Nomads settle for draw with Navy

MANILA, Philippines - Nomads Auction Manila FC blew what could have been a victory as it settled for a 1-1 draw with Philippine Navy Red Juice to seize the early lead in Division One of the United Football League at the University of Makati field yesterday.

Riding the crest of its 3-2 escape victory over Pasargad FC last week, the Nomads appeared headed for their second straight win after Toullec Loic scored on a header on injury time of the first half for a 1-0 lead.

But the Navymen, itching to get back on track following a humiliating 0-6 drubbing they suffered at the hands of Gilligan Stallion’s FC a week back, didn’t give up and relied on Marlon Pinero’s goal on the 64th minute and then held tough the rest of the way to escape with a draw.

The draw sent Nomads atop the heap with four points since the deadlock was equivalent to a point and a win three points.

In the other game, Global barged into the win column with a 2-0 victory over Pasargad to join Loyola Meralco Sparks, LBC-backed Kaya, Phl Army Fritz & Macziol and Gilligan Stallions FC, who will all see action today, with three points.

Alex Obiang opened up the scoring with a 26th minute goal while Abdalla Hwedi followed it up with a 59th minute goal that sealed the first win for Global, which played with Fil-Spanish Azkals Angel Guirado, who served a suspension for a red card he incurred in a 0-1 loss to Phl Army Fritz & Macziol FC.