MANILA – Mike Ott was the difference maker as the United City Football Club kicked off the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) with a 1-0 escape over Azkals Developmental Team at the PFF National Training Center in Cavite last night.
Ott’s volley from outside the box via a pass by his brother Manny Ott was more than enough to hand the three points to the three-time defending champion United City FC, formerly Ceres-Negros FC.
United City was aggressive early with attempts from Robert Lopez Mendy, Jose Elmer Porteria and Bienvenido Marañon but could not find the target until Mike surged the team ahead at the 25th minute.
Azkals DT’s first attempt on goal came at the 34th minute mark courtesy of Jarvey Gayoso, but he was blocked by the defense allowing United City to take a 1-0 lead at the half.
United City’s goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus went to work in the second half as he foiled multiple attempts of Azkals DT’s Lance Ocampo and Gayoso to equalize the match.
Azkals Developmental event got a break at the 84th minute with United City reduced to 10-man after Manny Ott was sent off with a red card for his reckless challenge on Troy Limbo.
Azkals Developmental had two more chances to force a tie, but attempts by Ocampo and Carlo Dorin were swatted away by Pinthus. United City also tried to increase the lead but Marañon and Porteria misfired.
United City will gun for its second win when it faces Mendiola 1991 FC at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, while Azkals Developmental Team will try to bounce back against Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo on the same day at 8 p.m./PN
