Airmen stun Kaya, enter UFL quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Undermanned Phl Air Force leaned on tough defense and the game-winning goal of Jimmy Vergara in shocking Kaya FC, 1-0, to gatecrash into the quarterfinal round of the United Football League Cup at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig Tuesday night.

Playing minus five key players suspended for their involvement in a fracas against Stallion in their final match in the group stages, the Airmen bucked the odds and pulled the rug from under the heavily favored Kaya booters to advance to the quarters against either Green Archers United or Manila Jeepney. The two are slated to face off for a quarters berth tonight.

Interestingly, Air Force, which topped the Cup and the League since the league changed format four years ago, has been relegated to the second division after a disappointing performance last season.

The Airmen did it on a tough, rough defense to stymie Kaya’s attack while Vergara delivered the goal on the 104th minute off a clever low ball near the post from a free kick to beat Kaya goalie Saba Garmaroudi.

Loyola Meralco Spark steamrolled Cimarron FC, 10-0, to arrange an interesting showdown with Pachanga Diliman.

Phil Younghusband, one of the most popular members of the Phl Azkals, led the carnage with a hat-trick while brother James and Chad Edward Gould each posted a brace to seal the relatively easy win.

Mark Hartmann, Lee Joo Young and an own goal by Yves De Luis on the 10th accounted for the other goals for the Spark, who are still hunting for their first title.

James Younghusband opened up the scoring in the fourth minute, unloading a rocket off a free kick and after that own goal by de Luis. Gould scored twice afterwards and Lee and Phil Younghusband followed it up for a comfortable 6-0 lead at halftime.