United City thrashes ADT, keeps Copa lead

Originally published by Manila Bulletin

United City FC cruised to a 4-0 win over the Azkals Development Team to tighten its grip on top spot Thursday, March 31 in the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.

Argentinian Ricki Sendra and Turkish midfielder Amirbek Juraboev scored in the first half before fellow newcomers Ivan Ouano and Kenshiro Daniels added to the tally as United City won after a 1-1 draw against defending champion Kaya-Iloilo.

UCFC improved to seven points after three matches, four clear of Kaya for the lead in the standings.

It will wrap up a stretch of four matches in 11 days on Monday when it plays Mendiola FC 1991 before heading to Thailand for the AFC Champions League group stage.

Sendra scored off Daniels’ corner kick in the 12th minute before Juraboev fired a long strike to double United City’s lead in the 21st.

Ouano made it 3-0 in the 72nd, scoring a rebound after Sendra’s free kick was blocked by ADT goalkeeper Kyle Bayabos before Daniels settled the final count in the 89th.

ADT lost three days after opening its campaign with a 3-0 victory over Mendiola. Its next match is on April 11 against Stallion-Laguna.