GLOBAL-CEBU battled back from a goal down in the second half to score a narrow 2-1 win over JPV Marikina, while new clubs Ilocos United and Davao Aguilas fought to a 1-1 draw in the Philippines Football League lhe
Midfielder Paul Mulders scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, after Amani Aguinaldo’s header off a set piece cancelled out Takashi Odawara’s opener for JPV at Binan Stadium.
Global coach Marjo Allado hailed his side’s character as the Cebu side quickly erased JPV’s lead before going on to grab maximum points that put them level with Meralco Manila, which leads the table on goal difference.
“It was a come-from-behind win, but what’s important here is the three points,” said Allado. “It’s very important to win and a good sign for Global. We started slow, but we saw the willingness to score and the desire to win. JPV was very organized in defense in the first half, but we told the team at halftime to stay calm and goals will come.”
Mulders scored from the spot after JPV was called for handball. “He’s very calm,” Allado said of Mulders. “As a penalty taker, we’re confident when he takes it.”
Allado said Aguinaldo’s header off Pika Minegshi’s pass was a product of work on the training ground.
“We train for those set pieces, but Amani’s timing was perfect and he made a good connection on the ball,” Allado said.
The Global coach expects the squad to improve as the season goes on, considering that new signing, Guinean striker Sekou Sylla, was only making his debut with the squad.
“We’re still adjusting with (Sekou) Sylla because he’s a new player, but I hope in the next game he will do better same with the rest of the team,” Allado said.
Over at Quirino Stadium in Vigan, new clubs Ilocos United and Davao Aguilas split the points in their season debut.
Fil-Belgian midfielder Dylan De Bruyckner put the away side on top with a cool finish five minutes after the restart, before John Kanayama equalized for Ilocos with 11 minutes remaining.
Davao’s Serbian defender Milos Kristc managed the game’s best chance with a free header that was kept out by Baba Sampana late in the first half.
The match came to life after De Bruyckner scored off a through ball from Nate Burkey.
Ilcoos equalized after Angelo Verheye was brought down by substitute Gerald Layumas inside the box. Kanayama stepped up and sent Davao’s Serbian goalkeeper Marko Trkulja the wrong way.