Loyola Meralco eyes key win vs Kaya tonight

SECOND-RUNNING Loyola Meralco tries to crank up the pressure on leader Stallion as it clashes with rival Kaya tonight in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

The Sparks, who have won all their four matches so far in the second round to hike their tally to 32 points, can come within a point of Stallion with a win against Kaya in the 7:30 p.m. duel.

Global, fresh off its maiden AFC President’s Cup campaign in Cebu, tangles with in-form Pachanga Diliman in the first match at 5:30 p.m. With 31 points and a game in hand, Global is playing catch-up against Loyola and Stallion.

But with the President’s Cup out of the way, Global coach Brian Reid hopes his players can now focus on the UFL.

With most of its Filipino players seeing major minutes in its failed President’s Cup bid, Global is expected to rely on foreign-born standouts like Izzo El-Habbib, Val Kama, Carlos Tressor Guisso and Koray Gunduzoglu.

Patrick Reichelt will miss the game after suffering a hamstring tear in the match against Dordoi of Kyrgyzstan.

Having climbed to fourth spot ahead of Kaya after a run of good results, Pachanga is looking to extend its good fortune to three matches after victories over Pasargad and Nomads.

Global hopes for a repeat of the 4-0 conquest of Pachanga in the first round.

Loyola and Kaya fought to an exciting 1-1 draw in the first round.