Stallion dethrones UFL champ Air Force

MANILA, Philippines — Air Force’s reign as United Football League Cup champion ended in devastating fashion Tuesday night, following a heavy 1-5 loss to an inspired Stallion side at the wet and slippery University of Makati field.

The playing conditions were far from ideal but it hardly mattered for Stallion as it brandished a relentless attacking game that sent the Airmen wobbling out of the competition even before the knockout stage.

Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez banged in two goals, while compatriot Joaquin Canas, Korean winger Lee Joo-young and OJ Clariño also found the back of the net as Stallion notched its third straight win to top Group D.

“The level of the league is getting higher and we’re finding it tougher to keep up,” admitted Air Force coach Edzel Bracamonte, whose side remains the most successful team in the league with two league crowns and a Cup triumph last season. “Hopefully, we can bounce back in the league.”

Picked up from Spanish side CF Madrid during the off-season, Sanchez continued his deadly form with two first-half goals that set the tone for the rout.

Ruben Doctora came close to opening the scoring with a close-range strike that was thwarted by Tats Mercado in the first five minutes, but it didn’t take long for Stallion to find the breakthrough.

Sanchez followed up his saved effort and fired past Mercado in the eighth minute, before Stallion survived sporadic attacks from Air Force, whose best chance fell on Chieffy Caligdong who could only hit the post from a tight angle.

Showing a deft first touch, Sanchez doubled the lead with a low shot from eight yards after controlling a long ball from midfield.

Any hopes of an Air Force comeback was snuffed out by Canas, the Spanish defender, who headed home from a corner kick, in the 56th minute, before Lee continued the scoring rampage two minutes later with a deflected effort.