L. Meralco puts Global title defense in danger

LOYOLA Meralco dealt Global’s title hopes a huge blow with a 2-0 triumph over the defending champions Thursday night in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Mark Hartmann and Phil Younghusband scored in each half as the Sparks played the spoiler role to the hilt with a magnificent defensive effort.

The Sparks are already out of the running for the title after poor form saw them drop seven points from the last three matches. But they came out with renewed vigor against Global and took control of the match early even with Phil and James Younghusband starting on the bench.

The loss left Global still five points behind Stallion, although the reigning champions have one game in hand. But Stallion can clinch the title if it beats Loyola on Tuesday in its last match of the season.

Hartmann cashed in on a defensive mistake from the usually solid Val Kama to beat Roland Sadia from close range in the 11th minute.

Leaving little doubt of his quality, Hartmann also set up Younghusband’s goal in the 72nd minute.