Younghusband powers Loyola past Kaya

Loyola Meralco leaned on the heroics of Phil Younghusband to nip rival Kaya, 2-1, and complete the semifinal cast of the United Football League’s FA League Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Monday.

The national team star converted a first-half penalty before scoring what turned out to be the match winner in the 50th minute as the Sparks joined Global, Ceres La Salle and Pachanga Diliman in the next round.

Younghusband sent Nick O’Donnel the wrong way in the 24th minute after Kaya defender Younousse Yaogo brought down Matthew Hartmann inside the box.

A long-range strike from Diego Barrera just before halftime leveled the score before Younghusband found the back of the net anew. The Sparks survived a tense finish after losing Simon Greatwich to a red card late in match.

“It was always going to be difficult against Kaya,” said Loyola coach Simon McMenemy. “I’m really impressed with the commitment from both sides. That was a tough game for us, and we’re very proud to beat a team like Kaya.”

Pachanga earlier clinched a berth in the last four after slipping past a surprisingly stubborn Manila All Japan, 2-1, in extra time.

Lee Jeong-woo fired home a header in the 100th minute to end the second division side’s Cinderella run in the tournament.

A free kick from Behrouz Khoshgavar opened the scoring for Pachanga but MAJ sent the match into extra time through Yugo Kobayashi’s 87th minute header.

Pachanga drew Ceres as its semifinal opponent slated Tuesday while the other last-four clash pits Global and Loyola.

Global faces the prospect of fielding a weakened side for the match since key players could be out due to national team duties.

The Azkals, who are preparing for the AFF Suzuki Cup, left for Doha, Qatar, yesterday and will only be back on the day of the semifinals. Loyola’s Azkals have been given an option to fly back to Manila on Saturday while Ceres has refused to release its players for Doha.