Lopsided Scorelines in UFL League Resumption

The return of the United Football League brought two lopsided games as the battle for the coveted AFC Cup spot continued last Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Three players scored four goals each in Thursday’s matches that saw a total of 25 goals scored.

Kaya started the bloodbath with a 16–1 thrashing of nine-man Nomads in the first match. Back from their AFC Cup exit at the hands of Johor Darul Ta’zim, Kaya made their return in the UFL in flying fashion. Because of the scoreline, Kaya move to second place in the standings with a whopping +30 goal differential.

Kaya took a 6–1 lead at end of the fist half where Kenshiro Daniels netted a hat trick scoring in the first, ninth, and 42nd minute. Louis Clark followed that up with a brace in the 22nd and 33rd minute, while OJ Porteria scored in the 29th minute.

Nomads went a man down in the 18th minute. Goalkeeper Joshua Cruz tried to fend off a Kaya counter but his timely rush towards the edged of the box was deemed by the referee as a denial of goalscoring opportunity which resulted in a red card. Stephen Appiah scored a consolation for Nomads in the 42nd minute. The forward dispossessed Shirmar Felongco near the edge of the area and sent Matthew Acton the wrong way for the goal.

Kaya turned on the jets in the second half, scoring ten goals. Newcomer David Tanton netted a brace along with Jovin Bedic. Miguel Tanton and Janrick Soriano added a goal each while Porteria earned his hat-trick to complete the rout. Nomads were reduced to nine men in the 62nd minute when Ubiam Okoro was sent off after a second yellow card for a foul near the penalty area.

View match photos here.

This postmatch article was originally posted on football.com.ph. You may read the full report and other Philippine football news and features here.

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