Stallion survives late Archers scare to move on to the semifinal

KC Cruz/UFL

by Philip Maranan

MANILA- Stallion FC needed some last minute netminding by Ref Cuaresma to survive a late Green Archers United scare, 3-2 late Saturday afternoon in the first UFL Cup quarterfinal in the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Simone Rota, Ruben Doctora and Fitch Arboleda scored for the lone unbeaten side in the tournament, who needed a last-ditch goalkeeping by Cuaresma to deny the Archers' chances to send the match to extra time. Chieffy Caligdong bagged a brace for Dolfo Alicante's men who were relegated to the plate after this setback

Both clubs started the match with an equal number of chances. Both sides had their share of opportunities in the penalty box.

Ernest Nierras' men broke the deadlock in the 20^th minute thanks to Rota who shot from a short free kick hard and low to the goal.

GAU then rallied around to search for the equalizer as they crafted several chances but were unable to convert as Stallion had the lead heading into the break.

Just four minutes into the second half. GAU had scored their equalizer thanks to former Azkals star winger who wickedly curled in a free kick.

Six minutes later, Stallion regained their lead thanks to Ruben Doctora who poked in a follow up from a corner set piece.

The following minutes became difficult for the Green Archers as Stallion was tough on keeping their lead. Stallion’s GK Ref Cuaresma has made numerous key saves during the match.

Stallion then extended their lead 3-1 in the 88^th minute thanks to Fitch Aborleda’s lone effort inside the box.

Caligdong however was still determined to play despite the two goal deficit. Just two minutes gone, he gets one goal back for the Green Archers.

His effort was not enough as Stallion holds to send them to the semifinal.

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