Global FC nips Stallion, wrests lead

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC banked on Sudanese striker Izzo El Habib’s late-game goal to edge Stallion FC, 1-0, and seize the solo lead in the First Division of the United Football League at the McKinley Hill grounds in Taguig City.

With the match heading to a scoreless draw, El Habib eluded his defenders and knocked in the goal on the 78th minute to win it for the Global booters.

El Habib’s sixth goal in the season shoved the defending League champions back to the top with 21 match points on seven straight victories.

Stallion FC, the reigning Cup champion, dropped to solo third with 18 points on six victories against a loss.

Loyola Meralco Sparks moved to No. 2 spot after trouncing Green Archers United-Globe FC, 2-0, behind Korean Jeong Byeong Yeol and prolific Fil-Brit Mark Hartmann.

Jeong opened up the scoring with a 28th minute goal to give Loyola a 1-0 lead at halftime. 

Then Hartmann struck with his own goal in the 81st, taking the fight out of the Archers, who fell to their fifth defeat against a win and a draw for four points.

Hartmann’s goal hiked his total to seven, the most this season thus far.