Stallion Giligan’s downs Navy Red

PROVING its promotion to the first division was no fluke, Stallion Giligan’s overhwelmed Navy Red Juice, 6-0, last night to move into the top of the United Football League on goal difference at the University of Makati field.

Korean striker Lee Joo-young produced a hattrick as Stallions systematically tore the Navy defense to shreds with slick passing and quick combination plays.

The convincing win pushed Stallion to the No. 1 spot on goal difference ahead of opening-day winners Kaya and Loyola Meralco, which held off Green Archers United, 3-2, Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“We played a very good Navy team and it should have been closer than the scoreline had indicated,” said Stallion manager Ernie Nierras. “We were lucky and composed. We moved the ball well when they were pressing.”

Newcomer Park Bo-bae, who played for Busan in the K-League, also scored on his debut for Stallions, his left-footed effort in the 77th minute finding the bottom corner.

Yoon Byeong-jun and Jimmy Vergara also got in the scoresheet for Stallions, whose squad is made up of Ilonggo players and Koreans who are currently studying at Central Philippine U in Iloilo.

Finishing the game with a complete squad had been a concern for Stallion in the UFL Cup, but there was no such problem this time.

Instead it was Navy which went down to 10 men in the 40th minute as Gerald Orcullo was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Yoon.

Stallion was cruising from there and Lee put the outcome beyond doubt with a close-range strike five minutes into the second half. Inquirer