Phil, Greatwich score brace, keep Sparks at helm in UFL

MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband and Simon Greatwich each unloaded a brace as Loyola Meralco Sparks clobbered Pasargad FC, 4-0, to remain at the helm in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Saturday night.

Younghusband slotted in the first goal of the match on the seventh minute and Greatwich followed up with a rocket minutes later after he sneaked through defenders with his smart interplay.

The Fil-Brit Azkals star then made it a double just before the first half ended to give Loyola a comfortable 3-0 edge.

Greatwich, opening the game in central midfield, shifted to right back and before being shifted up front as striker, completed a brace himself after scoring on the final minute of regulation to seal the win.

It was another dominating performance by the Sparks, who tote 13 goals while allowing just one in three matches, helping keep their stranglehold of the lead with nine match points on three wins.

Pasargad remained second to last with just a point to spare.

In the other match, Team Socceroo scored its first point since getting promoted to the top division after forcing reigning League titlist Stallion Gilligan’s FC to a 1-1 standoff on the life-saving goal of Ikechukwu Duruachazie.

Napoleon Bustillo scored for  the heavily favored Stallion on the 26th minute after he tapped in a goal on a Ousseynou rampage from the right flank. 

Duruachazie knotted it 10 minutes later and Socceroo held its ground in defense to preserve the standoff.

“They played with a big heart. They showed real confidence,” said Socceroo head coach Franklin Cacacho. “It’s like we’re an airplane. We’re still on the runway, but now we’re on the way up.”

Stallion got stranded at No. 7 with only two points.