Sparks nip Stallion, gain PFF Smart final

MANILA, Philippines - Phil Younghusband scored in extra time to power the Loyola Meralco Sparks to a 2-1 victory over Stallion FC of Iloilo and into the finals of the PFF Smart National Club Championship last night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Younghusband blasted home a curling free kick from the edge of the box in the 98th minute to provide the marginal goal for the Sparks, who will dispute the crown with either Ceres La Salle FC or Global on Saturday.

“When you have Phil (Younghusband) in the team, you always have a chance of scoring. The goal took a lot of pressure off us,” said Loyola Meralco coach Simon McMenemy.

The ace striker worked his magic against the defense of Stallion and forced Sean Bateau to desperately lunge at the edge of the box in what many felt was a penalty. It turned out to be a free kick but that didn’t matter to Younghusband, who ably fired it in.