UFL: Global thwarts Stallion but result disputed

GLOBAL found an unlikely hero in Masaki Yanagawa as it subdued Stallion, 2-1, Sunday night to vault to second spot in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Japanese defender scored on a volley off Mark Hartmann’s corner kick in the 79th minute as Global repeated its first-round conquest of Stallion and moved within five points off leader Ceres La Salle by improving to 22 points.

Stallion, however, placed the game under protest after Global fielded Hikaru Minegishi in the second half.

Stallion coach Ernie Nierras claimed Minegishi is an ineligible player after his registration status was changed from Filipino to a foreign player last month.

Minegishi was listed as a local player at the start of the season since he has Filipino roots but clubs have asked for more proof of his lineage. This prompted Global to play him as one of the five foreigners allowed on the pitch Sunday night.

Stallion took the lead in the ninth minute through Nathan Alquiros, who struck from close range after Shirmar Felongco’s effort was saved by Roland Sadia.

Izzo El-Habbib equalized for Global in the 35th minute, instinctively tapping home Dennis Villanueva’s headed pass inside the six-yard box.

Earlier, Manila Jeepney overcame Team Socceroo, 5-0, to move to seventh spot, ahead of Pachanga Diliman.

Arnel Amita and Park Su-hyun fired two goals each while Koffi Kouassi added another for Jeepney, which pulled off a repeat over Socceroo.