Loyola whips Laos FC

NATIONAL team star Phil Younghusband struck twice to power Loyola Meralco past Laos FC, 4-0, yesterday at the start of the PFF Smart National Club Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Sparks settled into the game early with goals from Jamal Fenelon and Matthew Hartmann before Younghusband stamped his class with strikes in the 40th and 65th minutes.

The win gave the Sparks the early advantage in the tough Group A with Ceres and Kaya also set to play last night.

Bracing for tougher battles ahead, Sparks coach Simon McMenemy rotated his roster with the match against champion Ceres in mind on Saturday.

“It was a comfortable game,” said McMenemy. “We’re happy we went through this match without any injuries.”

Laos, the regional qualifier, boasts players with experience in the United Football League but the Leyte-based side still couldn’t keep up with the Sparks.

Fenelon opened the scoring in the third minute before Hartmann’s long range strike made it 2-0 in the 34th minute.