UFL: Pasilan sparkles as Green Archers edge Pachanga
The Green Archers United Globe's' purple patch continued last Saturday with a fine win over Pachanga-Diliman at Emperador stadium.
Goals from GAU captain Tating Pasilan on either side of halftime helped United extend their unbeaten streak to five games. A late strike from Pachanga's Ernest Appiah was not enough to avoid the loss.
Green Archers played a high-tempo game with quick 1-2 passes to dominate the midfield and get the lion's share of chances.
The victory means Green Archers, once a relegation-threatened club, are firmly entrenched in Division One's middle class. With 21 points they are locked into sixth on the table. They finish their season against Nomads on Tuesday.
PD, also with one match left to play, are in fifth, three points behind Kaya.
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GAU were missing centerback Jake Hugo from the starting lineup on account of accumulated yellows. Dodong Villareal was his replacement.
Chieffy Caligdong nearly put United ahead early with two attempts within the first five minutes that just missed the goal frame.
The Azkal captain nearly scored again in the 35th with a hard shot from the left flank that stung the fingertips of PD keeper Kim Versales.
Six minutes later Pasilan exploited a poor touch from PD centerback Yves Ashime and parlayed it into an opener with a fierce left-footed strike from within the box.
Two minutes later PD nearly equalized when Boyet Cañedo unleashed a missile of a free kick from 35 yards out. The attempt was on target but straight at the gloves of United keeper Patrick Deyto.
Caligdong began the second half as he started the first, with an attempt that very nearly resulted in a goal. His turn-and-shot was stuffed by Versales.
Seven minutes into the half Cañedo was nearly on target from well outside the box but his shot just drifted wide. A minute later, PD coach Noel Marcaida made a substitution, bringing on Guamanian International Jason Cunliffe for holding mid Anto Gonzales.
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At the hour mark Dodz Pasinabo nearly made it 2-0 for GAU but his boot from distance was easily stopped by Versales.
Pasilan got his double in the 72nd minute when he gathered a long vertical ball from Pasinabo in the box. Instead of shooting early, the San Carlos native patiently waited a few instants, juking with the ball then powering past Versales for 2-0.
Nine minutes later PD pegged one back when an unmarked Cunliffe delivered a beautiful cross from the left flank that met the forehead of Ernest Appiah. The Ghanaian expertly directed the ball down to Deyto's right, just beyond his grasp for 2-1.
GAU nearly added to the lead with a late chance from Sean Lee. Fortunately for PD Versales came out well to snuff out the threat
Two minutes from time substitute OJ Clarino squandered a gilt-edged chance by heading agonizingly over the bar.
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In stoppage time Cunliffe picked up his second yellow and was shown red by referee Rey Ritaga. Cunliffe, who sportingly shook the hands of some GAU players after his red, will miss the Baby Boys' final match against Army next Saturday.
OTHER NOTES: I watched the first half with Kaya coach David Perkovic. The Aussie said that in Australia artificial pitches are watered before games whether they take place in the day or in the evening. He says the watering softens the pitch up and makes for better play while also reducing the temperature of the surface. Perkovic hopes that this practice begins in the UFL ... I watched the second half from the unfinished grandstand as a light rain started to fall. A tarp along the from railing blocks a lot of the action from the near part of the pitch, but the angle of the stand is steep, so the view is great... PD centerback Deo Segunial entered the game late to allow Ashime to go forward in attack. The UP centerback, sporting a new short hairdo, was not the only Maroon defender in the game. Boiboi Fernandez started for GAU, but at right back.
Follow Bob on Twitter @bhobg333.
