The Loyola Meralco Sparks and Green Archers United banked on their national team stars to edge separate rivals Tuesday night and arrange a semifinal meeting in the United Football League Cup at Emperador Stadium.
Filipino international Phil Younghusband came off the bench to fuel the Sparks 2-0 shutout of Global in a battle of UFL heavyweights, while another Azkal, Chieffy Caligdong, struck a stoppage time winner to lift Archers past Ceres-La Salle, 2-1g.
Bucking pain on his knee, Younghusband proved to be a game-changer with a dynamic display at midfield after coming in the 34th minute for Boyet Canedo.
Younghusband was just as deadly in front of goal, delivering a precise finish from just inside the box for the opener in the 59th minute after a swift move involving Chad Gould, who fed the unmarked striker. Cedelf P. Tupas