Stallion Giligan, Archers pull off crucial UFL wins

MANILA, Philippines - Stallion Gilligan struck back in the second half and upended Loyola Meralco Sparks, 3-1, while Green Archers United Globe pulled off a 1-0 win over Team Socceroo in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill, Taguig City last Tuesday.

The Stallion booters made a big turnaround after James Younghusband headed in Loyola’s goal at the half, scoring three of their own to virtually eliminate the UFL Cup champions from the title race which could end with a Global win over Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr tonight.

Reymark Fernandez hit an early goal to power the Green Archers past the Team Socceroo side.

Even without the injured Phil Younghusband, Loyola looked poised to continue its winning ways when James Younghusband knocked in a corner in the 12th minute.

Stallion looked stunned in the first half, but came back strong at resumption with Junior Gaye and Belinga Blanchard combining to draw level.

Blanchard later made an individual run, bypassing three defenders before smashing in his own rebounded strike before Masood Shadideh headed in the third for Stallion in the closing stages.

The loss kept Loyola seven points behind league leaders Global, with only two games remaining.

 Meanwhile, Stallion firmed up its hold of fourth place with 43 points, with an outside chance of easing out Loyola from third with two games remaining.

In the earlier match, Green Archers United Globe built on their win against Kaya with a victory over Team Socceroo.