Forza shocks Team Socceroo in UFL Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines -- Forza FC hacked out a shock 2-0 victory over Team Socceroo to end the latter's 16-game streak dating back from last tournament to jumpstart its campaign in the United Football League Cup at the Emperador Stadium Sunday night.

Gerald Pacquiao opened the scoring by blowing past Socceroo goalie Ronaldo Cabaniero on the 29th minute while Jangobah Johnson sealed the deal with a 71st minute rocket that sealed the Forza booters' victory.

It was a sweet win for Forza, which finished way behind Team Socceroo, which swept the second division in the UFL League early this year with an impressive 16-game romp.

The streak ended Sunday.

Cebu Queen City United also made a big impression after it shot down former two-time UFL Cup titlist Phl Air Force, 3-0, to surge to the top of Group C ahead of Bright Star and Agila, which fought to a 2-2 draw the same day.

None though was as shocking as the loss of Team Socceroo, which came into this match the favorite after earning a First Division promotion from its stellar performance in the League with that impressive sweep.

It also helped that Socceroo acquired Azkal Matt Uy in the off-season.

It turned out that not even Uy could prevent Socceroo from getting the ax from Forza.

In other results, Union Internacional Manila edged Cimarron, 3-2, to boost its stock.

Shayan Jafari delivered the match-clinching goal after he struck in the second minute of injury time.