Bretana shines as Army XI stuns Global

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Army Fritz and Macziol pulled the rug from under fancied Global as it pulled off a shock 2-1 victory in the United Football League at the Nomads football pitch in Parañaque over the weekend.

Relan Bretana, a 25-year-old talent from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, blasted in two goals, one in each half, to give the Armymen enough cushion to weather Global’s fightback in the second half.

The stunning win tied Army with opening day winners LBC-backed Kaya and Loyola Meralco Sparks and Stallion Gilligan’s FC and Nomads Auction Manila FC with three points.

It also avenged Army’s setback to the Global in the Round-of-16 clash late last year.

Kaya nipped reigning Cup and league champion Air Force Phoenix, 1-0, while the Stallions routed Navy, 6-0.

I would like to thank our superiors for allowing us to give more time on training, it really helped us to focus on the league,” said Army team captain and Azkals member Roel Gener in Filipino.

“I must also give credit to everyone for stepping up,” he added.

Misagh Bahadoran, a Fil-Iranian striker, struck with the Global’s first goal after a long while, scoring on the 88th minute.

But Azkals standout, Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado, in his first start with Global, took a red card for a dangerous challenge on Lawrence Badua on the 77th minute.

Not even a late goal by Bahadoran could stop the Army from nailing the big win.

“We pressured Angel (Guirado) all game, I think that’s important,” said Gener.

Global, making its first Division One appearance after going unbeaten in the second division a couple of years ago, dominated possession almost all throughout the match but just didn’t have an answer to Bretana.

Bretana opened up the scoring for the Army with a 40th minute goal after Meliton Pelayo stole off Global defender Jerry Barbaso and whipped a cross to the streaking Barotac-born striker for the finish.

Bretana buckled down to work five minutes into the second half as his blocked attempt was completely miscalculated by Global goalie Paolo Pascual before it found the back of the net for his second goal.