Loyola Meralco blanks Global, 4-0; Kaya wins

MANILA, Philippines – Loyola Meralco Sparks overpowered fellow powerhouse Global FC, 4-0, and Kaya FC edged Pachanga Diliman, 2-1, to jumpstart their title bids in the United Football League 2014 at the Emperador Stadium Tuesday night.

Riding the crest from their first championship in the Cup last year, the Sparks surprised everyone by dominating a Dan Palami-managed Global side that is also expected to contend for the League crown.

Korean Lee Joo Young and Phil Younghusband gave Loyola a two-goal cushion going into halftime before Freddy Gonzales and Matthew Hartmann scored one each to seal the deal for Loyola, which zoomed to the top three match points.

"We were able to utilize our speed well," said Loyola mentor Vince Santos. "Now that we've won a title, there's less pressure. We're able now to express ourselves."

It also spoiled the debut of Global coach Leigh Manson, who took over from Brian Reid this year.

“It’s not the debut that we wanted,” said Manson. “I feel the difference between the two teams was we didn’t take the opportunities we were presented, three goals from set pieces is a worry.”

Lee opened up the scoring by connecting on a long-range rocket past a startled Global goalie Roland Sadia before Younghusband delivered a spectacular free kick just before the first handed that got some help from Lee and brother James Younghusband’s faked shots.

The pair of goals were bitter pills to swallow for Global as it was never the same in the final 45 minutes when Gonzalez, who made his first start in a year, headed home a goal and Hartmann blasting away with another free-kick two minutes into injury time.

Kaya FC, bankrolled by LBC, turned back last year’s Cup runner-up Pachanga Diliman, 2-1, thanks to brilliant goals by Chris Greatwich and newcomer Thomas Luke Taylor to earn three points.

Greatwich scored on the 26th and Taylor followed it up 13 minutes later, serving as enough cushion for Kaya to weather a fightback by the Pachanga Diliman booters, who could only score a goal during their furious rally thanks to Ariel Zerrudo’s rocket on the first minute of added time.

Kaya is hoping to figure in title conversation this time after a disappointing performance last year.

 "You don't win the League by winning the first game, but it can certainly contribute to a successful campaign," said Kaya's Australian coach David Perkovic. "We showed some grit and determination. When we needed to defend we defended well. I'm pleased with that."