Korean squad blanks United City

Originally published by Tribune

United City FC (UCFC) opened its AFC Champions League campaign on the wrong foot after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Jeonnam Dragons FC at the BG Stadium in Thailand late Friday.

Kosovan striker Leonard Pllana left the Filipinos frustrated after drilling a game-winning shot in the dying minutes to secure three full points despite UCFC airtight defense throughout the match.

The opening loss put United City in the cellar of Group G, while the Korean squad claimed early leadership.

BG Pathum and Melbourne City F, meanwhile, are in the middle of the pack after forging a 1-1 draw in their opening game.

“I think we competed well, the whole squad did pretty well. I think we just need to stop with the easy mistakes,” skipper Manny Ott said after the match.

“I think we need to stop with the easy mistakes. The goal, I think, was easy to defend.”

UCFC will look for a bounce back win when it battles Melbourne on 18 April.