Green Archers spared blushes as late Villareal goal salvages Pasargad draw

• From: Karlo Sacamos

GREEN Archers United overhauled an early deficit to force Pasargad FC to a 1-1 draw in a highly physical affair on Thursday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.

The Archers made up for a lackluster start with a more cohesive performance in the endgame as they avoided a defeat and hiked their point total to two points.

The Archers, though, still ended up with their second straight stalemate after settling for a 2-2 decision against defending champion Stallion last time.

“Pasalamat lang ako na at least naka-tie kami. Worse kung natalo kami,” Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante said. “Siguro adjustment pa sa team.”

Simon Bayemeg gave Pasargad the lead 21 minutes into the game when his strong half-volley found the back of the net as some of the Archers seemed out of position.

With defender Dodong Villareal and winger Arnie Pasinabo thrust to the midfield, the Archers appeared more fluid on the attack and were finally rewarded in the 70th minute when Villareal headed home a corner kick from the left side.

Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto also delivered a fine save late in the game to help the Archers preserve the result.

Chieffy Caligdong could’ve turned the tables had his close-range free-kick that went past the Pasargad human wall didn’t hit the crossbar.

The match marked the debut of Pasargad coach Ayi Aryee, a former Archer.

“I was overwhelmed. I knew I had to do well against my former team and that’s what we exactly did. We should’ve got a second goal, but unlucky for us,” said the 28-year-old rookie mentor from Ghana.

The match, however, was marred with numerous scuffles late in the game, mostly between Pasargad striker Promise Jolomi and either Archers center-back Boyboy Ferndandez and Caligdong.

A shoving match between Fernandez, a 23-under Azkal, and Jolomi led to yellow cards issued to both players.

Caligdong, on the other hand, was also engaged in a heated matchup against Jolomi.

“Complain siya ng complain. Sabi ko just play the game. Ang ganda ng laro. Hindi ba shoulder to shoulder lang (yung challenge namin)?" Caligdong said of Jolomi.