UFL: Stallion escapes Agila sans vital cogs

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Stallion FC bucked the absence of its key players as it survived a pesky Agila FC, 1-0, to jumpstart its campaign in the United Football League Cup at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City Wednesday night.

Playing minus Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez due to a contract dispute with fierce rival Global and losing Joaco Canas and Lee Joo Young to the Loyola Meralco Sparks, the Stallion booters needed to draw strength from newcomer Cesar Zamora and its solid defense to pull off the victory.

The win sent Ernie Nierras’ side at second place in Group C with three points, a point behind bracket leader Cebu Queen City United, which has for points on a victory and a draw.

A victory accounts for three points, a deadlock a point and defeat none.

Agila fell to fourth in its five-team bracket with a point to spare on a draw and a setback.

But Agila should draw some cheers to a strong resistance they put up against a Stallion side that topped both the League and Cup last season as against to the latter’s fourth place effort in the Second Division.

With the match scoreless after the first half, Zamora struck like a lightning and sent a jolt after he scored on the second minute of the second half that proved enough to secure Stallion the triumph.

Stallion reclaims its rightful place on top if it could hurdle Cebu Queen City United on Sunday at the same turf.

The Cebuanos won over Phl Air Force last week and drew with Bright Star, 2-2, Wednesday night to open their campaign with a bang.