UFL: Global crushes Army-GTI; Kaya draws GAU

MANILA, Philippines – Global FC displayed its full arsenal as they destroyed Philippine Army-GTI FC, 9-1, while Kaya FC and Green Archers United figure in a scoreless draw, in the United Football League on Saturday, February 1 at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Jeffrey Christiaens scored a hat-trick while fellow Azkals Misagh Bahadoran and Mark Hartmann each had a brace in Global’s merciless thumping of the reinforced Army side to improve their record to 3-0-1 and stay within striking distance of league-leaders Loyola Meralco. 

New acquisitions Motjaba Miromohammadi and Milad Behgandom kicked off the scoring party with goals in the 19^th and 28^th minute respectively but Ricardo Becite pulled one back just before the halftime break to keep the scoreline close at 2-1.

The former Loyola midfielder Hartmann then drilled in his first of two goals in the 53^rd to officially open the floodgates. Bahadoran and Christiaens punched in two quick goals just five minutes later to give Global a colossal 5-1 lead. 

Even with the full three points already in their bag, Global FC went on with their rampage as Bahadoran found the net for the second time in the 68^th.

Making matters worse for Army, Christiaens and Hartmann scored back-to-back goals in a span of a minute 71 minutes into the match.

With their frustration mounting, Army’s Ronel Gener then clipped Christiaens inside the penalty box in the 75^th but Ben Starosta could not convert on the resulting penalty kick.

Christiaens put the icing on the cake in the 82^nd minute to complete Global’s 9-1 rout of the physical Army side.

With the win, Global improves its record to 3-0-1 while Army absorbs only its second defeat for a 2-1-2 slate.

Green Archers-Kaya tiff end in deadlock

There were too many close calls throughout the match but Green Archers United and Kaya FC could only take a point from tonight as they finish the figure in a 0-0 draw in the night’s main show.

GAU, however, was dealt a major blow as fleet-footed forward Tating Pasilan was stretchered off following a 21st minute injury.

It was a splendid night for Patrick Deyto in front of the goal as he stopped every Kaya attempt on goal including a 39^th minute shot by Jovin Bedic that flirted just inches away from the post. 

Kaya dominated possession in the second half but could not breach GAU’s defense with Bedic hitting the upright in the 54^th and shooting just above the bar in the hour mark.

The Green Archers also had their share of heartbreaks as Arnie Pasinabo’s shot grazed over the bar in the 68^th, the closest GAU could get from scoring the opening goal.

Masa Omura had a late chance to notch for Kaya its third win this season as he headed the ball amidst an 85^th minute goal-mouth scramble but Pasinabo was there to block the shot and keep the scoreline at 0-0.

GAU remains winless and collects its fourth draw in five games as Kaya retain the second spot with seven points from two wins, two losses, and a draw. – Rappler.com