Loyola Stays Perfect, Stallion Grinds Out Victory

28 January Results:
Loyola Meralco Sparks 3-0 Green Archers United Globe
Stallion Gilligan’s 1-0 Kaya FC

Loyola Meralco Sparks went six points clear of their nearest rivals on Tuesday night, after defeating Green Archers United Globe, 3-0, at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill. Phil Younghusband was the star man once again for the Sparks, finishing the match with a goal and an assist to cap off another dazzling display. In the later match, reigning champions Stallion Gilligan’s held on to a slender lead to register their first win of the 2014 League.

“I think more than being at the top of the table, it’s the way the team is playing,” said Loyola head coach Vince Santos on his team’s formidable start to the triple round campaign. Younghusband opened the scoring in the 16th minute, guiding Robert Canedo’s low ball into the top corner. Twenty minutes later Phil turned provider, flicking on a pass into the path of Matthew Hartmann, who rifled a low shot past Green Archers keeper Patrick Deyto.

The second half was anything but smooth sailing for Loyola, though, as United came out reinvigorated after the break. Rodolfo Alicante’s side almost got their reward in the 60th minute, when Sparks defender Joaco Canas looked to have handled the ball to prevent Robert Mendy’s shot from entering the goal. The match officials failed to spot the incident, though, allowing Loyola to not only avoid a penalty, but also a red card from being shown to their influential center back.

Despite the inability to recreate the fluidity of their play in the first half, substitute Jake Morallo added insult to injury right before the final whistle, swiveling and firing into the net to make it three for the Sparks.

An own goal from Kaya left-back Andrew Liauw in the 36th minute proved to be enough for Stallion to get their title defense well and truly underway. With Ruben Doctora lurking in the box, Liauw attempted to sweep away OJ Clarino’s drilled cross, but ended up diverting the ball into his own net.

“That goal was just an accident, but I’ll take it,” said Stallion head coach Ernie Nierras after the match. Although quick to admit that the final moments of the game were “nerve-wracking,” as Kaya dominated possession in the second half, Nierras was fully aware that his players had produced a commendable display of drive and commitment. “Kaya always brings out the best in us.”

The victory propels Stallion two places up to fifth in the League standings, seven points behind leaders Loyola.

30 January Matches:
5:15pm – Pasargad v Team Socceroo
7:30pm – Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr v Philippine Army – GTI

Source: http://www.ufl.ph