UFL Cup midway wrap: Kaya, Global advance

MANILA, Philippines – With more than half of the games already played in the group stages of the UFL Cup, several teams are flirting with the quarterfinals slot, although there are still possible scenarios that can upset the teams in the Cup.

Here’s a wrap of the tournament so far.

Group A – Global assured of quarterfinals spot

Reigning league champions Global FC have already confirmed their slot in the quarterfinals after staying undefeated in all of their matches in Group A. They first defeated fellow division one side Pasargad FC 3-1 before having a scoreless draw against General Trias International.

The draw did not stop their momentum as they put 11 goals past Team Socceroo in their penultimate match before a 4-0 victory over Philippine Navy last Saturday, October 20.

Although Global has already assured their place in the next round, one more spot is still up for grabs which will be contested by an undefeated General Trias, which defeated Navy 5-0 and Team Socceroo 2-0, and Pasargad, which defeated Navy 3-0 and walloped Team Socceroo 8-0.

A draw for Gen Trias will be enough to deny the first division club, but Pasargad will be relying on striker Masood Shedideh to rout Gen Trias and carry the team to the quarterfinals.

Group B – Kaya, Archers battle of positions

Over in Group B, Kaya FC have advanced to the quarterfinals with three wins to their name, including a 7-0 win over Dolphins United last Sunday, October 21. Their only setback was a 1-1 draw against second placed Green Archers United.

The Archers are still in the running for the second quarterfinal spot as they face sister club Forza FC to determine who will join Kaya in the next round.

Group C – Group of Death

Group C had the group with the most number of questions arising as three first division sides namely Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, Nomads FC and Pachanga FC were grouped together, thus receiving the group of death title.

The group lived up to its name. Nomads defeated Pachanga 1-0 last week through an Yves Ashime own goal but Pachanga too would got its win, defeating Loyola Meralco 2-1 last Saturday.

The loss gave Loyola inspiration as they bounced back from their weekend disappointment with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Nomads FC with Phil Younghusband bagging his first hat-trick of the season, and substitute Jake Morallo netting a brace for the Sparks.

Group D – Tough challengers

Reigning UFL Cup champions Philippine Air Force were also dealt with a blow after being grouped with fellow armed forces team Philippine Army, as well as a beefed up Stallion FC.

The grouping did not hamper the airmen from winning their opening match against Agila FC 2-0, however their chances hang on the balance after Ian Araneta cancelled out Laurence Bedua’s opener giving Air Force a 1-1 draw against Army.

The Stallions were the early victims after they were handed a 2-0 defeat against Army in their opening match, but the team bounced back after trampling sister team Sta. Lucia FC 6-0 with new signing Rufo Sanchez scoring five goals to open his goalscoring account.

On Target

Global strike pair Izzo El Habib and Alex Obiang

The pair have combined well for the league champions, combining a total of ten goals in their last two fixtures of partnering up front. The partnership has been fruitful even with the absence of the national team players, showing that even without Global’s Azkals, the league champions still have a formidable bench that can easily rise to the occasion.

Loyola Meralco’s midfield

In their game against Nomads, Loyola’s midfield was the driving force for much of their goals as Mark Hartmann, Anto Gonzales and James Younghusband fed Phil Younghusband, and later Jake Morallo for goals. Gonzales would also get his name on the scoresheet, after scoring his first for the club following a neat play late in the second half. – Rappler.com