Kaya FC wards off Phoenix, grabs share of UFL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Kaya FC bucked an early deficit as it turned back reigning League and Cup champion Air Force Phoenix FC, 3-1, to seize a share of the lead with Global FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field in Makati City.

A goal down after Azkals co-skipper Chieffy Caligdong’s goal on the 10th minute, the LBC-backed Kaya booters came through with a couple of goals by Ivory Coast’s Eric Dagroh and Fil-Am Lexton Moy in a span of 12 minutes starting on the 21st to go into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

Playing 10 men in injury time after Dagroh was tossed out after he was assessed a red card, Kaya held fort and went to Nicolas Bolzico in the dying seconds for the third and final goal that put the Airmen away for good.

The victory thus gave Kaya a share of the lead with idle Global FC with 24 points apiece on eight wins against two losses while leaving Loyola Meralco Sparks behind at No. 3 with 22 points.

The Sparks, headed by the popular and talented brother tandem of Phil and James Younghusband, however, could grab the solo lead with a win over the Green Archers United FC in their match still being played at press time yesterday.

Air Force, in contrast, absorbed its fourth setback against four triumphs and the same number of draws to remain at No. 5, 12 points behind Stallion Gilligan’s FC, which is idle at No. 4 with 15 points.