Global draws Sparks, rules UFL via tiebreak

Manila, Philippines -  Global FC held Loyola Meralco Sparks to a 1-1 draw then edged Kaya FC in the tiebreak via goal differential to clinch the First Division crown in the United Football League before a large crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Tuesday night.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami’s Global FC side actually finished tied with Kaya FC, which downed Penson Stallion Gilligan’s FC, 1-0, in the other match after the two ended up with 42 points on identical 13-3-2 (win-draw-loss) records.

But the Global side took the championship trophy after emerging with a higher goal differential of 32 against the LBC Hari ng Padala-bankrolled Kaya’s 13. Both teams finished tied with best goals allowed with 17.

Sudanese striker Izzeldin Elhabbib scored the first goal of the match on the 65th minute, making Loyola goalie Ref Cuaresma pay for his decision to challenge the former too far from his post.

Loyola’s Korean player Jeong Byeong Yeol countered 11 minutes later with an equalizing goal to salvage the draw for the Sparks, who failed in their title quest again despite their massive financial support and resources. They wound up third with 37 points on a 11-4-3 slate.

Global’s title win more than made up for its failures last year and its struggles early in the season following a shock defeat to Army Fritz & Macziol FC, the sudden resignation of coach Graeme MacKinnon and Elhabbib’s arm injury.

It was Global’s first crown since topping the shorter, single-elimination round format Cup last year.

“It was a difficult season but we fought through it and I’m glad that the team dug deep and had the fighting spirit to fight through everything we faced,” said Palami, who coached the team for several games after MacKinnon’s abrupt resignation.