Global FC pounces on 10-man Kaya for first victory

• From: Karlo Sacamos

GLOBAL FC edged 10-man Kaya FC, hacking out a come-from-behind 2-1 victory on Saturday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.

After Kaya went one man down with the ejection of OJ Porteria 10 minutes into the game, Global bucked an early deficit en route to its first triumph and three points in the league.

Defenders Charles Pettys and Val Kama emerged the goalscorers for Global, which showed more cohesion compared to its disappointing defeat at the hands of Loyola Meralco last time.

“We looked better at the back,” new Global coach Leigh Manson said. “We still got to stop the bouncing balls, but we looked more assured.”

Global, though, had to overcome an early clearance miscue from goalkeeper Paolo Pascual, who surprisingly started in place of African Roland Sadia.

After Porteria took advantage of Pascual’s error to unlock the Global defense through an indirect free kick just three minutes into the game, the Azkals striker committed his own mistake seven minutes later when he held the ball that earned him a questionable straight red card.

“We had a lot of time to play, but it kinda gave Global the momentum,” Porteria said.

Pettys, a Filipino-American recruit and Azkals aspirant, scored his breakthrough goal for Global as he converted a cross from Misagh Bahadoran to equalize in the 28th minute, before Kama turned the game around with a header off a corner eight minutes later.

Global kept the cushion in the second half to secure the hard-fought win.

Kaya coach David Perkovic lauded his wards for their determination despite going one man down.

“I’m extremely proud of my boys,” the Australian mentor said. “The work ethic they showed out there was unbelievable. I can’t ask for more than what they gave.” 

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