GLOBAL relied on Misagh Bahadoran’s second-half strike to pull off a narrow 1-0 victory over Green Archers United last night and regain top spot in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.
With Loyola Meralco and Kaya only securing a point after playing to a 2-2 draw Saturday, the door was left open for Global to move on top and Bahadoran made sure that the 2010 UFL Cup champion capitalized on the opportunity.
The Filipino international, a vital cog in the Azkals’ run to third place in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, surged on the left before firing low from a tight angle to beat Green Archers keeper Patrick Deyto in the 59th minute.
The win boosted Global to 34 points, two clear of Loyola and Kaya, while Green Archers were stuck at nine points, just five ahead of doormat Navy Red Juice.
Earlier, Nomads Auction Manila barged into the Top 5 after a come-from-behind 4-1 win over Army Fritz and Macziol.
Nomads rallied with four second-half goals, pouncing on an side which was dealt a big blow when goalkeeper Ed Sacapano was sent off in the first half.
A brace from teenager Jeremy Theuer and goals from Steve Borril, Chris Phillimore boosted Nomads to only their fourth win of their inaugural campaign in the first division.
Nomads moved up to fifth with 16 points, while Army absorbed its fifth loss in six matches.
Green Archers were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute after defender Reynaldo Villareal was sent off for a second yellow card.
But Deyto kept them in the match with a string of impressive saves on Patrick Reichelt and Bahadoran.
Deyto, whose performance caught the attention of Azkals mentor Michael Weiss, also denied Yu Hoshide late on, going full stretch to palm the ball away.