CARMONA, CAVITE — United City showed why many see it as the favorite to win the 2020 PFL season sponsored by Qatar Airways, with a 6-0 victory over debutant Mendiola 1991 at the PFF National Training Center on Saturday.
Bienve Maranon scored thrice in the first half to set the tone for United City.
The Spaniard first converted skipper Stephan Schrock’s free-kick in the 12th minute. He then saw his shot fumbled into the goal by goalkeeper Dini Ouattara in the 25th minute. Finally, he converted a penalty won by Robert Lopez Mendy in the 44th minute to round up his hattrick.
“Especially in the first half, we played really good,” said Maranon. “The most important thing is the team, we get three points… In three days, we have another game. Maharlika is a tough team.”
Lopez Mendy also scored from close range in the 38th minute.
Come the second half, Lopez Mendy won another penalty after a foul from a Mendiola defender. The resulting spot-kick was then converted by Mike Ott in the 52nd minute. Lopez Mendy then bagged another goal from Maranon’s chip in the 59th minute.
“We improved a lot compared to yesterday’s game. We really gave more threat to the backline… We’re playing the ball behind the (Mendiola) backline,” said United City coach Frank Muescan. “I think this time we had the full rhythm of the game.”
The two clubs shall next play on Tuesday. Mendiola (0 points) takes on the Azkals Development Team at 9:00 AM. Meanwhile, United City (6 points) takes on Maharlika Manila at 8:00 PM.
Mendiola: Outtara, Mboumbouo Ndepe, Flores, Hajimehdi, Balapat, Altiche, Polinag, Sandoval, Bricenio, Fadrigalan, Appiah.
United City: Pinthus, Kane, Odawara, Dutosme, Porteria, Schrock, Ott, Jarvis, Mendy, Minegeshi, Maranon.
