Stallion Draw In First Outing, Pachanga Blank Socceroo

11 January Results:
Manila Jeepney 4-0 Manila All-Japan
Ceres-La Salle 4-0 Navy FC
Pachanga Diliman 2-0 Team Socceroo
Stallion 2-2 Green Archers United

The 2014 UFL League got off to an explosive start last Saturday, with two matches that highlighted just how tight the competition is expected to be this year. Pachanga Diliman got their campaign off to a winning start, while defending champions Stallion earned a precious point against Green Archers United.

Following their impressive runners-up run in the UFL Cup, Noel Marcaida’s troops returned from their high-altitude training in Benguet to dispatch of a stubborn Team Socceroo. Former national team player Nate Burkey got both goals for Pachanga. He opened the scoring 12 minutes before half-time, before adding a second from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. Newly promoted Socceroo weren’t swept aside easily, however, with missed opportunities in front of goal ultimately proving costly in their demise. Despite the early setback, last year’s conquerers of the Second Division look as if they will be a handful for any top tier side.

Defending champions Stallion survived going behind twice to salvage a point against Green Archers in the final match of the night. “I got away with the tie,” said title-winning coach Ernie Nierras. “We could’ve lost, easy.” All four goals were scored in a very open first half. Chieffy Caligdong took only seven minutes to open the scoring for United, his left foot effort from the edge of the area sneaking past Wilson Munoz between the sticks. The lead only lasted 15 minutes though, as new addition Napoleon Bustillo was fouled inside the Archers’ box. Former PSG captain Hamed Hajimahdi converted the spot kick.

Ten minutes later Green Archers were back in front, with Gabriel Olowoyeye tapping home after a mazy run by Caligdong on Stallion’s left flank. The champions refused to give in though, and their persistence paid off when new signing Rafael Gomez smashed in an uncleared corner kick with a thunderous left-footed volley. Green Archers dominated the second the half, but poor finishing saw Stallion hold on for a precious point.

“Maganda ito sa amin (it was good for us),” Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante said about the 2-2 result. “Pero we expected to win against Stallion. Bago ang players ng Stallion so I thought meron kaming konting advantage.”

In the earlier matches, Manila Jeepney and Ceres-La Salle made impressive Second Division debuts against Manila All-Japan, and Navy Fc, respectively. Both matches ended 4-0.

14 January Matches:
17:15 Pachanga Diliman v Kaya FC
19:30 Loyola Meralco Sparks v Global

Source: http://www.ufl.ph