Global pins 1st UFL loss on Ceres

GLOBAL sustained its superb form, dealing Ceres-La Salle its first loss of the season with a thrilling 2-0 victory Saturday in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Misagh Bahadoran and Mark Hartmann found the back of the net as Global stayed in the thick of the fight in the title race.

“This win may have saved our season,” said Global coach Leigh Manson. “If we lost to Ceres, the gap would have been too much.”

The reigning league champions finished the first round with 19 points, good for third spot behind Ceres (21 points) and Stallion, which nipped Green Archers, 2-1, earlier.

Bahadoran headed home a teasing cross from Hikaru Minegishi in the 42nd minute before Hartmann doubled the advantage at the hour mark with a shot to the top corner.

The win capped an impressive week for Global which also beat Yadanarbon of Myanmar in the AFC Cup.

Manila Jeepney climbed to seventh spot with a 3-1 triumph over Team Socceroo. Goals from Alvaro Alonso, Jake Morallo and Gary Epesso sealed Jeepney’s first win.

Stallion leaned on Jordan Mintah’s stoppage time strike to sink Archers who equalized in the 83rd minute through Jovanie Simpron.