Meralco XI smothers Pasargad

MANILA, Philippines - Loyola Meralco Sparks blanked Pasargad, 3-0, to stay in the company of the frontrunners in the United Football League Thursday night at Emperador Stadium.

Mark Hartmann scored on a rebound at the 17th minute to give the Sparks the early cushion before Jang Jowon (46’) and Phil Younghusband (55’) capped the romp that stretched Loyola’s win run to four for a share of the lead with Global and Stallion.

But the Sparks paid a price for the victory as striker Freddy Gonzalez went down with a right leg injury following a collision with PSG keeper Reza Ataei on a high ball play at the 34th minute. 

“We got the win, scored some goals, and kept a clean sheet. But we also had Fred injured. I hope that it isn’t serious at all,” said Loyola president Randy Roxas.

According to the official website of the UFL, initial test conducted on Gonzales later at St. Luke’s BGC showed an MCL sprain and a torn poplituus muscle. He will need a two-week recovery time, according to the doctors.

Pasargad suffered its fourth straight loss.

In the first game, Chieffy Caligdong led the way as Globe Green Archers United made a breakthrough after a 0-3 start, beating his former team Air Force, 4-1.

Caligdong, who was discharged from PAF last December, contributed a goal at the 25th minute mark to up the Archers’ lead to 2-0. Other goal scorers for GAU were Jess Melliza (22’), Ronnie Aguisanda (50’) and Tating Pasilan (63’). 

Francis Gustilo (33’) delivered the lone goal for the Airmen (0-3).