After a long wait, United City showed the chasing pack what was missing last year.
Up against Maharlina Manila, the defending Philippines Football League champions prevailed 4-0 in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara, Thursday evening at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Coach Frank Muescan’s men broke the deadlock at the 23rd minute thanks to Alan Robertson’s header. Moments later, Ricardo Sendra turned in Simen Lyngbo’s cross at the 26th minute to double their team’s cushion.
Come the 44th minute, former NU Bulldog Ivan Ouano shot past Maharlika goalie Henri Bandeken Fong to all but seal the win just before the halftime break.
In the second half, forward Hikaru Minegishi added to United City’s tally at the 73rd minute following an assist from Dean Ebarle. Not even a red card on goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus at the 85th minute for a foul on Gino Clarino at the 85th minute could have dampened what was a comprehensive win.
The result means that United City now leads the elimination round standings with 3 points but with a superior goal difference of +4. In contrast, Maharlika is at 3rd place with 3 points after three fixtures.
United City resumes its campaign against defending champions Kaya-Iloilo, Monday at 7:15 PM. On the other hand, Maharlika takes on the Azkals Development Team on Monday at 7:15 PM. Both matches will be held at the PFF National Training Center.
United City XI: Pinthus (GK), Lyngbo, Ebarle, Ott, Minegishi, Ouano, Dizon, Robertson, Sendra, Custodio, Jumaboev.
Maharlika Manila: Bandeken Fong (GK), Lawless, Yuhico, M. Clarino, Beaton, J. Clarino, Simms, Jeng, Menzi, Sung Min, Moudang A Koung.
