United City out of contention in AFC Champions League 2022 Round of 16

Originally published by CNN Philippines

United City FC, the lone Philippine club in the AFC Champions League 2022, bowed out of contention for a chance to progress into the continental tournament’s Round of 16.

The Jason Withe-mentored club remains winless after five games and will virtually finish at the bottom of Group G standings.

Last Monday, United City again dropped its match against host team BG Pathum United, 1-3, which eliminated the club from a Round of 16 berth.

The Philippine club gave up three goals from the Thai squad in the first half, one from Brazilian reinforcement Diogo in the 17th minute and two from Singaporean striker Ikhsan Fandi in the 29th and 39th minute.

The only shining moment for United City was the team’s first goal in the tournament, courtesy of Mark Hartmann in the 79th minute.

On Thursday, United City still failed to get a victory after a second half scoring attack from the Jeonnam Dragons, resulting in a 0-2 score.

United City executed better defense in the first half – despite Jeonnam’s relentless attack inside the box – to force a scoreless truce after 45 minutes of action.

The South Korean club had their break in the 58th minute when substitute Kosovan forward Leonard Pllana caught up United City midfielder Amirbek Juraboev in a running attack and scored the maiden goal of the match.

The Dragons doubled their lead in stoppage time with Park In-hyeok completing a left cross play and making the strike in front of the box.

BG Pathum United leads Group G with 11 points, while Melbourne City has nine points, and Jeonnam with seven points.

United City looks to close out its AFC Champions League 2022 campaign on a winning note against Melbourne City on Saturday.