Stallion whips Nomads, takes 2nd

MANILA, Philippines - Korean Lee Joo Young struck on the 57th minute as Stallion FC edged a tough-defending Nomads FC side, 1-0, to move up to second place behind Global FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the McKinley Hill grounds in Taguig City Thursday night.

With the match appeared headed to a standoff after a scoreless first half, the Stallion booters made its move with Spanish striker Rufino Familiar Sanchez setting up Lee with a beautiful cross for the game-winner.

It was all the Ernest Nierras-managed Stallion side needed to wrap up the win as they improved one rung higher with 21 match points on seven victories against a single defeat.

They moved past the Loyola Meralco Sparks, who slid to third 20 points on six wins against two draws.

Global, which nipped Stallion FC, 1-0, last March 19, leads the pack with 22 points on seven wins against a standoff.

In the only other match, Christian Ayew unleashed a brace as Kaya FC routed Air Force FC, 4-0, to climb to No. 4 with 12 points on three wins and the same number of draws against two setbacks.

After Jose Elmer Porteria delivered early with a seventh minute rocket, Ayew uncorked two quick goals in a 10-minute stretch from the 46th to give Kaya, bankrolled by LBC, a big cushion.

Former Azkal Anton del Rosario finished the Airmen off with a late goal in regulation.

Meanwhile, action in the UFL resumes today with Cebu Queen City United clashing with Laos FC at 4 p.m., Agila FC taking on Phl Navy FC at 6 p.m. and Green Archers United-Globe FC colliding with PachangaDiliman FC at 8 p.m.

The loss dropped the Nomads to No. 5 with 11 points on three wins and two draws against three defeats while Air Force, the Cup champion two years ago, remained scoreless after losing its first eight matches.