MANILA, Philippines - James Younghusband exacted revenge on younger brother Phil as his Team James crew thumped short-handed Team Phil, 4-1, in a rain-drenched Clear Dream Match 2 Saturday night at a soaked and muddy University of Makati field.
James personally took care of business as he scored a brace that was complemented by another double from teammate Izzo Elhabib as the older of the Younghusband brood avenged his team’s 1-5 setback last year.
“We won, but the real winner is Philippine football and the beneficiaries,†James said after the soaked all-star event.
Team James was reinforced by Italian defensive legend Fabio Cannavaro while Team Phil was backed up by Chelsea great and former England captain Dennis Wise, adding star power and international pedigree to the exhibition match.
Proceeds of the event, according to organizers, would be split between relief efforts for victims of storm Maring and the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation.
Phil actually drew first blood with his fourth-minute connection but James evened things up 10 minutes later.
Team James got a bit of break in the 27th when Rodrigo Nembot was tossed out for bringing down Misagh Bahadoran inside the box, leaving Team Phil with 10 men for the rest of the match.
James converted the penalty for a one-goal cushion and then Elhabib made good on Simon Greatwich’s low pass for a 3-1 count going to the break.
The second half was delayed by a few minutes as officials checked on the conditions of the pitch made worse by heavy rains.
They decided to proceed with the remaining 45 minutes of the exhibition match, and Elhabib went on to add one more to Team James’ winning margin.
“We would’ve won if we didn’t play with just 10 men at kung hindi pangit ’yung weather,†Phil said.
James can’t wait for Round 3, the decider.
“Great job players from both teams! Looking forward to Clear Dream Match 3,†he said.