Sparks seek lead vs Pasargad

LOYOLA Meralco targets the top spot when it battles struggling Pasargad today in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.

The Sparks will miss skipper James Younghusband in the 2 p.m. clash as the midfielder serves a one-game ban for his red card in the 3-3 draw with Air Force last March 31 where they blew a two-goal lead in injury time.

But Loyola’s roster remains formidable with two of the league’s leading scorers, Phil Young-husband and Mark Hartmann, fueling its attack.

Younghusband and Hartmann have combined for 19 goals so far.

A win by the Sparks, who have 19 points, in their final match of the first round will allow them to leapfrog past Global on top.

Kaya, playing for the first time since the sudden departure of coach Juan Cutillas, collides with Army at 4 p.m.

Cutillas quit over differences with management just two days after Kaya absorbed a heavy 1-5 loss to leader Global.

Former player Kale Alvarez has been appointed interim coach for Kaya with injured skipper Aly Borromeo assisting him.

Army, with Roel Gener, Ed Sacapano and Boogie Margarse in its lineup, hopes to avenge a 0-2 loss to Kaya in the first round.

With just five points to show from eight games, Pasargad is barely ahead of bottom side Navy.