Kaya, Stallion play to scoreless draw

MANILA, Philippines – Kaya FC blew an opportunity to close in on First Division leaders Loyola Meralco Sparks and Global FC after it was held to a scoreless draw by a 10-man Stallion Gilligan in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Sunday night.

Midfielder Oussenynou Diop of Stallion, the reigning League champion, was booked a second yellow card on the 53rd minute and was tossed out, giving the LBC-bankrolled Kaya side a window to shatter the deadlock.

But David Perkovic's charges couldn't cash in on their superior numbers as they bungled one chance when Anton del Rosario, who was recently called up to play for the Phl Azkals team, missed a long-range effort hit the crossbar.

The draw gave Kaya and Stallion a point with the former staying at third with 20 points and six points behind the pace-setting Loyola Meralco Sparks with 26 and five behind No. 2 Global with 25 while the latter getting stuck at distant No. 4 with 15.

Stallion had actually gotten more scoring chances in the first half with Ruben Doctora, Jr., who also suited up for the Azkals in the pair of friendly matches against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Azerbaijan in Dubai last week, almost coming through on the 33rd.

Fitch Davis Arboleda and Mario Javier Clarino also had their opportunity to shine on the 19th and 40th minutes, respectively, but couldn't cash in.

Then came the ejection of Diop – who got his first yellow on the 26th – early in the second half to douse cold water on the Stallions' fast start and early aggressiveness, allowing Kaya to dictate the phase the rest of the match.

Kaya though wasn't able to advantage.

The draw thus kept Stallion with a winning record against Kaya this season as the former won their first round encounter, 1-0.

"That's why I always love to play against them because it's always tough," said Stallion coach Ernie Nierras.

In Second Division action, Azkals standout Patrick Reichelt debuted with a bang as he came through with a hat-trick in a 6-2 demolition of Forza FC to remain untouchable in the Second Division with 23 points, four clear of Laos.

Another Azkals' hotshot Carli de Murga joined the scoring parade as he came through with his first goal for Ceres.

The reigning Smart National Football Club Championship titlist didn't waste time as it came through just 23 seconds into the match thanks to a sneaky goal by Kyum Son.

The only other goal scored by Ceres was delivered by Jayson Panhay, who unleashed a long-range shot only three minutes after halftime.

Jangobah Johnson accounted for Forza's two goals.