Pachanga, Kaya reach UFL quarterfinals

Photo by Romy Homillada

MANILA, Philippines – Pachanga kept its composure in the penalty shootout and hacked out 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 a lot of possession and Navy posing a constant threat with its quick counterattacks.

“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.”

Kaya-Cignal and Green Archers United also reached 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 half 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 advanced against powerhouse Air Force Phoenix for a place in the semifinals.

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

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