Sparks dominate young Malaysians

SINGAPORE—Just like last season, the Singapore Cup is providing UFL side Loyola Meralco Sparks an opportunity to redeem themselves.

Looking to shrug off their disappointment in the UFL, the Sparks dominated a youthful Malaysian side Harimau Muda-B on their way to a 3-0 victory Sunday night in the first round of the tournament at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Playing against a young side featuring 19- and 20-year-olds, Phil Younghusband stood out, knocking in two goals and setting up Korean strike partner Jang Jo-wong for the others as the Sparks—surprise semifinalists last year—kept their impressive record in the tournament.

The victory sent the Sparks to the two-leg quarterfinals in July. The Football Association of Singapore will hold another draw to determine the pairings in the next round.

“It’s nice to win here especially with what happened to us in the UFL,” said Loyola coach Vince Santos. “We’re starting to enjoy ourselves again playing and hopefully this gives us the momentum to finish the season strong.”

Younghusband dropped deep at midfield to help build up the attack and pressured midfielders when needed in a stellar performance that was in stark contrast with his play in the past two weeks in the UFL where the Sparks kissed their title hopes goodbye.

The deadlock was broken after 18 minutes when Younghusband earned and scored a penalty. Osman Yussof was also sent off in the same play reducing Harimau Muda, currently sixth in the 10-team S-League, down to 10 men with 70 minutes to go.

“The last two games have been disappointing and to come here and win comfortably is good for our confidence,” said Younghusband, who got his second goal in the 80th minute firing into an empty net after a good play from Jake Morallo and James Younghusband.

“This is our way to prove to ourselves that we can still play at a high level.”

Jang doubled the lead five minutes before halftime, collecting Younghusband’s pass from the edge of the area before firing low past the keeper.

The Sparks were hardly troubled as they kept the ball for long periods with Matthew Hartmann also denied by the post early in the second half.
Such was Loyola’s dominance that goalkeeper Ref Cuaresma didn’t really need to make a difficult save throughout the match.