Ricki Sendra’s hat trick guided United City FC to a commanding 3-0 victory over Mendiola FC 1991 in last Saturday’s fixture at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
United City FC temporarily overtook Davao Aguilas FC for fourth place in the league standings, tied with 23 points, but United City is ahead on goal difference.
Ariel Nguekam had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 19th minute, but his header struck the goalpost.
Sendra made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute, converting Zachary Taningco’s cross to the box.
United City had to wait until the last 10 minutes of the match to rout Mendiola. Mark Hartmann capitalized on a defensive lapse by Mendiola in the 81st minute, teeing the ball to Sendra, who scored United City’s second goal before Sendra completed his hat-trick right before full-time.