United City suffers second straight loss in AFC Champions League 2022

Originally published by CNN Philippines

United City FC dropped its second straight game in the AFC Champions League 2022 at the expense of the debuting Melbourne City FC, 0-3, on Monday at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand.

The Australian League champions fired 21 shots in the match, 10 of which are on target, as they underscored their attacking dominance against the Philippine club’s four total goal attempts.

Melbourne City’s lucky break came late in the first half with Macedonian forward Stefan Colakovski nailing the maiden goal in the 34th minute off an assist by Taras Gomulka.

At the opening minutes of the second half, United City executed successful defensive stops with defender Pete Forrosuelo stopping the open strikes of Tsubasa Endoh and young standout Raphael Borges Rodrigues.

The Australian club tallied their second goal in the 59th minute when Marco Tilio received the pass of Endoh and made the shot eight yards from the net.

Tilio completed the Melbourne City hat-trick in the 75th minute from a close range shot that got past the hands of newly promoted United City goalkeeper Matt Silva.

“We have been schooled in that game of chasing shadows, trying to get the ball back, and winning the ball back. We just try to learn from it,” said United City FC head coach Jason Withe.

With the win, Melbourne City leads Group G by goal difference with four points while United City has yet to score a single point with their second straight defeat.

United City will attempt to win in their next game against hosts BG Pathum United on Thursday.