Draw with Stallion keeps Loyola at second

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning champion Stallion Gilligan held Loyola Meralco Sparks to a 1-1 draw, foiling the latter’s bid to regain the lead in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Thursday night.

Phil Younghusband went on attack mode early, ramming in a goal on the 31st to give the Sparks the early lead but Ruben Doctora Jr. connected on a rebound minutes later to help Stallion tie the count.

Loyola took control in the second half but failed to convert on a number of opportunities, so did the Stallion side which came through with counter-attacks to no avail.

The draw gave Loyola a mere point that kept it at second place with 33 points, enabling Global FC to remain on top with 34 points.

“I think we still had the lion share of possession, we still pretty much controlled the match. Unfortunately, the energy required in the last 20 meters of the field where the goals are scored, we seem to be missing it,” said Loyola coach Vince Santos. 

“For a championship team, especially in long seasons like this, there will always come a point where you’re questioned, how much do you really want it? It’s a question that’s being asked of us right now. I’m really hoping we respond well.”

Stallion, for its part, improved to 23 points for fourth.

“We felt we had some chances. Like I said we had to win this game. I don’t think mathematically it’s possible for us to win the championship,” said Stallion coach Ernest Nierras.

In the other match, Green Archers United-Globe relied on the late rocket by Robert Lopez Mendy as it turned back Team Socceroo, 2-1, to hike its total to 19 points.

It was the fourth straight victory by the Globe-backed Archers in a streak that included upset wins over powerhouse LBC-bankrolled Kaya and Loyola.