Stallion repulses Archers, keeps title hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines – Stallion Giligan’s drew strength from other sources in the absence of its national players as it turned back a streaking Green Archers United-Globe, 3-1, to breathe some life to its sagging title-retention hopes in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City Thursday night.

In the absence of Ruben Doctora, Jr. and Simone Rota, who are with the Phl Azkals team playing Nepal and Al Ahli SC in a pair of friendly matches outside the country, Belinga Ambara Blachard stepped up by coming through with a brace, including a header off an OJ Clarino cross, that opened the scoring on the 36th minute.

Fitch Arboleda made it a two-goal lead thanks to a goal following a beautiful execution from the right flank just before halftime.

Robert Lopez Mendy scored a goal on the 69th minute to give the Globe-bankrolled side some hope as it cut its deficit to just a goal.

But Blanchard scored his second rocket of the night five minutes later to complete a double before Junior Gaye zapped GAU’s last hope to catch up.

It was a win that gave Stallion the full three points, pushing its total output to 27 points, six behind No. 3 Kaya with 33.

Powerhouses Global FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks lead the division with 38 and 36 points, respectively.

The triumph also put an end to GAU’s five-game winning streak while keeping it stranded at joint fifth with Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr with 20 points apiece.

"Historically, for whatever reason, if there's a thorn in their (Green Archers) side, it's us. We always play them good. They always play Loyola Meralco Sparks well. Kaya always plays Global well. It's one of those things," said Stallion coach Ernie Nierras.

Pachanga, who played minus Nate Burkey who also got a call-up from the Azkals, overcame an early goal deficit to turn back a pesky Army-General Trias International, 3-1, that catapulted up at No. 5 alongside GAU.