Pachanga remains atop UFL’s Division II but at what price?

Pachanga remains atop UFL’s Division II but at what price?
by rick olivares

The University of Makati pitch had been well-trodden by the time that Pachanga and Laos took the field. Then a light rain fell further making the field even more treacherous.

But the conditions aside, Freddy Gonzalez continued his amazing comeback to competitive football when he not only saved the ball from going out of bounds but managed a cross that caught Laos’ defense napping. The cross was perfect and it would have been a crime had strike partner Jovin Bedic been unable to finish. In one motion, Bedic volleyed it past a helpless Laos keeper for an incredible goal in a mere 42 seconds.

The Red Phoenix continued to outwork Laos and score the incredible as midfielder Boyet Cañedo chipped a high ball over a central back and the outstretched arms of the keeper. Cañedo meant to only keep the ball in play but instead it dropped right in just below the far post for an amazing goal and 2-0 lead in the 37^th minute.

The match was halted for a good 15 minutes at the reset when Pachanga defender Jalsor Soriano crumbled to the ground with his head bleeding. While defending a cross inside the box, Soriano and Laos midfielder Remi Sery took to the air to win the aerial battle. Soriano got to the ball first with Sery a second too late, as their heads collided. A second after both players hit the ground, all the players on the pitch quickly called for medical assistance.

Quiet descended on the University of Makati with only Pachanga team manager Jojo Rodriguez’ voice cracking the stony silence with calls for an ambulance. Soriano was momentarily unconscious. When he came to, he could remember his name but not his age (he is 24). Soriano was brought by ambulance to St. Luke’s in Global City where he was declared out of danger an hour later.

When the match resumed, Pachanga continued its onslaught with Bedic adding a second to his night’s tally in the 75^th minute. Then to close out a night of incredible goals, late sub Shirmar Felongco booted a long ball from some 40 meters away that was meant as a cross. The ball, much like Cañedo’s earlier goal, dropped right in below the far post for a 4-0 lead that was the game’s final score.

“It was a good win,” said head coach Norman Fegidero Jr. after the match. “Pero may na-injure sa amin.” The long season had seen a number of Red Phoenix players go out to injury or deaths in the family. They were defender Camelo Tacusalme who was down with an injury. The multi-faceted Ruffy Llorente was on the bench just having gotten back following the death of his father.

Earlier in the season, backup keeper Mark Sorongon lost a brother to a fatal shooting while Gonzalez had his nose broken with an inadvertent kick to the face. Third striker Chris Ojamire still is not 100% following the groin injury he picked up during last year’s Cup tournament. Starting keeper Kenneth Dolloso missed a number of matches as well with a hand injury.

Pachanga’s 14^th win in 15 matches (they drew 2-2 with Diliman) saw them remain atop the Division Two standings with a total of 43 points. Although Diliman stayed hot on the Red Phoenix’ heels after their 1-0 win over a frustrated Dolphins United. But Pachanga has scored an impressive 77 goals (they are averaging 5.1 goals per match), a good 31 more than Diliman.

“The battle for promotion (to Division One) will go all the way to the last day,” underscored Pachanga assistant coach Alvin Ocampo. “Sana healthy lahat ng players namin.”

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You really have to wonder about the morale of Laos. They have been gutted by the transfer of Marwin and Marvin Angeles to Global leaving them with far fewer weapons. And the team continues to struggle with the coaching rigodon that has beset this team. Laos began the season with Frank Muescan at the helm. Ronald Patulin took over after a few matches. Since Patulin left, the team has been handled by Rolando Piñero. What's up with all of that? Finish strong guys.