Kaya, Loyola clash in 'Battle of Titans'

MANILA, Philippines - Kaya FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks clash today in a much-anticipated “Battle of the Titans” for the first division lead in the United Football League (UFL) at the University of Makati pitch.

Bunched in a three-way tie for first with idle Global FC with 31 points on 10-1-2 win-draw-loss cards, Kaya and the Sparks go all out in the 4 p.m. match as the top teams double their efforts heading into the homestretch of the tournament.

“Saturday’s game and all games here on out must be played as championship games. Any team that drops points is put in a terrible position taking their fate out of their hands,” said Kaya defender Anton del Rosario.

“Knowing this, we must come out and perform to the best of our ability, leaving everything out on the field. It is a battle and we must be victorious,” he added.

Teammate midfielder Lexton Moy, said. “This is the biggest game of the season yet, with the top 3 tied for first place. No games are guaranteed and every single point must be earned.”

Kaya prevailed the first time they met, 2-0, Feb. 4 so the Sparks have payback as their added motivation in the crucial tussle. 

“You could call this game the El Classico of the Philippines,” said Sparks midfielder James Younghusband, comparing the Kaya-Loyola tossup in magnitude to the showdown between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga.

“It’s a very important game. We have to win so we are very motivated. Any team that drops points now could be out of the title race,” said striker Phil Younghusband, adding the team is “playing well at the moment” and exudes “confidence after two good results against strong teams.”

Sparks midfielder David Cortina said matches against Kaya is always difficult for them. “Both sides are not afraid to play physical, but both possess extremely talented technical players so both are capable of really mixing it up. We have to be confident and make no mistakes so Kaya will have to be at their best to try to stop us.”

Meanwhile, fourth-running Stallion Gilligan’s  (22 points) seeks to move closer to the leaders against Pasargad (12 points) at 4 p.m., followed by second division matches pitting Lions Meltique versus Pachanga at 6 p.m. and Manila All-Japan against Team Soccerro at 8 p.m.

Union Internacional Manila and Cebu Queen City tangle in the lone game set at Turf at Bonifacio Global City at 2 p.m.