Meralco nails UFL Cup

GOLDEN Ball and Golden Boot awardee Phil Younghusband (10) celebrates with sister Keri, brother James (holding trophy) and the rest of the Sparks. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

THIS time, the Loyola Meralco Sparks proved more than equal to the challenge.

Underachievers the past two seasons, the Sparks finally fulfilled their date with destiny Thursday night when they came from behind to nip Pachanga Diliman, 3-2, and capture their first United Football League Cup at a packed Emperador Stadium.

Cornerstones of the club since 2011, Phil and James Younghusband delivered with a goal each in the Sparks’ most important match yet, while Chad Gould also made the scoresheet as Loyola survived a gritty stand by Pachanga.

“It’s a great feeling when all the hardwork finally pays off,” said Phil Younghusband, who was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player and the Golden Boot as top scorer with 21 goals. “It’s a journey and success doesnt happen overnight. It takes time, but to get it (the win) feels amazing.”

“The team showed character,” said Sparks coach Vince Santos, who turned 39 on the day of the final. “It was a good performance. Despite conceding two goals, we were able to hang on.”

Ariel Zerrudo gave fits to what had been an impenetrable Loyola backline, putting Pachanga in front early on with a low strike before giving the former second division champions a lifeline with a five-minute strike to cut the deficit, 2-3.

Zerrudo, a former national player, fired the opening goal after a poor touch from Boyet Canedo allowed Anto Gonzales to set up the Pachanga striker.

Three minutes later, James Younghusband powered home a header off Phil’s corner kick and Gould put the Sparks in front just before halftime with a composed finish.

A rejuvenated Phil Younghusband slotted home what turned out to be the title clincher in the 52nd minute. From a tight angle, Younghusband rifled home with his left foot beating Kim Versales.