Phil sparks Meralco win over Archers

MANILA, Philippines - Loyola Meralco Sparks rode on another strong performance by Phil Younghusband as it waylaid Green Archers United-Globe, 3-0, to remain unscathed in four matches in the United Football League Division 1 at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill Tuesday night.

Younghusband, one of the stars of the Phl Azkals team, came through with the goal and an assist that helped the Sparks nail down their fourth straight victory to solidify their place at the helm with 12 match points, a whopping six points clear of closest pursuers Kaya FC, Pachanga Diliman FC and Global FC.

And Loyola coach Vince Santos is happy with the way his side is performing.

“I think more than being at the top of the table, it’s the way the team is playing,” said Santos.

Younghusband came through early, guided Robert Canedo’s low ball into the top corner and straight to the net to open up the scoring on the 16th minute before he flicked a pass straight into Matthew Hartmann, who sent it straight into the net and past GAU goalie Patrick Deyto in the 35th to give Loyola a 2-0 lead before halftime.

Loyola went flat in the second half as GAU almost got a goal on the 60th minute when Robert Mendy’s shot hit the hand of Loyola defender Joaco Canas.

Match officials, however, didn’t spot the infraction, letting the Sparks escape a penalty as well as a red card from being shown to their centerback.

Jake Morallo sealed the win after he unleashed a rocket in added time.

In the other match, Stallion relied on an own goal from Kaya left-back Andrew Liauw on the 36th minute to escape with a 1-0 victory that sent it to solo fifth with five points on a win and two draws.

Kaya, bankrolled by LBC, was left stranded at second with six points.