Ceres-La Salle, Kaya take opener in UFL

MANILA, Philippines - Ceres-La Salle and Kaya FC made a flying start to their  title campaigns as Green Archers-United played defending champion Global to a 1-1 draw at the start of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial football stadium over the weekend.

 Kaya FC routed Army, 4-0, while Ceres-La Salle edged Manila Jeepney, 2-1, giving both teams the early lead in the country’s premier football league.

“To be fair it’s a better start than we had last year. We’re one point ahead of where we were, so in that way it could be positive,” said Global head coach Leigh Manson after the stalemate.

Former Global goalkeeper Paolo Pascual was central to Green Archers’ resistance, as the young shotstopper held firm in the face of Global’s barrage.

Mark Hartmann converted an early penalty to set the tone for the defending champions, but Chieffy Caligdong responded with a beautiful strike from outside the box to level the count before half time.