In another crucial battle for the top spot, United City FC and Davao Aguilas UMak FC settled for a 0-0 stalemate in a feisty match in this season’s top 5, diminishing both teams’ chances for league contention at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last Sunday evening on Father’s Day weekend.
This draw dampened the mood for Davao and UCFC as they shared the points to retain the 4th and 5th places respectively. With the top 3 sides, Kaya Iloilo, Cebu, and Stallion Laguna, all winning their respective games this match week, the title is slowly getting out of reach for both sides as the league finale approaches.
The draw was not without its moments as United City peppered Dini Outtara and the Davao backline with 12 total attempts, mostly from makeshift striker Ricky Sendra. Meanwhile, the Aguilas punished their opponents’ mistakes but couldn’t capitalize on the crucial goal with their 10 attempts, forcing UCFC keeper Henri Bandeken to make two big saves from their two shots on target.
Davao Aguilas fielded their strongest available XI but surprisingly, without their captain Daisuke Sato, who was also not on the bench. He was replaced by Yohann Fofana as full back. The injuries of Omae So and OJ Clarino didn’t help either, as coach Aber Ruzgal had no choice but to rotate his players, putting winger Yusuke Unoki in midfield and Lancine Dosso to start.
UCFC also started their usual lineup, led by Ricky Sendra and Mark Hartmann in midfield, while also starting youngsters Ziggy Taningco and Diego Aspiras. Coach Ramon Tribulietx’s decision to trust in the youth paid off as the 19-year-old Taningco was immense as an inverted full back, while former Ateneo Blue Eagle Aspiras provided a full 90-minute shift deep in the midfield to stifle all possible counterattacks from Davao, especially silencing their top goalscorer and forward Ibrahima N’dour.
It was an intense battle in midfield as both teams were eager to retain supremacy in possession, although Davao remained comfortable with their low block despite the absence of their captain. The closest chance in the opening half came in the 30th minute as a Nurhidayat mistake in the UCFC buildup forced a counter initiated by Uriel Dalapo, who found an open Yusuke Unoki on the wing, only for Unoki’s cross to be intercepted by Jose Clarino before Unoki’s rebound forced a save from Bandeken.
The second half was no better as UCFC had the bulk of possession but their attempts went wide off target. Dini Outtara was also called to action in the final minutes, saving crosses to keep the scoreline even.
As the score remained unchanged until the final minutes, tempers flared as the race for the top intensified. Fatigued players increased their physicality, resulting in yellow cards and set pieces, before the final whistle blew to end the match in a standoff.
United City FC will try to resuscitate their league hopes as they face an out-of-form FC Mendiola this Saturday, while the Davao Aguilas, who have not scored in two consecutive matches, will attempt to salvage their season as they face a youthful Tuloy FC side this Sunday.
