United City FC cruised to a season-opening 1-0 win in its debut over the Azkals Development Team (ADT) in the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) on Wednesday, October 28, at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Mike Ott converted a volley outside the box off an assist from brother Manny Ott in the 25th minute for the first goal of the season.

“I think it’s always nice to score a goal and to help the team. I try that in every game to help the team and it’s also nice that it’s the first goal of the tournament, first game of the tournament,” said Mike Ott on being the first goal scorer in Philippine football since the pandemic put a halt to the world of sports.

United City, though, went down to 10 men as it lost older brother Manny in the 84th minute after a reckless challenge on Troy Limbo.

Manny Ott’s red card will suspend him from United City’s match against Mendiola FC on Saturday, October 31, 4:30 pm.

The former Ceres-Negros team showed more composure over the young national team squad, but it was not able to flash its lethal offense as the ADT defense held them off.

In the 71st minute, OJ Porteria had a chance to double the lead in a breakaway run, but Mathew Custodio controversially dispossessed the striker outside the box.

The young Azkals rebounded from their early foul-ridden performance in the dying minutes of the game.

United City keeper Anthony Pinthus saved back-to-back headers both off Gayoso set-pieces.

ADT’s last effort came from Carlo Dorin who attempted to convert a volley but Pinthus still saved the day. – Rappler.com