Loyola Meralco goes for lead vs Pasargad

MANILA, Philippines - Loyola Meralco tries to accomplish what it had failed to do the last time out as it shoots for the lead against skidding Pasargad FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field in Makati City today.

The Sparks missed gaining a share of the lead with the Global FC booters after blowing a 3-1 lead and settling for a 3-3 draw with the Air Force Phoenix FC side at the UMak field last March 31.

The Airmen pounced on the ouster of James Younghusband on a red card in injury time, scoring two goals by Joebel Bermejo and Ian Araneta to force the draw.

That kept Loyola in second place with 19 points, enabling Global to remain on top with 21 points.

But Loyola Meralco is expected to surge past Pasargad side in their 2 p.m. encounter in one of two matches to be telecast live on AKTV on IBC 13.

Pasargad is way down in ninth place with five points.

Also expected to deliver for Loyola is Mark Hartmann, who leads the league with a combined 26 goals.

Kaya FC, meanwhile, seeks to bounce back from a 1-5 loss to Global FC last March 31 at the UMak as it clashes with an unpredictable Army Fritz & Macziol at 4 p.m.

The LBC-backed Kaya booters, however, will have to do it without their Spanish coach Juan Cutillas, who resigned following that humbling defeat and was replaced temporarily by Kale Alvarez and team captain Aly Borromeo.

Kaya FC is currently at No. 3 with 18 points on six wins and two losses while Army is at No. 5 with eight points.

In Second Division action, Laos FC clashes with Diliman Victory Liner FC at 6 p.m. and Team Socceroo FC tackles Agila FC at 8 p.m.