Responding to the challenge, Tommy Trigo came up with the game’s biggest save in stoppage time as Loyola Meralco came from behind to forge a 2-2 draw with Global Wednesday night, setting the stage for a tense battle for second place in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The much-maligned Fil-Spanish goalkeeper, who struggled in games against Stallion and Kaya in the second round, stopped Daisuke Sato’s penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to preserve a point for the Sparks.
OJ Clarino was brought down inside the box by Eddie Mallari, leading to the spot kick.
The result put the two sides still level at second with 32 points with Global just ahead on goal difference.
Ceres-La Salle already clinched the title with a game to spare last Saturday, but second place still has an incentive of an AFC Cup playoff slot, especially if Ceres also wins the UFL Cup.
Kaya kept its slim hopes of getting second spot by spanking Team Socceroo FC, 7-0.