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United City Football Club may be sporting a new look after their recent rebrand from former league champion Ceres Negros, but their ways of winning haven’t changed in the slightest.
UCFC has escaped with the 2020 Philippine Soccer League title after crushing Stallion Laguna 7-1 at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, on Friday.
United’s path to the title became clear after their closest rivals, Kaya FC Iloilo, were thwarted in a goalless draw with last-placed Mendiola FC 1991 on the morning’s kickoff. . That result meant United knew that victory against Stallion would secure the trophy.
United got off to a spectacular start against Stallion, and Mike Ott teamed with Bienvenido Marañón to open the scoring in the sixth minute.
However, Ibrahima N’dour found a gap within United’s bottom line just six minutes later, giving Stallion an unlikely draw that turned the game around.
United continued to dominate possession and regained the lead on a short corner kick that saw Takeshi Odawara float upside down in the 27th minute.
Stallion, based out of Biñan, finished the half with several set pieces in the United area, but did not threaten to score again.
After the break, a more ruthless United took to the field and put pressure on Stallion relentlessly.
United scored five more goals in the space of 22 minutes, Marañón scored three and Ott and OJ Porteria also on goal.
United now have 12 points in the shortened league, four above their closest rival, Kaya, with a goal difference of +23.
United will play Kaya to formally complete their season on Monday, when they are awarded the trophy.
Including the three won by Ceres Negros, this is the fourth straight title for the core that now makes up United City.
The noon game saw Jarvey Gayoso and Chima Uzoka double down to add to Yrik Gallantes’ goal to propel the Azkals Development Team past Maharlika Manila FC.
The result means that Maharlika cannot overtake Kaya to claim a spot in the AFC competition.
