MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Global seeks to book a return trip to the finals of the United Football League Cup when it battles reigning league titlist Air Force Phoenix FC Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Loyola Meralco Sparks, who emerged as the top team after the elimination round, faces Kaya-Cignal in another equally explosive semifinal clash at 6 p.m.
The Global booters have picked up their game after barely surviving the knockout stage, but face their toughest test yet in the Airmen in the 8 p.m. clash.
The game is actually a rematch of last season’s Cup finals won by Global, 3-2.
Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband looks to continue his fine goal-scoring form for Loyola after finding the back of the net twice in the 2-1 win over Stallions in the quarterfinals.
Younghusband, who scored the only goal in the Azkals’ 1-6 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday night, will get support from older brother James, as well as Mark and Matthew Hartmann.
Anton del Rosario, Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy and Nate Burkey will carry the fight for the Kaya side, which pulled off a 3-0 win over Nomads in the last eight.
Yanti Barsales, Ian Araneta and Chieffy Caligdong—three of the finest homegrown players—will banner the Airmen’s bid against Global. The Airmen arranged a semifinal showdown with Global following a 3-1 win over Green Archers United.