Loyola buries 9-man Forza

A BRACE from Phil Younghusband boosted Loyola Meralco to an emphatic 5-1 victory over nine-man Forza, even as Kaya got back at first round tormentor JP Voltes, 1-0, Saturday in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Younghusband banged home both his goals in the second half as the Sparks rallied from a goal down to pick up their ninth win in 12 matches and come within four points of leader Global FC.

Lionel Mekong pushed Forza ahead with a close-range effort midway in the first half, but the striker also put his team in trouble when he got himself sent off three minutes into the second half for a dangerous challenge on Anto Gonzales.

The Sparks capitalized on the man advantage almost immediately as Alvaro Castiella cut in from the left and curled a shot to the top corner for the equalizer.

Younghusband made it 2-1 with a 20-yard free kick, before firing a low shot to the bottom corner after a surging run inside the area.

Forza was reduced to nine men when Nicolas Ferrer was sent off for two quick yellow cards.

Kouichi Belgira and Jinggoy Valmayor completed the rout with late strikes for the Sparks.