UFL: Global clips Pasargad, Pachanga blanks Stallion

MANILA, Philippines – Global FC claimed their second win of the season as they trumped Pasargad, 3-1, in the United Football League, Tuesday, January 21, at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Ben Starosta, Milad Behgandorn, and Marvin Angeles each scored a goal for coach Leigh Manson’s side as they rise to 2-1 in the table, on the heels of a 2-1 nipping of Kaya FC just this weekend.

Despite their dominance in shots and possession, Global had to come from behind as Jaham Taher gave Pasargad a 1-nil lead in the 29th minute, courtesy of a rocket of a goal from just past the center circle.

The 2012 League champs, however, had an answer to that as skipper Ben Starosta volleyed in the equalizer in the 37th minute to end the half at 1-all.

With Global firing shots at will, Russell Pierson had a spectacular night between the sticks for Pasargad as he singlehandedly kept his team in the game despite playing through injury for most of the game.

The newly-signed Behgandorn, coming in at the hour mark, provided Global with instant offense as he found the net amidst a goal-mouth scramble just seven minutes into his game. Pierson had to block Jeffrey Christiaens’ shot and tend to Mark Hartmann but he was unable to reach the substitute’s strike off the rebound.

Pierson finally called it a night as Seo replaced him on goal following a collision that caused him to be stretchered out of the playing pitch.

Pasargad’s goal-scorer Taher turned from hero to zero as he was shown a yellow in the 79th when he blocked Marvin Angeles’ header with his hand.  

Angeles’ shot already crossed the goal-line prior to Taher’s stop, however, thus giving Global a 3-1 advantage until the final whistle.

Pachanga stuns Stallion 

Pachanga–Diliman FC, meanwhile, also ended the night with the full three points as they shocked reigning League titlists Stallion FC, 1-0.

Sporting a new-look following the exodus of their marquee players from their title-clinching run last year, coach Ernie Nierras’ side continues to struggle in 2014 as they absorbed yet another stinging loss very early in the season.

The Iloilo-based side gave Pachanga a tough time right from the get-go as they rained the opposing goal with more shots but they were left to rue on their numerous misses when ex-Azkals forward Nate Burkey made it 1-nil with only 13 minutes left in regulation.

With not much time left to pull off an equalizer, Stallion’s frustrations took its toll as Hamed Hajjimhedi and Gomez were slapped with yellow cards in the dying minutes of the game.

Stallion will next face the newly-promoted Team Socceroo on Saturday, January 25, while Pachanga squares off with the rejigged Army FC GTI on Thursday, January 30. – Rappler.com