UFL opener: Stallions FC upsets Global XI

Jovanie Simpron of Stallions rushes over a fallen Valentine Kama. Simpron scored one of two early goals for Stallions. INQUIRER PHOTO/ NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—Stallions FC, more fluid in its attacking game early on, stunned defending champion Global FC, 3-2, at the start of the United Football League Cup Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Francis Gustilo and Jovanie Simpron put the all-Ilonggo side on top, 2-0, at halftime before Ruben Doctora appeared to have put the outcome beyond doubt with his 54th-minute strike.

But Global, galvanized by the entry of substitute Janrick Soriano, struck back in the 66th minute thanks to Remi Sery, before Izo El-Habbib made it close six minutes from time.

In the first UFL match aired live on national television, Global was denied of an equalizer in controversial fashion in second-half injury time when Japanese midfielder Yu Hoshide slid in to meet Soriano’s cross in front of goal only for the linesman to flag him offside.

Still, it was a remarkable result for Stallions, who came into the game as heavy underdogs after Global upgraded its lineup during the offseason with the acquisition of Hoshide and Angel Guirado.

The Fil-Spanish striker didn’t play because of an injured ankle he sustained in the Philippine Azkals’ 0-2 loss to Singapore in an international friendly Friday night.

“It (the win) means a lot considering we are in the Group of Death,” said Stallions coach Ernie Nierras, whose team is also bracketed with powerhouse Pachanga and dangerous Queen City Cebu United.

Looking to avenge their 1-nil loss to Global in the quarterfinals last season, Stallions got off to a bright start with Gustilo finding the back of the net with a shot from near the halfline in the 10th minute.

Simpron broke through the Global defense in the 44th minute to double the lead, before Doctora added to Stallions’ tally by following up his saved shot nine minutes into the second half.

Soriano’s introduction in the 60th minute sparked the Global attack and his menacing runs on the left flank created the opportunity for Sery to volley past Wilson Munoz.

El-Habbib headed home a cross from the right six minutes from time.

“We were still lucky because if they had 10 more minutes, they would have equalized,” said Nierras.