Stallion trounces Chieffy-less Archers; Pachanga nips Kaya

MANILA, Philippines – The reigning United Football League Cup champion Stallion-Sta. Lucia took flight from where it left off with a resounding 3-1 win over the Chieffy Caligdong-less Green Archers United Globe on Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Stallion-Sta. Lucia took only 30 minutes to break down the Archers’ defense as Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez fired the first goal of the match. New recruit Prince Boley formerly of Kaya doubled Stallion-Sta. Lucia’s lead nine minutes later off a beautiful cross from Lee Won Hyung for a two-goal cushion at the half.

The Archers, who missed key recruit Caligdong to Azkals' duties in Myanmar yesterday, regrouped after the break as Jovanie Simpron punishing his former team, pulling one goal back, with only three minutes milked in the second half. But just as the Archers have found their groove, Stallion-Sta. Lucia connected once more to put the match under wraps.

Korean Park Bo Bae scored on a set-up by Sanchez in the 65^th minute then Stallion-Sta. Lucia buckled down on defense the rest of the way to come away with the full three points.

Aside from Caligdong, the Archers also missed the services of starting keeper Patrick Deyto due to his UAAP commitment while Stallion-Sta. Lucia showed more depth despite the absence of Jason de Jong, who was also with the Azkals in Myanmar.

In the nightcap, Pachanga-Diliman leaned on Jason Cunliffe’s penalty goal in the 28^th minute to score a big reversal against Kaya.

The equalizer came begging for the opening day winner Kaya as Pachanga-Diliman’s defense held up. Kaya came close to pull off a draw when the loose ball off a mad scramble right in front of their goal went straight to a Pachanga-Diliman’s defender for the crucial save late in the injury time.