Araneta strikes twice as Air Force finally takes flight

MANILA, Philippines – Ian Araneta struck twice to finally end the Phil. Air Force’s woes this season with a 2-0 blanking of Nomads on Thursday night in the United Football League action at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill.

The 31-year old Araneta, who struggled for only three goals throughout the first round, started with a flurry and ended with a bang to lead the Airmen to their first victory of the season.  The veteran striker fired away in the fifth minute and another one in the injury time as the Airmen erupted in celebration for ending what could be their longest drought – a nine-game losing spell.

With only Araneta left in what was once a star-studded core composed of Chieffy Caligdong, Yanti Barsales and Tats Mercado, the Airmen struggled mightily in their first nine matches. The former two-time league and cup champions remained at the cellar despite the win but somehow gave the Airmen a glimmer of hope as they continue to fight to avoid relegation to the second division.

Nomads, meanwhile, remained at seventh spot after dropping its fourth straight match. 

In the nightcap, Stallion-Sta. Lucia reclaimed the top spot with a 4-3 victory over Green Archers United Globe. (see related story: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/04/19/932511/stallion-sta.-lucia-trips-archers-regains-top-spot-ufl)