The wait has finally ended for Green Archers United FC, as they dominated Agila MSA FC, 5-0, and took just their third win of the 2016 United Football League in Wednesday’s lone played match, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Aching to follow up their defaulted win over Laos FC and end their two-match slump, the Green Archers turned to their offense early. The white-shirts played high and constantly put pressure on the Agila defense. However, Nico Macapal and Paul Salahit’s first attempts went off target.
Agila MSA had their chance from Christian Castillo and could have been goal up if it had been few inches more to the right. Instead, the ball went wide for a goal kick. It was all Green Archers from there and they finally found a breakthrough goal in the 16th minute. Agila keeper Kenneth James went off his line to try and intercept a Salahit delivery, but instead the ball found its intended target, Macapal, and the former NU Bulldog converted it to the match’s first goal.
Green Archers United could have added more to the opener, but they could not finish off the crosses into the box. On the other hand, Agila found it hard to breach the GAU back line, as the latter stayed solid throughout the half.
The home side finally got their deserved second goal in added time. Jhan Jhan Melliza drove inside the penalty area and delivered a dangerous ball inside, which Salahit chipped into the goal mouth for a 2-0 half time advantage.
At the second period, GAU continued to dictate the pace, while stifling any Agila attempt to even build up an attack. Fresh legs from Val Jurao and captain Chieffy Caligdong provided some more energy in front, as Alvin Sarmiento added stability to the defense. It turned out, this adjustment paid dividends.
In the 74th minute, GAU’s Jimuel Ariola pushed the lead to 3-0 after blasting a long shot past substitute keeper Benito Rosalia, Jr. Three minutes later, Sarmiento also took his chance at goal from a successful overlap play, but was initially denied by Rosalia. The ball bounced past the Agila goalie, however, and Caligdong placed it into the goal to put the game away for good.
The former Azkals captain had another attempt in the 86th minute, which only sailed wide. With two minutes left in regular time, Sarmiento this time converted and finished off a Caligdong pass as he put on the final goal of the match.
Agila could have taken one back in added time, but Xavier Alcuaz’ shot was nullified as a foul was called against the blue-shirts seconds before the full time whistle was blown.
Earlier, Global FC stayed perfect as they got a win off forfeiture against Pasargad FC. Pasargad only had seven players available, which was not enough to satisfy the League’s “nine to play” requirement.
Green Archers United FC will try to get their second straight win when they take on the Manila Nomads FC on Sunday, June 26 at 1:45pm. Agila MSA FC faces JP Voltes FC earlier in the day at 7am. Global FC battle Forza FC on Saturday, June 25 at 1:45 pm, after the match Pasargad FC and Kaya FC.
