Phil's hat-trick propels Sparks vs Global FC

MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband unloaded a hat-trick as Loyola Meralco Sparks FC smothered Army Fritz & Macziol FC, 4-0, to close in on pacesetter Global FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field in Makati City.

Younghusband opened things up with a goal on the 41st minute to give his side a 1-0 lead at halftime and then completed the feat when he scored two more in a span of three-minutes starting on the 74th in the second half to help seal the Sparks’ shutout victory.

David Cortina scored the other goal on the 60th as Loyola moved closer to No. 1 Global FC, which was idle with 30 points, with 28 points on nine victories and a draw against a loss.

Younghusband’s effort hiked his total goals scored to 16, seven ahead of fellow Fil-Brit and teammate Mark Hartmann and Green Archers United FC’s Christian Floriano Jr., who have nine apiece.

It was also the second time that Younghusband scored more than three goals this season since coming up with five goals in a lopsided 14-0 demolition of Navy Red Juice FC last Feb. 19, also at the UMak.

The Armymen fell to their seventh setback against two wins and three deadlocks and, if they fail to check their skid, could lead to a possible relegation to the Second Division.