UFL: Lopez Mendy scores brace in GAU’s 2-1 win over Socceroo

MANILA, Philippines – The Green Archers United might have just found their new talisman in Robert Lopez Mendy.

Playing without the injured Chieffy Caligdong, the Archers leaned on another fantastic performance by the Ivorian midfielder who scored two goals for GAU – including the last-minute winner in their 2-1 win over Team Socceroo FC – Thursday night, March 27 at the Emperador Stadium.

Coming off a big upset of Loyola last weekend, coach Rodolfo Alicante’s boys extended their winning streak to 4 games and improved their tally to 19 points.

While they remain fifth on the table after their latest victory, the Archers inched closer to fourth placer Stallion FC who are currently stuck at 22 points.

Green Archers United was put on top early when Lopez Mendy scored off a rebound from Shag Shapay Johnson’s miss 20 minutes into the first half but their lead was negated just 10 minutes later when Diego Barrera answered back with a 30th minute goal.

It was nip and tuck football between the two squads for most of the match as neither GAU nor Socceroo could find the opening but the reigning Division 2 champs were dealt a stinging blow when Kennedy Uzoka received his second yellow in the 81st minute.

The Archers then quickly pounced on their man advantage when Lopez Mendy – who has a knack of pinching in late-game goals in their past few games – netted in an 89th minute winner for 2-1.

The in-form Archer midfielder has now found the net 3 times in GAU’s last two assignments, including two goals scored inside the last 10 minutes of the game.

Team Socceroo, which remained eighth in the standings with 9 points, will try to bounce back in their next game when they face Kaya FC on Saturday. The Archers, meanwhile, square off with Pachanga – Diliman on April 1. – Rappler.com