Global Archers hold Global to 1-1 draw

MANILA, Philippines—Former Global goalkeeper Paolo Pascual sparkled against his old team, helping Green Archers United hold the defending champions to a 1-1 stalemate Saturday night in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Acquired by GAU during the offseason after spending three seasons with Global, the Cebu-born stopper came up with a string of superb saves in the second half.

It was a well-deserved point for GAU, which stayed firm in the face of Global’s assault.

Mark Hartmann converted from the penalty spot in the 10th minute and it looked like Global was going to coast to victory. But a trademark strike from Chieffy Caligdong in the 37th minute put Green Archers on level terms.

Earlier, a brace from OJ Porteria boosted Kaya past Philippine Army, 4-0, even as Ceres La Salle prevailed over Manila Jeepney, 2-1.

Porteria struck from the penalty spot in the 37th minute before firing a second goal late in the second half that sealed Kaya’s triumph.

Chris Greatwich and Louis Clark also delivered as Adam Reekie’s side found an extra gear in the second half to put Army to the sword.

Reinforced by a slew of Korean players, Army kept Kaya frustrated for most of the match before eventually yielding to the pressure late on. Army players lacked preparation as they were deployed in Clark to beef up security at the Apec meetings the past two weeks.

Martin Steuble and Adrian Gallardo scored for a Ceres side that struggled in the second half. Steuble, atoning for his penalty miss in the loss to Global in the PFF Smart Cup semifinals, was on target in the 15th minute before Gallardo doubled the lead before halftime.