UFL Cup semifinals under way

TIPPED to go all the way after eliminating Global in the previous round, the Loyola Meralco Sparks seek a spot in the finals when they clash with Green Archers United today in the United Football League Cup at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Kickoff is at 5:15 p.m. with the Sparks looking to clinch their second title appearance in three years against an inspired Archers side that stunned Ceres-La Salle in the previous round.

“They are a dangerous team and they have good players in their squad,” said Loyola star striker Phil Younghusband, who scored and set up Matthew Hartmann in the 2-0 win over Global in the quarterfinals.

Former champion Air Force, whose rise from a Division 2-bound side into a giant killer in the Cup has become the story of the tournament, battles Pachanga for the other finals berth at 7:45 p.m.

The Sparks are under pressure to deliver a trophy this season with Phil Younghusband and older brother, James, now on their third season with the club, which added Spanish defender Joaco Canas and Korean winger Lee Joo-young to bolster the side.

The Archers count on reserve goalkeeper Patrick Deyto and the influential Chieffy Caligdong, whose heroics lifted the Archers to a 2-1 triumph over Ceres.

Given little chance following suspensions to key players, the Airmen have turned to rookie Jimmy Vergara, who has scored in extra time victories over Kaya and Union Internacional Manila.