Kaya nips Diliman, wrests UFL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Kaya leaned on Jonathan Anthony Romero as it stopped upset-conscious Diliman Victory Liner FC, 1-0, to seize the solo lead in Group B in the United Football League Cup at the Rizal Memorial pitch Tuesday night.

Romero’s rocket came on the 41st minute as the LBC-backed Kaya survived Diliman after blowing a couple of chances that would have put the game away much earlier.

Kaya, which drew with Green Archers United, 1-1, in their first match last Oct. 2 and downed Forza FC, 2-0, Tuesday, stayed on top in Group B with seven points.

Green Archers United, meanwhile, jumped to second, also in Group B, with four points after overpowering Dolphins United FC, 7-2, in a match that was virtually decided in the first half with a three-goal binge.

Jesus Joaquin Melliza came through with a brace on the 63rd and 90th minute, but it was the three goals by Arnie Pasinabo Jr., Christian Floriano Pasilan Jr. and Ronnie Aguisanda in the first half that set the tone for the rout.

The other scorers for the Archers were Nikko Paolo Villa and Ayi Nii Aryee on the 73rd and 83rd minute, respectively.

Romnick Echin and Paolo Salenga scored in a four-minute span starting on the 72nd but Dolphins United ran out of time and fell to the bottom of the standings while Diliman Victory Liner and Forza FC remained at third and fourth in the bracket with one point apiece.

Meanwhile, UFL action resumes tonight with the Loyola Meralco Sparks, fresh from a stint in the Singapore Cup in Singapore, debuting against Laos at 7 p.m. at the University of Makati field in Makati City.