A disciplined, well-drilled Loyola Meralco side held off Global, 1-0, Saturday night to keep pace with frontrunner Kaya in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Sparks put up a masterful defensive stand while drawing the all-important goal from Phil Younghusband to pin a second loss on the defending champions and pull level with Kaya with 18 points.
With James Younghusband and Lee Joo-young missing the match due to suspension, Phil combined with Simon Greatwich down the right side before firing past Roland Sadia in the 27th minute.
Global was left to rue missing two clear cut opportunities with Hikaru Minegishi spraying an effort wide from close range and Satoshi Otomo firing over with the goal at his mercy in the 10th minute.
“We needed to put in a title-winning performance here, that’s what it’s all about to beat Global,” said Loyola coach Simon McMenemy. “Two things won it for us tonight: Discipline and effort.”
Kaya stayed on top on goal difference after routing Pachanga Diliman, 6-2.
Army earlier posted its first point following a 2-2 draw with Manila Jeepney.
Kaya overcame a listless start as Louis Clark and Christian Ayew fired two goals each after strikes from OJ Porteria and Younnouse Yaogo.