UFL: Pachanga nips Navy to reach the quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines—Pachanga kept its composure in the penalty shootout for a pulsating 4-2 victory over Navy Red Juice Tuesday night to reach the quarterfinals of the United Football League Cup at the University of Makati pitch.

Kenneth Dolloso foiled Alfie Caminos with a spectacular diving save and substitute Joshua Fegidero clinched the win with a well-placed shot to the left corner as Pachanga forged a quarterfinal showdown with defending champion Global FC.

Regulation play and extra time ended scoreless, marking the first time in the tournament that a game was extended, despite Pachanga enjoying plenty of possession and Navy looking threatening with their quick counter-attacks.

“I thought we underestimated Navy that’s why we didn’t play the way we should be playing,” said a relieved Pachanga coach Norman Fegidero. “Our combination plays were not there, but

Kaya-Cignal and Green Archers United also clinched their place in the quarterfinals with victories over Team Socceroo (2-0) and Lions Meltique Beef (3-0) respectively Sunday night.

Masanari Omura and Nate Burkey scored a goal each in the second for Kaya, which struggled to find a way to break down a compact Socceroo squad.

The Archers scored three goals during a 10-minute spell in the first half with Arnie Pasinabo, Gerald Pacquiao and Enrique Romero-Salas finding the back of the net.

With the win, Kaya arranged a last eight showdown with Nomads Auction Manila, while Green Archers face powerhouse Air Force Phoenix for a place in the semifinals.

Top seed Loyola Meralco Sparks, bannered by Phil and James Younghusband, will still face Sunken Garden United in the round of 16 with the winner playing Stallions FC on Nov. 30.

Pachanga’s best chance fell to Joven Bedic early in the second half, but his well-struck header off a cross from Alu Kigbu rattled off the crossbar, while Caminos and Loreto Kalalang wasted clear opportunities for Navy in the second half and in extra time.

Navy was reduced to 10 men in the first period of extra time when Adolfo Solatorio was sent off for another foul on Osseynou Diop, before Michael Fernandez followed him to the showers two minutes from the end for a needless yellow card, leaving the Sailors with only nine men to finish the game.

Bedic, Jalsor Soriano and Diop also found the back of the net for Pachanga, which was pushed to the brink when FJ Serios’ penalty was saved by Martin Alcantara.

But Navy’s Kevin Sendino also missed a penalty after Aaron Flores and Archie Marcaida converted from the spot, leaving the door open for Pachanga anew.