Phil, Chieffy trade penalties as Archers blow Sparks title bid

MANILA, Philippines – Green Archers United Globe played the spoiler’s role as they dragged Loyola Meralco Sparks out of the title window with a 1-1 draw Thursday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill.

The Sparks squandered an early one goal lead to the Archers to officially bow out of title contention with only 34 points to show after 16 games. The disappointing result for the Sparks left the top two clubs – Stallion-Sta. Lucia (42 points) and Global (40 points) – slug it out for the league title.

Loyola Meralco’s fading hopes sparkled for one last time when Phil Younghusband scored on a penalty kick just three minutes into the match. The Sparks were able to hold on to the lead until the first seven minutes of the second half.

The Archers blew a chance to tie the match before the break when Chieffy Caligdong’s header bounced off the back of Loyola keeper Ref Cuaresma after hitting the post. The Azkal skipper would later redeem himself in the opening minutes of the second half converting a penalty kick for the equalizer.

Both clubs have their chances to score the marginal goal but the crossbar did not allow them.

Mark Hartmann nearly gave the lead back to the Sparks but his rocket bounced off the crossbar.  Fortunately for them, the Archers experienced the same thing when Caligdong’s high-looper over Cuaresma in a one-on-one play also hit the crossbar.

The draw halted the Archers three-match winning streak as they got stuck at sixth spot with 18 points, one win clear of PSG with two matches left both in their schedule.

The Sparks will end another disappointing season at third place no matter what.