Socceroo, Pachanga settle for draw

MANILA, Philippines - Team Socceroo foiled Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr’s bid for back-to-back wins this season, pulling off 2-2 standoff in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Thursday night.

Korean Lee Jeong Woo broke the ice in the 15th minute then came through in the 69th for Socceroo for a double that negated Ariel Zerudo and Jinggoy Valmayor’s goals for PLDT Home Fibr.

The Pachanga side actually seized a 2-1 lead in the 25th minute but Socceroo rallied behind Lee as the two teams failed to score in the last 20 minutes.

The draw earned Pachanga a point and a share of fifth spot with Army-General Trias International with 10 points apiece while Team Socceroo hiked its total to six.

“Credit to Socceroo, they played in full throttle,” said Pachanga coach Noel Marcaida.

“We’re happy with the result, but we could’ve won the game,” said Socceroo mentor Franklin Cacacho.

In the lone second division match, Ceres-La Salle Bacolod leaned on Kim Jin Ho’s hat-trick as it trounced Union International Manila, 4-2, to surge past Kaya-backed Manila Jeepney FC at the helm with 16 points.

Son Yong Chan scored the only other goal for Ceres, the reigning Smart-National Club champion now a point ahead of former leader Manila Jeepney FC.

“It’s a good feeling. We haven’t started too strong, losing one (Laos) and drawing another (Philippine Air Force). We’re getting back on track. We’re going to try our best to stay on top,” said head coach Ali Go.

Shaiyan Jafari delivered the brace for Union.

Meanwhile, the UFL First Division takes a brief break to give way for the Phl Azkals’ matches against Malaysia and Azerbaijan. Action resumes on March 6.