Perth pips UFL All-Stars

SHOWING its class this time, Australian club Perth Glory overcame the United Football League All-Stars, 2-1, in the highlight of the league’s mid-season showcase before a big Saturday crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Former Ireland international Andy Keogh scored the winner at the stroke of halftime after teammate Chris Harold’s header canceled out an early strike from Kaya winger Louis Clark as Glory picked up the first win of their pre-season tour of the Philippines.

The A-League side travel to Vigan today to face the Azkals in a friendly at Quirino Stadium.

Glory was held to a scoreless draw by Global last Wednesday.

Clark combined well with Kaya teammate Robert Mendy for the opener, with the Senegalese striker setting up the English winger to score from a tight angle.

Tahj Minniecon of Loyola and Mendy spurned a couple of big chances for the All-Stars before Harold restored parity with a header at the far post off a Chris Warren cross on the right in the 22nd minute.

“We controlled the game and the tempo but they (UFL All-Stars) play a decent brand of football,” said Glory coach Kenny Lowe.

Earlier, the UFL Rest of the World All-Stars blanked the UFL Philippines All-Stars for the second straight year, 3-0.

Stephen Appiah of Nomads and Global players Arthur Kouassi and Milad Behgandom were on target for the foreigners who were coached by Global’s Jorge Kuriyama.