Tuloy FC edged a seven-goal thriller against Philippine Army FC 4-3 in the Philippines United Football League on Sunday afternoon, with a late winner settling a breathless contest that swung one way and then the other. The victory lifts Tuloy into a strong position in the standings and hands Army a painful defeat despite a spirited second-half fightback.

Match Overview

The game was end-to-end from the first whistle, with both sides committed to attacking football and little regard for defensive caution. Tuloy raced into an early lead and then restored their advantage after Army equalised, eventually taking a two-goal cushion into half-time. Army responded impressively after the break, scoring twice to level the match, only for Tuloy to snatch the winner in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 6’ – Goal, Tuloy: Carlo Liay opened the scoring with a sharp finish after a defensive mix-up.
• 19’ – Goal, Army: John Paul Mercado equalised with a powerful header from a corner.
• 34’ – Goal, Tuloy: Justin Cruz restored the lead with a curling shot into the far corner.
• 45+2’ – Goal, Tuloy: Rafael Santos made it 3-1 with a close-range tap-in on the stroke of half-time.
• 55’ – Goal, Army: Arnel Reyes pulled one back with a low free-kick that found the bottom corner.
• 71’ – Goal, Army: Kevin Salazar levelled the match at 3-3, finishing off a quick counter-attack.
• 88’ – Goal, Tuloy: Diego Mendoza scored the winner, arriving late in the box to convert a cross from the right.

Tactical Story

Tuloy’s game plan revolved around quick transitions and getting runners in behind the Army defence. Their midfielders consistently looked for early forward passes, and the front three caused problems all afternoon with their movement and pace. Army, meanwhile, relied on set pieces and crosses into the box, which brought them back into the game after a difficult first half.

Defensively, both teams struggled. Army’s back line was repeatedly exposed by Tuloy’s direct running, while Tuloy’s attempts to defend their lead were undermined by lapses in concentration. The winning goal came from a rare moment of composure, with Mendoza’s late run into the box going untracked as Army pushed for a fourth goal of their own.

Standout Players

Carlo Liay set the tone for Tuloy with his early goal and was a constant menace with his movement. Diego Mendoza will take the headlines for the winner, but Justin Cruz and Rafael Santos also made important contributions. For Army, Arnel Reyes and Kevin Salazar were the driving forces behind their comeback, with Reyes’ free-kick a particular highlight.

League Impact

The three points are invaluable for Tuloy in the Philippines United Football League standings, keeping them in the hunt at the top of the table. Army, despite the defeat, showed enough attacking quality to suggest they will climb the table if they can tighten up at the back. The seven-goal spectacle was a reminder of the entertainment value of the league and a match that will be remembered for its relentless pace and late drama.