Sanchez shines as Stallions log 1st win

SPANISH striker Rufino Sanchez produced an explosive attacking show as Stallion crushed Sta. Lucia, 6-0, last night for its first win in the UFL Cup at Marikina Sports Park.

Showing his experience and quality, Sanchez proved ruthless in and around the box, netting his hat trick as early as the 25th minute to set the tone for the dominant performance.

Pi Yong Jae also found the back of the net in the second half for Stallion, which bounced back from a 0-2 defeat against Army.

The win pushed Stallion to second spot in Group C, just ahead of Air Force on goal difference. With two wins from two matches, Army is the surprise leader in the group.

Picked up from CF Internacional Madrid early this year, Sanchez was at the right place at the right time in the 10th minute when he bundled home a deflected pass from Kim Hyo-il.

Sanchez sent a warning to the rest of the field with his second goal. Latching unto a through ball from Jovanie Simpron, Sanchez scored from a tight angle in the 23rd minute.

Sanchez grabbed his hat trick two minutes later stroking home a headed pass from compatriot Joaquin Canas, before scoring his fourth in the 33rd minute when he expertly collected the ball in stride and slotted it into the bottom corner.

Sanchez’s fifth came in the 63rd minute with a majestic chip over the keeper after the Sta. Lucia defense was caught napping on a quick throw in.

It was a nightmarish debut for the Realtors, whose squad is actually made up of former Stallion players.