Stallion stuns Global, claims UFL Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Stallion Penson leaned on a second half goal by Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez as it eked out a shock 2-1 victory over a heavily favored Global side to clinch its first ever UFL Cup title before a decent Monday night crowd at the Rizal Memorial Footbal Stadium.

With the game tied at one goal apiece after halftime, Sanchez struck on the 61st minute as the Stallion booters kicked their way to their first ever Cup title since getting promoted to Division One last year.

“We proved that we belong here (Division I),” said Stallion coach Ernie Nierras, also the Phl women’s Malditas team mentor.

“This is what we really wanted, we wanted to play Global because we felt we’ll be able to play our best when we play Global.

“Everybody saw it, it was back and forth all the way. They made a mistake, we scored. We made a mistake, they scored, back and forth,” he added.

The Stallion and Global, which made it to the finals with a 2-1 win over Loyola Meralco Sparks, indeed slugged it out from start to finish before Sanchez delivered the Cup-clinching goal.

Stallion’s Ruben Doctora Jr. opened up the scoring on the 24th minute but Global quickly responded two minutes later on a blast by Sudanese striker Izzo Elhabbib.