MANILA, Philippines—Loyola Meralco overcame the absence of its top scorer and nipped Global, 4-3, Wednesday night in the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Skipper James Younghusband struck twice, while Mark Hartmann and Byeong Jyeong-yeol added a goal each for the Sparks, who moved up to third with nine points on three wins against a lone defeat.
The Sparks bucked the absence of leading scorer Phil Younghusband, who served a one-game suspension for a red card in the 1-4 loss to Stallion.
James booted in clinical goals in the 42nd and 50th minutes, but Loyola needed the heroics of goalkeeper Gabby Vorbeck to preserve the win, after Izo el-Habbib and Angel Guirado struck late in the second half.
“It’s a great response from our last game. The team showed great spirit,” said James Younghusband.