Defending champions United City laid down a marker with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Maharlika Manila in the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League, Sunday evening, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara winners broke the deadlock as early as the 9th minute of the match. Curt Dizon cur inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful shot past goalie Yosuke Suzuki to open the floodgates.
Captain Alan Robertson then headed the ball home in the 24th minute while defender Mathew Custodio’s shot from outside the box in the 36th minute gave United City a three-goal cushion before the halftime break.
In the second half, Kenshiro Daniels added his name to the scoresheet when he finished from close range in the 48th minute to punch United City’s fourth goal in the match.
Former Far Eastern University-Diliman standout Pocholo Bugas then scored United City’s final goal of the game with a fine finish in the 58th minute.
“We’re just looking forward. We’re just looking forward to having more goals, more success for these games, for this team,” said coach Frank Muescan.
The result means United City leads the standings with three points and a superior goal difference of +5.
United City will return to action against Mendiola 1991 on August 14, 2022, at 4:00 PM. On the other hand, Maharlika Manila takes on Stallion Laguna a day later at 4:00 PM. Rizal Memorial will host both games.
Maharlika Manila XI: Suzuki (GK), Kwane Essel, Baring, Simms, Basa, Baguio, Sampaga, Moudanga Koung, Galasa, Viray, Sung Min ©,
United City XI: Badelic (GK), Lyngbo, Juraboev, Daniels, Bugas, Minegishi, Robertson ©, Sendra, Custodio, Forrosuelo.
