UFL: Stallions overpower Air Force

MANILA, Philippines — Stallion Giligans sustained its blistering form to dump defending champion Air Force Phoenix, 4-1, Tuesday night and grab top spot in the first division of the United Football League at the UMak field.

Ilonggo striker Ruben Doctora struck twice and set up one of two goals by Korean forward Lee Joo-young in a clinical performance that further boosted Stallion’s title credentials.

“We’re better prepared and its showing in our game,” Doctora said in Filipino. “But the season is still early and anything can happen.”

Stallion, which moved ahead of Loyola and Kaya on goal difference, was dominant all throughout, exposing Air Force’s defensive frailties with its enterprising play.

The combination of Ilonggo and Korean players on the Stallions’ side hardly allowed Air Force to settle, constantly putting pressure on the defending champions.

The early pressure paid off with Lee firing the opening goal in the 10th minute after an error from Air Force goalkeeper Tats Mercado.

Doctora doubled the lead in the 26th minute with a composed finish against Joel Ballo-Allo, before assisting on Lee’s goal four minutes from halftime.

There were flashes of brilliance from Air Force early in the second half with Chieffy Caligdong forcing a fine diving save from Wilson Munoz in the 50th minute on a breakaway. The Stallion defense was unlocked in the 70th minute when Yanti Barsales steered home Caligdong’s cross on the right to cut the deficit, 1-3.

But Doctora put the outcome beyond doubt with a well-taken left-footed strike in the 86th minute.