Global rips Army, nears UFL crown

MANILA, Philippines—Global moved within a heartbeat of the United Football League title with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Army General Trias Thursday night at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

Milad Behgandom scored twice early on, before goals from Angel Guirado and Izzo El-Habbib helped Global wrap up the victory as early as the first half.

Substitutes Aaron Altiche, Mark Hartmann and Raul Martinez scored late on even as an undermanned Army, with only 12 players available for the match, hardly threatened.

It was another stunning display of firepower for a Global side that absorbed a 0-7 setback to DPMM Brunei in the Singapore Cup over the weekend.

“I do think it (losing in the Singapore Cup) was an embarrassment to the club but we can make it right by delivering the title to the fans of Global,” said Global coach Leigh Manson.

The victory put the 2012 UFL champions three points away from reclaiming the title they lost to Stallion Giligan’s last season. A win against Pachanga next week will secure Global’s second title in three years.

In the other match, Loyola Meralco Sparks survived a gritty stand by Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr, 3-2.

Phil Younghusband, Sam Bonney and Park Bo-bae made it 3-0 by the 73rd minute but quick goals from Shayan Jafari and Nate Burkey set the stage for a thrilling finish.