MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband delivered both goals in the Loyola Meralco Sparks’ 2-0 drubbing of Kaya FC for the solo lead in the First Division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch last night.
Younghusband scored on the setups of Mark Hartmann as the Sparks topped their erstwhile co-leaders for their fourth win against one loss.
The Fil-Brits conspired for the first goal on the 12th minute then for the second just before the first half ended.
“As a team, we changed our formation and attitude because we want to work harder and win after that loss to Stallion,” said the 20-year-old Hartmann, stepping up in the absence of brother Matthew, who is under suspension by both the league and the Philippine Football Federation.
“To earn six points in two games, that says a lot,” he added.
Earlier, Army Fritz & Macziol and Nomads Auction Manila fought to a 1-1 draw to remain in the middle of the pack.
Toullec Loic opened up the scoring for Nomads with a goal on the 10th minute.
But the Armymen, a traditional powerhouse in the league, came roaring back with a spectacular header by Roel Gener, a former Azkals member, on the 30th.
The deadlock improved Nomad’s and Army’s total outputs to five points each – good for joint fifth.
There were some anxious moments late in the game with the two teams engaging in a shoving match.