UFL: Army-GTI rallies from two down to draw with Green Archers United

Philippine Army overhauled a huge deficit in what seemed to be a blink of an eye to hold Green Archers United to a stunning 2-2 draw in the United Football League on Thursday at the Emperador Stadium.

The General Trias International-reinforced Troopers turned what appeared to be a lost cause into an exciting encounter in the endgame when they rallied from a two-goal deficit in a matter of four minutes to avoid their second straight loss.

“Nandun na yung skills, nandun na lahat, kulang na lang yung pagkakaintindihan,” said Troopers assistant coach Ricky Cain.

The Troopers, who hiked their point total to four points, also added to the misery of an Archers side that has lacked a killer’s instinct in its first three games, which all ended in stalemates.

The Archers built an early lead as Jovanie Simpron unlocked the Army defense just three minutes into the game, before Robert Mendy doubled the lead in the second half with a strike off a Chieffy Caligdong assist.

However, the Troopers mounted on a comeback that started in the 86th minute when John Cain scored with his left foot.

Only three minutes later, Dae Han Kang equalized with a disputable goal off a corner.

Archers goalkeeper Patrick Deyto saved the strike with both his hands, but the whole ball appeared to have moved past the goal line, according to the referee, prompting him to credit the goal.

Deyto was then booked for a yellow card for complaining.

“We have to work on our finishing,” said Archers coach Rodolfo Alicante, whose team had numerous botched chances in the first half. “Pero nakita rin natin kung gaano ka-halaga ang referee sa game.”  - Karlo Sacamos, SPIN