FAR FROM its best, Stallion Sta. Lucia labored to a 1-0 victory over Nomads Thursday night and moved within a point off leader Global in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.
Korean winger Lee Joo-young’s 58th-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides that started the match in third and fourth positions in the competition.
Kaya also climbed to fourth after a 4-0 demolition of Air Force in an ill-tempered match that saw nine yellow cards and the dismissal of Air Force coach Edzel Bracamonte and midfielder Antonio Albor.
OJ Porteria struck seven minutes into the game from a tight angle, before Christian Ayew bagged two goals 13 minutes apart in the second half.
Former national team standout Anton del Rosario later joined the scoring fray with his deflected free kick.
Air Force had four players booked in the first half and Albor was sent off for yellow cards for rough play. Bracamonte was also sent to the stands for continuous complaining from the touchline.
The win pushed Kaya to fourth past Nomads after hiking its points total to 12 even as Air Force remained winless.
Stallion wasn’t as sharp as it was as in previous matches. It has not played since March 21, when it lost to Global, 0-1.