MANILA, Philippines - Loyola Meralco Sparks and Pachanga FC pulled off contrasting victories to edge Nomads FC for the last two quarterfinals berths in the United Football League Cup at the University of Makati grounds in Makati Monday night.
Phil Younghusband went on a five-goal binge to lift the Sparks to a 12-0 rout of the Mendiola FC 1991 while Pachanga leaned on Yves Felix Ashime’s goal to repulse Laos FC, 3-2, to forge a three-way tie for the Group C lead with nine points.
But Loyola and Pachanga emerged with better goal differential of 19 and 4 goals, respectively, against Nomads’ 0 to advance.
Loyola, which clinched the top seeding in its bracket, will take on Group D No. 2 Phl Army FC while Pachanga, which wound up second in its group, clashes with Group B No. 1 Green Archers United-Globe tomorrow, also at the UMak.
The first quarterfinal match pitting title favorites Kaya and Global are being played at press time.
The other quarters duel pits Stallion Penson FC with tournament surprise General Trias International, an All-Korean side.
Loyola roared to a 6-0 lead at halftime with Younghusband scoring on the eighth, 21st and 33rd minute.
The Loyola striker also scored on 75th and 88th minute as he tied Pasargad’s Masood Shadideh with most number of goals with eight, one ahead of Stallion Penson FC’s Spanish striker Rufino Familiar Sanchez.