Depleted Sparks take thriller over Global

MANILA, Philippines - Undermanned Loyola Meralco Sparks turned back a dangerous Global FC side, 4-3, to get back on title track in the First Division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch Wednesday night.

James Younghusband stepped up in the absence of his younger brother Phil (suspended for a red card drawn in a 1-4 defeat to Stallion Gilligan’s FC Saturday), booting in two goals in the win that sent the Sparks to third place with nine points on three wins and a loss.

Stallion and LBC-backed Kaya led Loyola with three wins and nine points apiece. Global, owned and managed by Azkals team manager Dan Palami, fell to fourth spot with six points.

Loyola also missed the services of Matthew Hartmann, currently on an indefinite suspension from the Philippine Football Federation and all PFF-sanctioned leagues like the UFL, and keeper Ref Cuaresma, who is out due to an injury.

The Sparks try to regain the solo lead as they take on the Juan Cutillas-mentored Kaya booters tomorrow.

With the match tied at one goal apiece, the 25-year-old Younghusband fired two of his team next three goals – one at close-range on the 42nd minute and the other eight minutes later which served as three-goal cushion amid a late, furious fightback by Global.

Checking in for Abdalla Ahmed Hwedi in the second half, Angel Guirado unleashed a free kick from 30 yards on the 76th minute and Izzeldin El-habbib scored from a boot that hit the bottom corner two minutes later.

Loyola hung tough from there as Global failed to cash in on several scoring opportunities.

A spectacular overhead kick by El-habbib early in the second half was nullified as officials considered it a double kick. Another potential goal 10 minutes later hit the bar.