Phil Younghusband scored Loyola Meralco's only goal in its 1-4 setback to Stallion Giligans. Photo by Fritz Gerald Dalida
MANILA, Philippines – Inspired and incisive, Stallion Giligans stunned Loyola Meralco, 4-1, Saturday night to solidify its hold of top spot in the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ruben Doctora, Lee Joo-young, Antonio Albor and Yoon Byeong-jun were on target as Stallion avenged its UFL Cup quarterfinal loss in emphatic fashion.
Phil Younghusband gave the Sparks the lead in the 10th minute, pouncing on a defensive miscue with a quality finish from just inside the box.
But the national team striker ended the night in frustration as he was sent off for a stamp on Yeol Woo-nam 15 minutes from time.
“We wanted to make a statement and that’s what we were able to do,” said Stallion manager Ernie Nierras.
Defending champion Air Force wasted a two-goal lead and settled for a 2-2 stalemate with Army.
Surgeant Muntillano and Chieffy Caligdong put the Airmen 2-nil ahead after 14 minutes, but Army responded with goals from Luis Brilliantes in the 17th minute and Meliton Pelayo early in the second half.
There was more cause for concern for Air Force though as Caligdong limped off before halftime after a rough challenge from Army’s Wilson dela Cruz.
Stallion remained perfect with nine points, while Loyola dropped its first match from three games, leaving the Sparks with six points.
Army stayed in the Top 5 with four points, while Air Force remained rooted at the bottom half of the table with a point to show from three matches.