Global outplays Stallion, closes in on Sparks

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC dominated defending champion Stallion FC and came away with an emphatic 5-1 victory to close in on leader Loyola Meralco Sparks in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Thursday night.

Mark Hartmann scored a brace and had a hand in the team’s two other goals as the Global booters firmed up their hold of second place with 19 points, just a point behind the league-leading Sparks.

Misagh Bahadoran, a member of the Phl Azkals team, also had a double while Milad Behgandom delivered a goal for Global, which closed out its first round elims campaign on a high note following a scoreless draw with Green Archers United-Globe last week.

The loss was Stallion’s third against three wins, further diminishing their chances for a title repeat.

Bahadoran headed home the first goal off a free kick from Hartmann right on the third minute before unleashing another from close range on the 30th.

Hartmann then assisted Behgandom, who scored on a header five minutes later, giving Global a 3-0 lead.

Stallion responded as Simone Rota unloaded a strike but Hartmann took charge for Global FC in the second half with the Fil-Brit striker coming through with a double, the first a right-footed goal off a nice, crafty pass from Behgandom on the 64th and another in extra time when he hit a rocket also in close range.

“We plated a lot better in the second half,” said Global FC coach Leigh Manson.