Sparks resume Singapore Cup title bid

The Loyola Meralco Sparks try to put the disappointment of their United Football League campaign behind as they continue their title drive in the Singapore Cup.

The Sparks, who finished second in the UFL behind Global, take on defending champion Home United in a two-leg quarterfinal starting Monday night at Bishan Stadium in Singapore.

The second leg which will be considered as the Sparks’ home game is slated Thursday at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Bowing out at this stage of the tournament in the past two years, the Sparks hope to finally get over the hump with what is considered their strongest lineup for the competition.

Sparks’ key cogs Phil and James Younghusband and Simon Greatwich already have plenty of international experience, while Sam Bonney and Joaco Canas have proven to be a solid partnership at the back for the Sparks.

“We will try our best and make sure we can get to the next round,” said Sparks vice chair Randy Roxas.

The Sparks opened their campaign in style, drubbing Champasak of Laos, 7-1, with James Younghusband netting a hat-trick last month.

But the Sparks are in for a tougher grind against Home United which has a rich winning tradition with six Singapore Cup victories. “It’s a big team that we are playing against in Home United.

But with our performance in previous games, I think we have enough,” said Sparks coach Vince Santos.