Loyola edges Stallion, sets up duel with Kaya

MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband continued his fine goal-scoring form to propel the Loyola Meralco Sparks to a 2-1 victory over nine-man Stallion FC in a highly-physical quarterfinal encounter in the United Football League at the University of Makati Stadium last Wednesday.

Younghusband struck in the 22nd and 38th minutes as the Sparks survived a bruising duel with the Stallions and forged a semifinal showdown against Kaya-Cignal on Monday.  The other semifinal showdown pits defending champion Global and reigning league titlist Air Force Phoenix. The games will be aired on AKTV on IBC 13 on Monday.

Stallion dominated possession in the first 10 minutes, but Younghusband darted past Jason Cordova before forcing a good save from Wilson Muñoz on a one-on-one in the 12th minute.

Jovanie Simpron also had an opportunity on the other end, but his shot ballooned over after Ref Cuaresma had gone out of his line.

Moments later, Younghusband released Jake Morallo on the right flank but the winger could only shoot over the bar.

Loyola finally found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute as Younghusband pounced on a defensive miscue by Stallion rightback Bervic Italia and Munoz.

 Italia took too long to clear a routine back pass and by the time Munoz decided to kick the ball out of danger, Younghusband was already in front of him and the ball cannoned off the Loyola striker who slotted it in for 1-nil.

Doctora responded by forcing a fingertip save on Cuaresma minutes later. The Stallion attack continued to struggle however and their woes were aggravated by the sending off of defender Jason Cordova in the 37th minute.

Cordova had picked up a yellow card earlier for a confrontation with Younghusband and he was dismissed after a clumsy challenge on James Younghusband minutes later.

The Sparks immediately made their advantage pay as Phil headed home from the ensuing free kick to double the lead.

The match was so physical the referee issued eight yellow cards with each team accounting for four each.

Stallion still enjoyed plenty of possession despite going a man down as the Sparks tried to add to their tally with quick counter attacks spearheaded by Phil Younghusband, who shot just wide from the left and also forced a goalline clearance on a saved effort.

The match however took an ugly turn in the 65th minute when Stallions sub Vince Braga and Cuaresma were sent off. Braga kicked the ball while Cuaresma was already in control. In retaliation, Cuaresma head butted Braga and was sent off.

The game became open and livelier with just 19 players on the pitch and it was Stallions who were proving more dangerous.

Stallions pressure paid off in the 78th minute when Doctora, doing well to control the ball after dispossessing Elizear Fabroada, fed Lee Han-gi for a cool finish against substitute keeper Gabi Vorbeck.

But they were denied of an equalizer when Fabroada headed out a goalbound free kick from Antonio Albor with Vorbek already beaten.

Loyola survived the late wave of attacks by Stallions and Younghusband barely missed a hattrick as his stinging shot in injury time hit the post.

“We showed a lot of heart to win this game,” said James Younghusband. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we showed a lot of character.”