Midfielder Paul Mulders scored from the penalty spot as Global-Cebu fought back from a goal down in the second half to edge JPV Marikina, 2-1, on Sunday and grab a share of the early lead in the Philippines Football League in Biñan Stadium.
Rejuvenated since rejoining Global this year, the Azkals midfielder converted his spotkick in the 61st minute capping a frenetic five-minute sequence where both teams combined to score all three goals.
Marikina took the lead in the 56th minute when Takashi Odawara rifled home a shot from just inside the box, but Global defender Amani Aguinaldo leveled the score two minutes later.
With the victory, Global joined Meralco Manila on top of the table, grabbing maximum points in its debut. Meralco dumped Stallion Laguna, 5-1, last Saturday with Curt Dizon scoring the first goal of the PFL.
“It was a good win, but we still have a long way to go,” said Aguinaldo. “We have many games to be played and we have to keep our focus and our fitness.”
Over at Quirino Stadium in Vigan, new clubs Ilocos United and Davao Aguilas battled to an exciting 1-1 stalemate, giving the two teams a point each in their first game of the season.
Fil-Belgian midfielder Dylan De Bruyckner put the away side on top with a cool finish five minutes after the restart, before John Kanayama equalized for Ilocos with 11 minutes remaining.
After a drab opening half where Davao’s Serbian defender Milos Kristc managed the game’s best chance with a free header that was kept out by Baba Sampana, the match came to life after De Bruyckner scored off a through ball from Nate Burkey.
But the sustained pressure paid off for Ilocos as Angelo Verheye was brought down by substitute Gerald Layumas inside the box, giving Kanayama the chance to pull level from the penalty spot.
With the result, Ilocos, Davao, Ceres-Negros and Kaya-Makati are lumped in the middle of the table with a point each after the opening weekend.
Ceres and Kaya also fought to a 1-1 draw last Saturday at University of Makati Stadium.