UFL: Global, Kaya remain unbeaten in Group B

MANILA, Philippines – Top clubs Global and Kaya defeated their opponents to continue their winning ways in Group B after match day 5 of the United Football League (UFL) FA League Cup held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Saturday, September 27.

UFL defending champs Global FC, who started their campaign with an impressive 12-0 victory against Dolphins United FC, have extended their streak to two after slipping a 1-0 win versus Laos FC.

The reigning kings of the country’s top flight came out strong to start the first half but Laos reciprocated with their own brand of stifling defense, which then resulted in an uneventful first half. Both teams were held scoreless going into the break.

As the game continued, the refreshed legs of the players of both teams fueled an ecstatic exchange of attacks coming from either sides of the pitch.

In the 53rd minute, however, a foul committed by the Laos FC defense inside the box during an attempt to clear the ball off a corner kick led to a penalty. High scoring striker Izo Elhabib took the shot but failed to sink it as veteran goalkeeper Saba Sadeghigarmaroudi read his attack and denied it.

Global FC came knocking on the door of Laos on several occasions but failed to get an answer as the resilient defense of the latter kept on denying their attacks.

A momentary miscommunication between Laos’ backline and their keeper proved to be the defining moment for Global as Hikaru Minegeshi’s devious strike cuffed the far post and ricocheted in to give his club the lead through the dying minutes of the match.

Meanwhile, Kaya FC outclassed Team Socceroo FC, 4-0, to congeal their strong unbeaten record in Group B of the tournament.

Kaya proved their dominance on the pitch as their early blitz in the opening half developed into a prompt goal from top quality scorer Louis Clark in the 7th minute. 

Team Socceroo tried their luck in replying to the early connection by their foes but failed as the intimidating defense of Kaya rejected their assaults.

On the other side, another attack from Kaya was converted by Clark to extend the lead of his club to two goals 13 minutes into the match.

It did not take long for the Kaya offense to find their groove as Azkals veteran Chris Greatwich found an opening to chip a header in and further extend the lead of his club.

Clark tallied an additional goal off a pass from Kenshiro Daniels to etch his hat-trick for the night a few minutes before going into the halftime break. Kaya FC led Team Socceroo, 4-0 going into the half.

The scorching hot offense of Kaya went into a lull in the second half as Socceroo prevented more of the former’s outbreaks until the end of regulation.

In other results, Forza FC thwarted fellow second division squad Dolphins United FC, 4-1, to notch a win during the fifth match day of the UFL FA League Cup. – Rappler.com