Stallions claim UFL Cup at Global's expense; Loyola Meralco settle for third

Stallions FC prevented Global FC from capturing a two-fer in the United Football League, as the former rose to the occasion with a 2-1 win, Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, to brandish the UFL Cup.

Global had captured the league title earlier in the year and were looking to add the Cup to their trophy haul with a line-up brimming with players from the Philippine Azkals, but Stallions, which just made their debut in Division 1 this past season, were resolute in four minutes of added time, denying several attempts at a tie, as they held on to their lead.

In the process of claiming the championship, Stallions snapped Global's 20-game win streak, a run that stretched back to February, 2012.

Stallions captain Reuben Doctora scored the first goal of the game at the 24-minute mark, but Global had a quick counter, courtesy of Izzo El Habib just a minute later, for a 1-1 deadlock. Rufino Sanchez then nailed the decider at 61' for Stallions, to help them to their first major trophy.

Despite getting subbed out in the second half due to an ankle sprain, Doctora was later adjuged MVP, by winning the Golden Ball award. Stallions' keeper, Wilson Muñoz, earned the Golden Glove prize as the best at the position.

In the battle of third which kicked off the double-header, the Loyola Meralco Sparks claimed a bronze finish with a 4-1 demolition of Green Archers United.

Midfielder Ayi Nii Aryee drew first blood for GAU, just 10 minutes into the game, but a pair of scores by Mark Hartmann sandwiched a goal by Jeong Byeong-Yeol to give the Sparks a 3-1 advantage at halftime.

Phil Younghusband then added one more at the 62', his 10th in Cup competition, to seal the deal, and earn him the Golden Boot plume.

The two matches were played after more than a month's wait between Finals and semifinals, due to an assortment of delays, which included problems with the pitch, and the AFF Suzuki Cup. - AMD, GMA News