Global off to winning start in UFL Cup
Reigning United Football League champions Global kicked off their UFL Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Pasargad in Group A.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Izzeldin Elhabbib, who was one of the stars of the UFL last season, opened the scoring for Global with a 15th-minute header, before Carli de Murga doubled their advantage six minutes before halftime.
Misagh Bahadoran then did his chances of making the Philippines squad for the Suzuki Cup squad no harm with a well-taken goal in the 54th minute to all but wrap up the three points for his side.
Pasargad did however pull one back in style five minutes after the hour mark when Masood Ohadi Shahideh scored with a fantastic bicycle-kick, but it was a case of too little too late for Esmaeil Sedigh's charges.
Kaya, who finished runners-up to Global in the league last season, started their Group B campaign with a 1-1 draw against Green Archers United.
Nate Burkey netted in the fifth minute to put Kaya ahead, and they looked all set to pick up all three points until two minutes from time, when Christian Pasilan smashed home a freekick to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Tuesday's UFL Cup Results
Group A
Global 3-1 Pasargad
Group B
Kaya 1-1 Green Archers United