Younghusbands lead Loyola Meralco’s rout of Navy

AFP file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Loyola Meralco regained top spot in the United Football League in emphatic fashion, crushing Navy Red Juice, 14-0, Sunday night at the UMak field.

Phil Younghusband booted in five goals, while James Younghusband and Mark Hartmann struck for three each as the Sparks put a nine-men Navy side to the sword with a superb attacking display.

Substitute Jake Morallo bagged two goals and Alex Camara also found the back of the net for the first time for the Sparks, who hiked their output to 15 points, two ahead of Stallion Giligans.

“We’re very happy with the result and getting a cleansheet,” said Phil Younghusband, who now leads the league with nine goals. “The result will be good for our goal difference and confidence.”

The league will take a break starting the first week of March as the national team vies in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.

Navy kept in step with Loyola in the early stages with Peter Fadrigalan’s free kick just denied by the crossbar 10 minutes into the match.

But it was one way traffic from there as the Sparks found their rhythm, leading to four goals in the space of eight minutes.

Japanese midfielder Tako Yoshioka found James Younghusband at the far post and the in-form winger fired from close range for the first goal in the 15th minute.

Phil Younghusband pounced on a defensive miscue to slot home from close range and Mark Hartmann made it 3-nil with a free kick at the edge of the area.