United City enters win column with 3-1 beating of Army FC

Photo from PFL

by Drew Malihan

MANILA - United City FC chalks their first win of the 2024 Philippines Football League season as they defeated Philippine Army FC, 3-1, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Both teams have come from defeats, with UCFC suffering a close 0-2 loss to defending champions Kaya-Iloilo, while Army suffered an even closer 2-3 loss to Manila Digger.

The two sides exchanged attempts in the first half with 10 shots between them, and United City had a slight advantage in possession but no goals were converted.

It was only in the 55th minute when Paolo Bugas saw a cutting Curt Dizon, going for the through pass with Dizon converting it to put UCFC on the lead, 1-0.

Ariel Ngueukam found the back of the net in the 64th minute as Bugas ran with the ball and attracted three Army players, with the Cameroonian forward having enough space to make it 2-0.

Marwin Angeles challenged the Army's defense successfully, allowing Argentinian midfielder Ricki Sendra to score a third for United City in the 77th minute.

Philippine Army scored one back in added time as a pass went through the defense and to a sprinting Jomar Acedo, while Pete Forrosuelo challenged him but held back.

Matt Silva tried to kick the ball out, only to send it to Forrosuelo's face first, with the recoil going to Acedo for the finish.

UCFC will see another AFP-affiliated club as they will battle Philippine Air Force on the 21st, while the Army will face One Taguig FC on the same day.

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