MANILA, Philippines - Japanese Shinichi Tanaka took over in the second half as Manila All-Japan FC pulled the rug from under Laos FC, 2-0, to revive its hopes in the Second Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field over the weekend.
Tanaka buckled down to work after a scoreless first half, knocking in two goals, the first coming in just two minutes into the half and the other 15 minutes en route to victory.
It was Manila All-Japan’s second win against six defeats for a share of ninth spot with Dolphins United FC with six points apiece.
Laos FC took its fourth setback against three wins to remain in joint seventh with Forza FC at nine points.
In the other match, Union Internacional Manila forced Dolphins United FC to a 2-2 draw for a share of sixth with Team Socceroo FC with 11 points each.
Trailing 1-2 going into the final 20 minutes of the match, Union Internacional Manila went to Joseph Anthony Cerdena, who responded and scored the equalizer on the 74th minute.
Union Internacional Manila actually led at the half, 1-0, on Sean Hungerford’s 41st minute goal.
But Jerome Cuyos scored a couple of goals in a 12-minute stretch starting on the 58th as the Dolphins surged ahead, 2-1.