Reshuffle near the top

There was a slight change of order through the upper reaches of the Global Premier Football League table after this week’s matches. Union Buenos Aires stayed top, moving two points clear after another victory and draws for the sides directly below them, while Esportivo Rio and LA Icons continued their ascent.

Further down the table, there were much needed wins for Shanghai Pearl and Toronto Athletic.

ROUND 8 ROUND-UP

Union welcomed back their talisman, Rico Cocci, following his one week suspension and they eased to another important victory against the visiting New York Capitals. Cocci was again on the scoresheet for the Argentinian’s, as was teenage sensation, Elian Corral, who made the three points safe late on with his second goal from two substitute appearances.

Both London City FC and Olympia Munchen were held to unexpected draws, but remain in second and third respectively. Emirates United are now unbeaten in three after holding City to a goalless draw in a match at Wembley that wasn’t without its chances. Mark Ives missed an early penalty for the hosts, while United’s Guilherme de Freitas headed onto the cross bar with almost the final touch of the match. It could have been even worse for Olympia who needed an added time equaliser from play maker, Artur Maldonado, to rescue their point at Tokyo-Yokohama United.

Two first half strikes were enough for Esportivo, who eased past Harbour City at a packed Maracana. The Brazilians haven’t lost since the opening day visit to Buenos Aires, and are now looking genuine title contenders. As are the LA Icons, who remain one of only three unbeaten sides after breaking down Constantinople FC following the concession of the opening goal. Amine Fraisse‘s fourth goal of the campaign was the difference in Istanbul.

Paris Metro got back to winning ways following a run of three consecutive draws. They always seemed to have enough to beat Ciudad de Madrid but needed Antenor Nakamura‘s 75th minute strike to ensure victory, after Ranieri Lattiere struck late for he visitors.

Shanghai Pearl and Toronto Athletic both picked up import wins by identical scorelines. Diogo Eteves early goal was the match winner in the Pearl’s shock victory over Eternal Roma, while Kleber Barros struck late for Athletic against their frustrated visitors, CF Azteca, who finished with ten men.

Hong Kong Traders won the battle of the islanders thanks to Alcide Capone‘s injury time header. Marina Bay Flyers could have at least had a point, if not more, coming from behind once before having the chance to take the lead from the spot. Unfortunately substitute, Kay Kraus, couldn’t convert.

The final match, the all-African derby between Johannesburg Rush and al-Qāhirah Stars, ended goalless as both teams appeared to look more comfortable playing not to lose rather than to win.

CURRENT STANDINGS

UPCOMING FIXTURES

GPFL STAT ATTACK

AL-QAHIRAH STARS

CF AZTECA

CIUDAD DE MADRID

CONSTANTINOPLE FC

ESPORTIVO RIO

ETERNAL ROMA

HARBOUR CITY

HONG KONG TRADERS

LA ICONS

LONDON CITY FC

MARINA BAY FLYERS

NEW YORK CAPITALS

PARIS METROPOLE

SHANGHAI PEARL

TOKYO YOKOHAMA UNITED

TORONTO ATHLETIC