Title contenders Loyola Meralco Sparks FC routed Pasargad, 9-0, and regained the 2016 United Football League leadership with team’s leading scorer Phil Younghusband leading the charge with a hat trick, Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Former Azkal Curt Dizon did not waste time and scored the first goal for the black-shirts in the fifth minute. This was a sign of things to come, as Loyola played with relentless pressure despite the challenges from Pasargad.
After 15 minutes of trying to find the right opportunity to release an attack, the Sparks finally plucked their second goal. Jason De Jong saw opposing keeper Albert Llevares a little high and blasted the ball into the goal from 30 yards out. The defender then registered an assist in the 26th minute, after Phil Younghusband finished the offensive sequence.
The Sparks tried to move the ball around with crisp passing to confuse Pasargad’s high defensive line. It bore fruit once more five minutes from the end of the first period with another goal. Team Captain James Younghusband joined the party with a beautiful sliding finish past Llevares to push the lead to 4-0 at the break.
Nothing changed in the following period as, once again, Loyola pushed the ball into the opponents’ half of the pitch. In the 47th minute, James Younghusband doubled his output. The elder Younghusband received a pass from Dizon and slotted the ball into the goal for his team’s fifth.
Ian Clarino took the cue of fellow defender De Jong and got involved in the next golden chance at goal. The UAAP Season 77 Best Defender saw substitute Alvaro Castiella and sent a lovely through ball for the latter. However, Castiella was denied by the defense and, ultimately, Llevares
Four minutes from this Castiella chance, Phil Younghusband registered his second of the match as Llevares remained rooted on his spot. Another substitute Jinggoy Valmayor then added another goal at the 75th minute, connecting on a Castiella rebound that hit the post.
In a following sequence, Phil Younghusband attempted a run on the left flank and was challenged by Pasargad’s Emmanuel Sylvanus, who was then called for a foul inside the box. The younger Younghusband then completed his hat trick with vicious penalty strike to the top corner over Llevares.
With the importance of goal difference in mind, Loyola still continued to try and finish their attacks. In the 88th minute, Castiella sealed the deal as the Spaniard would not be denied this time with a powerful shot.
Man of the Match Phil Younghusband was pleased with the team’s consistent improvement as the League goes on. The national team skipper is also looking forward to tougher battles ahead, with JP Voltes FC and Kaya FC next on the schedule for the Sparks. He said, “It is very important if we get these two wins, then we stand after the first round with one loss; and maybe, it will be a good position going into the second round.”
The crucial Loyola Meralco Sparks FC–JP Voltes FC battle will happen on Sunday, July 10 at 1:45pm. Meanwhile, Pasargad FC will seek a favorable result against Forza FC, same time on the day before, Saturday, July 9.
