UFL: Global XI finally ropes in Stallion

INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Global downed Stallion, 1-nil, Saturday night, dealing the league-leading squad its first loss of the United Football League season at the University of Makati field.

Izo El-Habbib scored the winner in the 57th minute as Global jacked up its tally to 12 points to forge a tie for second with Loyola Meralco and Kaya, which whitewashed Pasargad, 3-0, earlier.

Stallion stayed on top with 13 points despite its first defeat.

Kaya struck for three second half goals to secure its fourth win against a lone defeat that came two weeks ago against Loyola.

Pasargad remained in eighth spot, with two points to show.

Global has four wins against two losses, but manager Dan Palami believes his side is slowly finding its feet.

“It’s really competitive at the top that’s why this is a morale-boosting win,” said Palami.

In a tense match that saw five players get booked and left Misagh Bahadoran bloodied because of an elbow from Bervic Italia, Global prevailed, disrupting Stallion’s passing game.

Kaya’s Ivorian striker Eric Dagroh opened the scoring in the 49th minute, pouncing on a lapse from Pasargad keeper Abdollah Golkah, who mishandled Adrian Semblat’s cross.

Prince Boley doubled the lead from the penalty spot 15 minutes later. Nate Burkey sealed the rout with a fine individual effort in the 89th minute for his first goal in league play.