Younghusband keys Sparks romp vs Laos

Matches today  (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

4 p.m. – Erco-Bro FC vs Stallion FC

7 p.m. – M’lang FC vs Global FC

MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband fired a brace to power Loyola Meralco Sparks FC to a 4-0 rout of Laos FC yesterday at the start of the PFF-Smart Club Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Younghusband blasted it home in the 34th and 65th minutes to underscore the dominance of the Sparks, who took the top of the table in Group A with three points.

The ace striker got scoring support from Jamal Andre Fenelon, who broke the ice three minutes into the match and Matthew Hartmann, who scored five minutes before halftime.

“For us, it was a comfortable game. It was about coming through the game without injuries and without working players so hard so we made lots of substitutions to try and limit the amount of workload,” said Loyola coach Simon McMenemy.

He was obviously preserving his wards’ energy for their next assignment, against defending champion Ceres-La Salle FC on Saturday night.

“If we’re to play Ceres in less than 48 hours’ time, it’s gonna be a very difficult task,” he said.

McMenemy said they dished out a “professional performance” against a rugged Laos club from Leyte.

“It was a professional performance, we didn’t get involved in anything with the referees. We know what to expect from Laos: They play tough, they put tackles in and make it difficult for you but I was very happy we came through, professional and without injuries,” he said.

The two other Group A clubs, Ceres and Kaya FC, were playing at presstime.

Meanwhile, clubs from Group B start their bids today, with Stallion FC battling Erco-Bro FC of Cebu at 4 p.m. and Global FC taking M’lang FC of North Cotabato at 7 p.m.