MANILA, Philippines – Reigning titlists Stallion FC failed to barge into the top three after a gritty Pachanga – Diliman PLDT Home Fibr FC held them to a 1-all draw in the 2014 United Football League, Saturday, March 22, at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.
After winning their last two assignments, coach Ernie Nierras’ boys missed out on the opportunity to tie Kaya FC at third as the seventh-placed Pachanga put on just the right stops to end their night with a point from the draw.
The Diliman-based side made life difficult for the 2013 League champs as Sim Hong Bo pestered Stallion’s defense in the early goings but it was Ariel Zerrudo who opened the scoring after 35 minutes when he smashed the ball in from close range for 1-nil.
Pachanga’s celebration was short-lived, though, as Zerrudo had to go to the showers early due to an injury just four minutes after he scored the opening goal.
The 2012 Division 2 champions then saw their lead vanish into thin air when Nathaniel Alquiros caught the whole Pachanga crew flatfooted, tying the game at 1-1 just moments after the second half whistle sounded.
With the clock ticking away, Davide Cortina tried to salvage a win for Pachanga when he struck one from just outside the box but Stallion’s keeper Wilson Munoz easily thwarted what could have been the winning goal for the Noel Marcaida-mentored squad.
Stallion now has 22 points after 14 outings but they remain at fourth place, two points behind Kaya. Loyola and Global, meanwhile, engage in a tight battle on top with 32 and 31 points respectively.
Pachanga, on the other hand, improved to 12 points and narrowed down its gap from sixth-placed Philippine Army FC which has 13 points.
Pachanga only has three days to rest before they take on their next assignment in Global FC on March 25 while Stallion returns to action on March 27 against the Loyola Meralco Sparks. - Rappler.com
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