MANILA, Philippines — STALLION leaned on a blistering second half attack to dash Loyola Meralco’s title hopes with a resounding 3-1 victory Tuesday night in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium.
Goals by Junior Gaye, Belinga Blanchard and Masood Shadideh completed the comeback for Stallion, which trailed at halftime after a header from the Sparks’ James Younghusband in the 12th minute.
The victory put Stallion closer to a Top Four finish a year after winning the two championships last season.
With the loss, the Sparks lost their bid for the two trophies this season even as the competition became a two-team title race between Global and Kaya.
Leading by seven points with a game in hand, Global can seal the title with a victory over Pachanga tonight regardless of the result between Kaya and Pasargad in the earlier match.
Loyola has 43 points with two matches remaining while Kaya has the same output with three matches to go. Global is at 50 points with four games remaining.
The Sparks missed leading scorer Phil Younghusband and top defender Joaco Canas due to injuries.
But they took the lead after James Younghusband scored on a Lee Joo Young corner kick which Matthew Nierras failed to clear off the line.
Baba Sampana kept Loyola on top with a string of saves but Stallion finally equalized in the 48th minute through Gaye who was released by Blanchard’s clever pass inside the area. Earlier, Green Archers overcame Team Socceroo, 1-0.