UFL Cup: Kaya laces up for breast cancer awareness, Global wins

Kaya 7, Manila All-Japan 0

As expected, Kaya bulldozed second-tier Manila All-Japan in Group B play at the United Football League on Thursday in Emperador Stadium. But more important than the score were the hot pink shoelaces that served as launchpads for Kaya's goals.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Kaya, in cooperation with the I Can Serve Foundation, is wearing pink laces to boost awareness for breast cancer.

“We want to get the word out that early detection saves lives” says Crisann Olives-Celdran, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the Foundation. She is a cousin of Kaya officials Justin and Paul Tolentino.

Celdran took in the game with Lian Chua, who has stared down breast cancer three times already.

Celdran says women as young as 20 years old should perform monthly Breast Self Exams and that once women hit 40, a yearly mammogram is recommended to prevent the disease that accounts for almost a fourth of all non-skin cancer afflictions in women.

“Swerte ata ang mga laces” remarked Celdran after Emmanuel Mbata nudged in Kaya's third goal just before the half to make it 3-0. “They should wear them all year round.”

ALSO READ: Puma ends South Africa sponsorship over game-fixing claims.

Kaya will don the laces all throughout the month of October.

David Perkovic's men were as focused on destroying Manila All-Japan as they were getting out the message about breast cancer. Anton Del Rosario opened the scoring in the 26^th from the penalty spot. He then assisted Danilo DeJong, Jason's brother, for a second goal in the 42^nd, which was quickly followed up by Mbata's strike.

Antonio “Woody” Ugarte made it 4-0 in the 57^th with an artful chip from an acute angle over MAJ keeper Nelson Gasic. Kenshiro Daniels got on the scoreboard in the 73^rd before substitute Mitchell Davidson tallied goals in the 77^th and 88^th to make it 7-0.

The result puts Kaya on top of Group B with Union Internacional Manila. Both Kaya and UIM are on three points.

MAJ is no longer a fully Japanese club as its name suggests. To comply with the new regulations, the Division 2 side has bolstered its lineup with Filipino players including three from Dipolog. Kaya's Masanari Omura regularly coaches MAJ but played against them on Thursday at centerback.

Learn more about how to detect breast cancer early at www.icanservefoundation.org.

Global 5, General Trias International 0.

Global began play in the UFL Cup with a handsome win over non-league GTI.

Azkal Angel Guirado, who struggled with his finishing during the Peace Cup, didn't disappoint on Thursday, notching a hat trick against a fit and lively GTI side that just lacked the individual quality to compete with the 2012 League champs.

Guirado struck in the 12^th, 28^th, and 71^st minutes, with his goal just before the half-hour mark the pick of the lot. The big striker volleyed from an acute angle past Hong Seong Wook to make it 3-0.

Izo Elhabbib opened the scoring in the ninth with a composed finish after a great feed from Jason DeJong.

Aaron Altiche rounded out the scoring just before the final whistle after Ben Starosta found him unmarked in the six-yard box.

Philippines U19 player Amani Aguinaldo started at centerback and was impressive with his ball handling and decision-making.

ALSO READ: Iker Casillas mulling Real Madrid exit.

General Trias, formerly an all-Korean side, has added Filipino players in compliance with the league's new foreigner cap. Jeon Shin Seok and Dhan Orcine came close to beating Global's netminder Roland Sadia but could not hit the target.

The win places Global tied with Forza on three points atop Group D. The two sides clash on October 24.

Global striker Rufo Sanchez, who is serving a one-year ban by the league for playing in the Preseason Cup despite not being released by Stallion, was at the game watching in street clothes. Global has appealed the ban and club boss Dan Palami is hoping the UFL will rule favorably in his team's favor.

Global says Rufo's contract with Stallion expired in August, while Stallion insist they still have the right to the Spaniard's services.

Palami is optimistic that Sanchez will be permitted to play in the SMART Club Championship prelims that kick off soon.

Also attending the match was English goalkeeper James Shaw, formerly of South Conference (6^th tier) side Eastbourne Borough. Shaw is on trial with Global for the next few weeks.

Visit the "Fixtures and Results" tab on www.uflphilippines.com.ph for info on the UFL Cup's upcoming matches and results. Follow Bob on Twitter @bhobg333.