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Powerhouse United City faces dangerous Maharlika

Sports

Powerhouse United City faces dangerous Maharlika

By Jonas Terrado

Maharlika-Manila players celebrate the goal of Jeremy Theuer against Stallion-Laguna. (Photo from PFL website)

United City FC hopes to avoid falling prey to another upset bid by Maharlika-Manila and stay in front of the title chase on Tuesday in the Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

UCFC goes for another maximum three points in the 8 p.m. match against a Maharlika side whose confidence has risen following its shock 2-1 victory over Stallion-Laguna last Saturday inside the PFL bubble.

But United City is also coming off a convincing 6-0 romp of Mendiola FC 1991 also last Saturday behind a hat trick from Spanish striker Bienvenido Maranon, who is perhaps the best foreign player in the local football scene.

With Maranon and Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy up front and captain Stephan Schrock and Mike Ott at midfield, UCFC is favored against Maharlika in the contest featuring past and present players from the Philippine Azkals.

Schrock and Maharlika playing founder Anton del Rosario have spent the past few days engaging in a good-natured war of words in anticipation for the match.

Kaya-Iloilo is also eyeing to stay within striking distance of UCFC when it battles Stallion-Laguna at 4:30 p.m.

Kaya is on level terms with United City at six points apiece but is behind on goal difference, that is why a win holds important value against a Stallion team out for redemption after blowing a first half lead against Maharlika.

Mendiola and the Azkals Development Team clash in the opener at 9 a.m. with both clubs seeking their first point of the short season.

Related Tags

United City FC philippine football league Stallion-Laguna FC PFF National Training Centre Maharlika FC Kaya-Iloilo FC PFL

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