Doctora, Italia guide Stallion to UFL win

MANILA, Philippines - Ruben Doctora Jr. and sub Bervic Italia struck as Stallion FC trounced coach-less Kaya FC, 2-1, to keep pace with Global FC at the top of the United Football League Division One hostilities Tuesday night at Emperador Stadium.

Doctora made the most out of an errant clearance by the Kaya defenders to fire the first goal just two minutes after the halftime break while Italia volleyed home at the 70th minute to put Stallion ahead by two.

Kaya’s late sub Janrick Soriano punched through Stallion’s defense with an 87th minute connection as the side unleashed one final stand. But the Stallion hang on to secure their fourth win in as many matches and join Global at the helm with 12 points.

Global, led by Jeff Christiaens’ brace, walloped Philippine Army, 6-0, in the first match.

“We have to score early and not put ourselves in a hole where they (opponents) can equalize,” Stallion mentor Ernie Nierras rued. “We had our opportunities and we have to take advantage of it. I am sure that Global and Loyola are taking notes.”

Kaya, which was managed by a committee of players following the resignation of coach Maor Rozen, dropped to a share of fifth with four points on a 1-1-2 slate.

Ben Starosta (26’) and Misagh Bahadoran (35’) opened scoring as Global seized a 2-0 lead after the first 45 minutes of play. Christiaens then fired back-to-back goals (49’ and 74’) with Matthew Uy (87’) and Marvin Angeles (90’) finding the back of the net in the late stages as Global completed its dominance of Army.

The Armymen suffered their third straight loss.