Former champions United City FC turned back Philippine Army, 3-1, for its first win of the Philippines Football League season last Sunday.
Held goalless in the first half, UCFC showed its firepower in the second half with substitute Curt Dizon, Ariel Ngueukam and Ricky Sendra all finding the back of the net.
United goalkeeper and captain Matthew Silva came close to sealing a clean sheet only for Army’s Jomar Acedo to capitalize on his clearance that bounced off Pete Forrosuelo.
As a result from their win, United City improved to a 1-0-1 (win-draw-loss) record while Army fell to two losses in as many games.
Army held up defensively with goalkeeper Mark Bedia coming away with crucial reflex saves as Army utilized a high backline.
Veteran midfielder Yoc Becite also gave the Troopers promising moments on offense and challenged goalkeeper Silva several times with shots off set pieces.
Philippine Army FC starters: Bedia (Goalkeeper), Soriano, Becite, Solen, Caruscay, Dorimon, Bernarte, Gatinao, Celiz, Sumaylo, Decena
United City FC starters: Silva (Goalkeeper), Bini, Bankole, Hartmann, Kaole, Nurhidayat, Bugas, Menzi, Ngueukam, Limbo, Forrosuelo
Philippine Army FC scorers: Acedo 90+1’
United City FC scorers: Dizon 55’ / Ngueukam 64’ / Sendra 77’