Victory Liner raps Dolphins, gains solo UFL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Diliman Victory Liner FC leaned on a late goal by Ariel Zerrudo Jr. as it downed an upset-conscious Dolphins United FC, 2-1, to seize the solo lead in the Second Division of the United Football League at the Turf in Bonifacio Global City over the weekend.

With the match tied after regulation, Zerrudo struck on the first minute of injury time to turn what could have been a draw to a victory by the Diliman booters, who got three points from it to overtake idle Pachanga FC on top with 19 points on six victories and a draw.

Pachanga, which could regain the solo lead with a win over Sunken Garden United FC on Saturday also at the Turf, slid to No. 2 with 18 points on a perfect 6-0-0 (win-loss-draw) record.

After Diliman gained the early upperhand on a fifth minute goal by Jon Josef Manlunas, Dolphins United came roaring back and stunned a heavily favored foe thanks to the equalizing goal of Jerome Cuyos almost half an hour later.

A long, highly physical defensive struggle ensued with Dolphins fending off every aggressive attempts put up by Diliman and almost came away with a draw that would’ve snared both teams a point.

Then Zerrudo came to Diliman’s rescue with that spectacular game-winner that sent the Dolphins to their fourth loss against a win and two draws for five points, which is good for solo ninth.

Over at the University of Makati field, Team Socceroo and Union Internacional Manila fought to a 2-2 standoff to keep their respective title hopes alive.

Union Internacional Manila drew strength from a couple of goals by Sean Hungerford including one on the 89th minute that forced the draw and sent it from a three-way logjam at fifth place with Laos FC and Forza FC to solo fifth with 10 points.

Team Socceroo, who relied on goals by Christopher Roza (23rd minute) and Michael Mari Reyes (49th), remained at No. 4 with 12 points.