MANILA, Philippines– Global closed in on the United Football League title following an emphatic 4-1 win over Pasargad Saturday night at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.
Mexican midfielder Raul Martinez struck in the eighth minute before Izzo El-Habbib, Yu Hoshide and Mark Hartmann sealed the victory in the second half.
The victory pushed Global’s tally to 47 points with five more matches remaining in its schedule. And with Loyola Meralco dropping two more points after a 1-1 draw with Green Archers, Global can clinch the title if Kaya and Loyola lose at least two of their remaining matches.
The Sparks have 40 points with four games left, while Kaya has 37 points with five matches to go.
Loyola actually had Phil Younghusband back from a two-game layoff but the striker could not find the back of the net.
Martinez scored straight from a corner kick delivery, but Martin Weidmar converted from a corner kick to level the score.
El Habbib tapped in a rebound to restore the lead fot Global.
“We looked very sluggish in the first half,” said Global coach Leigh Manson. “We couldn’t put passes together. We had the perfect start. We got the early goal, which should’ve been a springboard. But the players are probably a little tired mentally.”
With seven points to make up, and only four matches left, Pasargad coach Mike Agbayani remained optimistic about his side’s chances of avoiding relegation.
Green Archers remained in fifth with 27 points after 20 games played.