GLOBAL’S march to the UFL league title hit a roadblock Wednesday.
The reigning UFL Cup champion was left with a smaller margin for error with three matches remaining after it was handed its first defeat of the season by an inspired JP Voltes side, 0-2, at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Voltes defender Masaki Yanagawa tormented his former team with a first-half header, before Takashi Odawara sealed the victory with a sublime strike in second half stoppage time as Voltes climbed to second with two games remaining in its own schedule.
Voltes playing-coach Yu Hoshide, who delivered the corner kick for Yanagawa to score the opener in the 37th minute, said an underdog mentality served their team in good stead.
“We are from second division, we are always the challengers,” said the midfielder.
Compounding Global’s woes was the dismissal of skipper Misagh Bahadoran for dissent. He will serve his suspension against Stallion on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto is also doubtful for the Stallion match, after he was substituted early in the second half due to an injury.
Despite the loss, Global remains in prime position to clinch the crown and complete a season double. Coach John Burridge’s side has 41 points from 16 games.
Should Global end up winning the crown, the second-placed team will also be rewarded with an AFC Cup playoff berth.