Loyola Meralco opens S’pore Cup stint today

MATCH TODAY (Jalan Besar Stadium)
7:30 p.m.—Loyola Meralco vs Harimau Muda-B

SINGAPORE—Its hopes of a United Football League title back home all but gone, Loyola Meralco seeks a positive side to its season when it sees action for the second straight year in the Singapore Cup starting today here.

The Sparks, a surprise semifinalist in their first appearance in the tournament last year, face Harimau Muda-B at 7:30 p.m.  at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Despite their star-studded lineup that includes Phil and James Younghusband and Mark and Matthew Hartmann and Simon Greatwich, the Sparks have struggled in the past two weeks in the UFL, getting just one point from a maximum of six that left them nine points behind Stallion with only three matches remaining.

Drawing some of the biggest crowds in the tournament last year, the Sparks got another invite this year, together with reigning league champion Global, which is opening its campaign against S-League side Warriors FC on June 1.

“Obviously, it’s an important game to salvage something this season since it looks like we’re not going to get any silverware from the UFL this season,” said Sparks chair Randy Roxas.

“It’s a strong challenge for us. We really want to take advantage of the opportunities for the club to improve our level and that includes playing here.”