Caligdong the hero as Green Archers beat Pachanga in SMART Nationals 1-0

Different uniform, same magic.

Green Archers United Globe's biggest offseason signing ever paid dividends in a major way Sunday night in quarterfinal action of the SMART-PFF National Club Championship.

With a penalty shootout looming, Chieffy Caligdong, a transferee from Air Force, broke a 0-0 stalemate with late winner in the second half of extra time.

Alan Serna's poor clearance was pounced on by Caligdong and his first attempt was blocked by Pachanga Diliman keeper Kim Bersales.

But to Bersales' horror, the rebound went straight to the Azkals captain, and his follow-up found the back of the net.

Archers has now notched two straight Cup quarterfinal victories against Pachanga Diliman. Last year United prevailed in the UFL Cup quarters via a penalty shootout after the teams finished extra time tied at 1-1.

The Archers now meet Pasargad in the semifinals. Essie Sedigh's team also needed extra time to defeat General Trias International 1-0 in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader thanks to a 30-meter screamer from Angelo Verheye Marasigan in the second half of the extension.

All four quarterfinals were won with 1-0 scorelines. The day before Kaya defeated Meralco while Ceres surprised Global by the same score.

The Archers-Pachanga game was an attritional, hard-fought contest that kicked off on a sunny afternoon and finished off on a chilly evening, played on the slowly deteriorating pitch at Rizal Memorial.

Green Archers unveiled an attacking line of Tating Pasilan on the left wing, Arnie Pasinabo and Caligdong on top, and Jovanie Simpron on the right wing.

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However the Pachanga Diliman back line of Alan Serna, Yves Ashime, Andrew Santiago, and Nathan Octavio frustrated them for most of the game, while their mates in attack, sans Freddy Gonzalez, showed plenty of enterprise throughout the match.

Pachanga's Joven Bedic had one of the better early chances when he headed just wide off a cross from Jay Eusebio at the 20 minute mark.

Five minutes later Archer Sean Lee could have put his team ahead but the Korean struck the post.

Just before the half both Yves Ashime and Jay Eusebio squandered header chances.

Four minutes into the restart Simpron had a gilt-edged chance but his header was cleared well by Pachanga's Guamanian veteran, Jason Cunliffe.

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Nine minutes later Ariel Zerrudo had his opportunity to put Pachanga ahead but his long strike one-hopped to keeper Martin Villaflor.

Villaflor was playing in place of Patrick Deyto, who is playing his final year of UAAP eligibility and cannot play in this competition. Deyto did watch in the stands, hours after his DLSU squad dispatched UE 5-0.

In the 67th minute Pasilan hurt himself barging into Pachanga keeper Kim Bersales while chasing for the ball. He was stretchered off and Shag Shapay Johnson replaced him.

With eleven minutes to go in regulation Pachanga sub OJ Clarino nearly broke the deadlock but his stiff strike was well saved by Villaflor.

Clarino, like Archers Simpron and Hugo, was also with Stallion up until the UFL Cup.

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In the 85th minute Bedic volleyed high after being gifted possession by a bad clearance.

With two minutes to go Boyet Canedo stung Villaflor's palms with a long-range effort that the keeper directed well over the crossbar.

Referee Steve Supresencia blew his whistle soon after, and the game went into extra time.

In the first period of extra time Archers centerback Jake Hugo, saved the match for United with a perfectly-timed tackle on Ousseynou Diop in front of goal.

The two teams kept it cagey into the second period of the extension until Caligdong's winner.

“We were unlucky. I thought we controlled the game” said Diop, who was replaced by Ernest Appiah after injuring his groin.

You can follow Bob on Twitter @bhobg333.