De Murga hands undermanned Global UFL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Undermanned Global FC leaned on an injury time goal by Carli de Murga as it repulsed an upset-conscious Navy Red Juice, 3-2, to seize the solo lead in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field in Makati City.

Tied at 2-2 going into the final minute of extra time, de Murga, part of the Phl Azkals team that finished a historic third in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal last month, unleashed a 30-yard goal as Global took back the solo lead from Loyola Meralco Sparks with 24 points on eight wins against two losses.

It was a sweet victory for Global as it needed to rally back from a 1-2 deficit to Navy, which got goals from Stephen Juriel Burda on the 66th minute and substitute Daniel Gonzales eight minutes later.

But Alex Obiang struck back with a goal of his own on the 79th minute. That knotted the count at 2-2 for a potential draw that would have given the Global booters a share of the lead with the idle Sparks, who slid to second spot with 22 points on seven triumphs and a draw against a lone setback.

And it looked headed that way after Navy gallantly held its own by playing scrappy defense before de Murga entered the fray for that spectacular game-winner.

The victory by Global made up for the absence of the Guirado brothers Angel and Juani, who were reportedly back in Spain due to personal reasons.

The loss kept the Navymen at the bottom of the standings with four points on a win and a draw against eight defeats.

In Second Division action, Pachanga FC drew strength from Christopher Ojimire’s brace as it overpowered Cebu Queen City United FC, 4-0, to remain atop the heap.