UFL: Socceroos hold Sparks to 3-3 draw

MANILA, Philippines — Team Socceroo spoiled Loyola Meralco’s perfect start by holding the Sparks to a 3-3 draw Saturday night in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

The Sparks struck with two goals late in the second half to salvage a point against the newly promoted side which took a 3-1 advantage just before the hour mark.

The draw cost the Sparks points for the first time this season after winning their first five matches. They remained on top with 16 points while Socceroo claimed just the fifth point of their campaign and remained in eighth spot.

Facing a Loyola side that rested some of its regular starters, Socceroo came out motivated with Min Seung-yeon stunning the crowd with a third-minute strike past Ref Cuaresma.

Robert Canedo equalized for the Sparks in the 23rd minute but two quickfire goals by Lee Jeong-woo put Socceroo on the cusp of the biggest upset of the season.

Phil Younghusband came off the bench to trim the deficit with his 67th-minute goal, before Joaco Canas completed the comeback with a strike two minutes from time.

In the other match, Stallion climbed to No. 4 after blanking Army-General Trias, 3-0.