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United City Football Club made a statement on the local soccer scene after scoring 10 unanswered goals against the hapless Maharlika Manila FC in matchday 3 of the Philippine Football League at the National Training Center on Tuesday night.
On paper, UCFC came in as a favorite against Maharlika, who was still high after notching his club’s first PFL win against Stallion Laguna just two days earlier.
The Manileños were quickly sent back to earth in the 16th minute when Mike Ott continued his scoring exploits in the league. Ott’s younger brother took advantage of a Welcome Marañón installment to break the deadlock and finally open the floodgates for UCFC.
United were torn for the rest of the game and went into halftime promoting a 4-0 band thanks to goals from captain Stephan Schrock, Marañón and OJ Porteria.
Things went from bad to worse for Maharlika as UCFC continued to build up pressure and sent six more goals after the interval. Both Porteria and Robert Lopez Mendy completed a hat-trick in the final 45 minutes, while Mike Ott added another to secure a double.
After the completely one-sided affair, head coach Frank Musecan praised his team’s display as one of the best on the continent.
“This is a performance of the highest level of soccer in Asia,” Muescan said. “So much fluidity, understanding of the team and just mastery of the game.”
The result saw UCFC solidify its claim at the top of the league table with nine perfect points from three games with a goal difference of +17.
Gayoso and Custodio give ADT first win, Kaya stumbles against Stallion
On the morning’s kickoff, Jarvey Gayoso gave head coach Scott Cooper something to think about regarding where he should play after being a key figure in the Azkal Development Team’s 2-0 win. (ADT) on Mendiola 1991 FC. in the early start.
ADT had most of the possession in the first half and received a penalty in overtime. Marvin Angeles saw his shot from the spot blocked by Kenry Balobo, and the follow-up crashed into the post to enter the halftime break tied 0-0.
The opening came in the 73rd minute after Gayoso, who was transferred from the left wing to the forward mid-game, latched on to an early cross to launch a header that passed Balobo.
Gayoso was also involved in the ADT’s second goal after his free kick stung into the keeper’s hands before Matthew Custodio hid the rebound just seven minutes later.
In the second match, title contenders Kaya FC saw their championship aspirations take a hit after drawing 1-1 at Stallion Laguna FC.
Jovin Bedic found the back of the net in the 10th minute for Kaya after taking advantage of a failed punt inside Stallion’s area. Kaya dominated the ball at halftime, with 77% possession, but only managed to attempt four shots at halftime.
The stallions came out of the break revitalized and tied via a late goal after Jan Jan Melliza scored a precise cross from Ricky Sendra in the 80th minute.
Both teams desperately tried to steal a late winning goal, but neither was able to steal a decisive goal.
The results see ADT rise two spots to third, after overtaking Maharlika Manila on goal difference. The stallion fell to fifth despite the draw, while the 1991 Mendiola FC remained entrenched at the bottom.
Kaya FC Iloilo’s draw saw them delayed in their quest for the title, now two points behind the UCFC league leaders with two match days remaining.
