United City FC outclassed Maharlika FC, 10-0, to zoom to the top of the table in solo in the Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite last Tuesday night.
Underscoring its offensive depth, Robert Mendy and OJ Porteria had a hat-trick each while Mike Ott added a brace in leading the rout to boost UCFC to nine points after a third straight win.
Midfield maestro Stephan Schrock and Bienvenido Marañon, who had a hat trick in the previous match, knocked in the other two goals as UCFC produced an attacking masterclass.
It was Maharlika FC’s second loss in three matches in its debut season in the PFL.
Maharlika coach Roxy Dorlas could have more problems as goalkeeper Henri Bandeken had to leave the match due to injuries leaving him doubtful for the clash against Azkals Development Team on Friday.
“We won’t exactly know the extent of Henri’s injury but we hope that it is not so serious that he can’t play in our next matches,” Dorlas said.
UCFC coach Frank Muescan believes his team can still find another gear.
“We will increase our intensity further: the way we attack, the way we build up, the way we score and continue to go all the way against our last game against Kaya,” Muescan said. “The boys are really hungry for the title and we’ll just keep on going and score more goals. We won’t slow down for anyone.”
Schrock echoed the sentiments of the Muescan, saying: “We still have much to give and more to spare. I believe that.”
He stressed that even with the game seemingly wrapped up that “the best respect we can show our opponent is by taking them seriously. And we took Maharlika seriously.”
While he considers former Azkal teammate and Maharlika owner Anton del Rosario a close friend “he gets the same treatment as everyone once I play on the pitch.”
Dorlas said despite the beating his players took from their rivals, “we can still learn from this, rest and look forward to our remaining games.”