Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 3) – Philippines Football League champions United City FC suffered another huge setback in their Asian Football Confederation Champions League campaign.
The Jason With-mentored squad went through a tough outing on Friday after a 0-8 blowout loss against Japanese pro league titlist Kawasaki Frontale at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Kawasaki midfielder Kento Tachibanada netted a hat-trick as he scored all of his three goals in the second half. Kaoru Mitoma struck two goals in the match while Ryota Oshima, Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao, and Yasuto Wakizaka each scored a goal.
United City was only held to three shot attempts in the match, compared to Kawasaki’s 20 tries.
After three games, United City remains tied with Beijing Guoan FC in the bottom of Group I standings with a point. Kawasaki leads the bracket with nine points, winning all their first three assignments.
United City opened its maiden AFC Champions League stint with a 1-1 draw against Beijing Guoan last June 27, but suffered a lopsided 0-7 defeat against Daegu FC last June 29.
With the tournament’s double-round robin format, United City will again face Kawasaki Frontale in their next match on July 5. They will again tangle with Beijing Guoan FC on July 8 and Daegu FC on July 11.
