a hat trick for joint fifth with Union Internacional Manila with 10 points.

Lions Meltique Beef FC banked on a 26th minute goal by Marlone de Leon to turn back Manila All-Japan FC, 1-0.