MANILA, Philippines - Loyola Meralco Sparks leaned on James Younghusband’s late goal to salvage a 2-2 draw with Kaya FC as the rivals settled for a share of the division one lead in the United Football League before a packed University of Makati field.
With the four-minute stoppage time nearing its end, Younghusband hit a header home off a free kick to save the Sparks from the clutches of defeat and ensure their stay at the top alongside Kaya.
The Sparks and Kaya booters carry identical 32 points on 10 wins, two draws, and two losses, just one point ahead of Global FC (31 on 10-1-2). However, the Global footballers can wrest the solo lead should they prevail over Green Archers in tonight’s fixture.
Kaya drew first blood in the match described as a classic battle of titans, courtesy of forward Nate Burkey’s strike in the 21st minute.
But Sparks’ Phil Younghusband, the league’s top goal-scorer, did what he was expected to, knocking in the equalizer three minutes after the break.
Kaya, however, took the driver’s seat once more via Lexton Moy’s 62nd minute goal off Eric Dagroh’s missed bicycle kick, and appeared on its way to victory and the solo lead until the Sparks skipper pulled off his heroics deep into stoppage time.
The game also saw the return of Kaya captain Aly Borromeo, who missed out six months due to an ACL injury. Defender Borromeo subbed for Ugochukwu Okoro Ubiam at the 71st minute.