With Phil and James Younghusband out, Teknika holds clear edge over Smart San Beda

MANILA—Teknika tries to make the most out of its manpower edge when it faces Rizal-Smart San Beda Saturday in the first leg of the PFF-Smart Club Championship Final at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

With four key players from San Beda, including brothers Phil and James Younghusband, missing the first leg because of suspension, Teknika is fancied to prevail in the 6 p.m. match.

The draw to determine which will be the home team for tonight’s duel was set late yesterday. With the home-and-away format being applied, the team with the most number of goals over the two legs will win the crown. Ties will be broken by the “away” goals rule.

Teknika advanced to the finals after a 2-0 victory over fellow NCR side Pachanga last Wednesday, a day after San Beda nipped Stallions of Iloilo, 2-1.

Paul Concepcion, the wily left winger, and Andres Gonzales, the standout performer in the win over Stallions, will also miss the first leg after incurring yellow cards for the second straight game during the semifinals.