Green Archers United stun Sparks in big UFL reversal

MANILA, Philippines - Green Archers United-Globe unleashed a pair of late goals to eke out a shock 2-1 victory over heavy favorite Loyola Meralco Sparks to post its biggest victory to date in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Saturday night.

Down by a goal after a thunderbolt by Lee Joo Young early in the second half, the Globe-bankrolled GAU dug deep as Robert Lopez Mendy and Jess Melliza unloaded a couple of rockets to turn the tide in the Archers’ favor.

“This is the biggest win of our season, hope we could build something out of this,” said Green Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante. 

After battling to a scorelass first half, Loyola started to dictate the pace in the second with Lee delivering a goal for what appeared like a momentum changer as it enjoyed a one-goal lead.

But things changed for the worse for the Sparks after Peter John Fadrigalan was ejected after fighting with Tating Pasilan, leaving them with just 10 men on the pitch.

It was all the Archers, who are missing the services of leader Chieffy Caligdong to injury, needed to snatch the win.

The win sent the Archers bearing down on the No. 3 spot after clawing their way back from as deep as seventh place early in the season.

It was Global FC, however, which gained significantly from GAU’s gigantic triumph over Loyola as it seized the opportunity to steal the lead when it shoots for a victory against Pachanga PLDT Home Fibre tomorrow night.

In the other match, Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr forced defending League champion Stallion Gilligan’s to an upset 1-1 draw.