UFL: Ceres, Loyola rack up lopsided victories

DEFENDING champion Ceres-La Salle and Loyola Meralco showed no mercy, coming away with lopsided wins against two former second-division sides Wednesday in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Eight players, led by Adrian Gallardo, were on the scoresheet as Ceres overwhelmed Forza, 10-0, to rise to second spot ahead of the Sparks, who routed Agila, 11-0.

Both Ceres and Loyola raised their output to 12 points with the reigning champions ahead on goal difference. Global remains on top with five straight wins for 15 points.

On a humid day, Phil Younghusband rediscovered his scoring touch for the first time since returning from a knee injury. His hat trick in the first half set the tone for the Sparks, who picked up their fourth win in five outings.

Akira Miyayama also drilled in three goals, while James Younghusband boosted his season tally to seven goals with a brace that matched the output of Jinggoy Valmayor. UAAP MVP Daniel Gadia was also on target for Loyola.

The floodgates opened in the 38th minute when Phil Younghusband struck from close range off a cross from Spanish teammate Alvaro Castiella. Phil doubled his tally two minutes later from the spot after James was fouled inside the area, before the Sparks striker fired into an empty net at the stroke of halftime.

Manny Ott broke ice for Ceres in the 21st minute before Gallardo got the first of his three goals in the 37th. Stephan Schrock, Carli De Murga, Jeffrey Christiaens, Nate Burkey, Patrick Reichelt and Bienvenido Marañon also scored.