United City FC claims PFL title, blasts Stallion-Laguna

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MANILA, Philippines — United City FC clinched the Philippines Football League title after blasting Stallion-Laguna, 7-1, Friday night at PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

UCFC fired five goals in the second half led by Spanish striker Bienvenido Maranon’s second hattrick of the season.

UCFC entered the match a win away from capturing the title with a game to spare after Kaya FC Iloilo was held to a draw by Mendiola earlier in the day.

“When we knew that Kaya’s game was a draw, we told ourselves that we’re going to seal this [win against Stallion],” said UCFC coach Frank Muescan, whose squad secured a spot in the AFC Champions League for being the newly-minted PFL champion.

“Our main objective was to really win this game at all cost.”

Mike Ott had a brace, scoring once in each half while Takashi Uddawara and OJ Porteria tallied one goal apiece in the dominant victory that pushed UCFC’s tally to 12 points.

UCFC, which conceded its first goal in four matches, will still play Kaya on Monday in the two clubs’ final match of the season.