UFL: Kaya deal Global first loss of season with Burkey double
On perhaps Nate Burkey's finest game as a Kaya player, Global's air of invincibility has finally been shattered.
The Virginian's two opportunistic strikes in the 54th and 83rd minutes earned Kaya a massive 3-2 victory from 2-0 down. It's Global's first loss of the season and keeps Stallion atop the league standings.
“I can't speak highly enough of the boys” said a beaming David Perkovic, Kaya's head coach after the thrilling win in front of an overflow Emperador Stadium crowd on Thursday night.
Both squads were missing stars in the starting elevens: Global's Izo Elhabbib was suspended due to three yellow cards while Ange Tressor Guisso was hurt and was replaced in the back by Jason De Jong.
Neither OJ Porteria nor goalie Saba Garmaroudi made Perkovic's starting squad, and he explained their exclusion by saying “every single one of these players are treated equally, and that's how I make my squad.”
ALSO READ: ONE FC MMA: Pinoys highlight May fight card in MOA Arena.
Ateneo's Nick O'Donnell made his second UFL start in place of Garmaroudi, and he seemed to be thrown to the lions early.
Seven minutes into the match Global's Patrick Reichelt scythed through the Kaya defense and powered past the Filipino-Canadian keeper to start the scoring.
Two minutes later Kaya absorbed another body blow when Reichelt got his second, outfoxing Logan McDaniel and beating O'Donnell again.
But in the 19th minute Kaya pulled one back with a remarkable play.
McDaniel launched an inch-perfect free kick that made a beeline for the top corner of Global's goal frame. Astonishingly, Global's Ivorian keeper, Roland Dely Sadia, acrobatically parried it to safety.
But Kaya's Masanari Omura was in the perfect spot to collect the leather and pound it home for 2-1.
ALSO READ: Heat clinch NBA home court edge.
Sadia was hurt on the play and was substituted. Reports indicate that it is either a dislocated shoulder or a broken arm. He was reportedly rushed to the hospital after Ed Sacapaño, on loan from Army, came in for him.
But a few minutes before the half, Sacapaño himself was injured in a collision with Alu Kigbu. Play resumed after a ten minute lull and the Azkal third-choice goalie carried on with a massive lamp-shade like bandage on his head.
Kaya brought on Porteria at the half for Alu Kigbu and installed him on the left wing, shifting McDaniel to the right. The move paid immediate dividends.
In the 54th minute Burkey made it 2-2 after some excellent work from Porteria and McDaniel on the left flank.
Global's Ben Starosta almost renewed the Global lead two minutes later but his turn-and-shot went straight to O'Donnell.
ALSO READ: It's up to Donaire now after a string of losses by Pinoy pugs.
In the 76th Reichelt nearly got his hat trick but O'Donnell snuffed out the threat well.
Kaya went ahead seven minutes from time when Porteria's powerful attempt was blocked by Sacapaño, only for it to fall to Burkey, who bundled the ball in.
Burkey and his mates raced to the stands were and were mobbed by the Kaya Ultras, who cheered all game long and even brought a massive yellow-and-gold banner.
Global brought on Josh Beloya and he nearly equalized in stoppage time but Fabien Lewis foiled the sortie with some stout defending.
“What a target man” said Perkovic of Burkey afterwards. “He's been fantastic for us and his hard work is getting rewarded.”
Kaya, now on 15 points, is at fourth place, five points shy of third-place Meralco. Global is stuck at 22 points, two short of Stallion.
OTHER NOTES: After the final whistle several Stallion players including Rufo Sanchez and Kim Hyo Il high-fived each other, knowing that the result means the are now atop the league at the conclusion of the first round of play..... Ateneo's Nick O'Donnell wore a red Kaya jersey that did not have a number, much like Diego Barrera of Stallion last week.... At halftime UFL conducted a penalty-kick competition for fans of both clubs.... Amazingly, ten minutes of added time was played in the first half thanks to the long injury issues of both Global netminders.
Follow Bob on Twitter @bhobg333.
