FAR FROM its best, Loyola Meralco needed a late goal to overcome a stubborn Pasargad side, 1-0, yesterday and reclaim top spot in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.
Mark Hartmann blasted a rocket from just inside the box in the fourth minute of stoppage time as the Sparks jacked up their tally to 22 points at the end of the first round.
It was a fantastic finish for Loyola as it averted a first shutout of the season and showed its ability to deliver a late goal after it had given up two against Air Force in their 3-3 draw two weeks ago.
Kaya stayed within striking distance of Loyola with a narrow 1-0 victory over Army in the second game.
Given time and space, Nate Burkey struck from long range in the 41st minute and Kaya hung tough to register its seventh win of the season for 21 points.
Army lost for the third time in its last four matches, but stayed in sixth spot with nine points ahead of Nomads and Green Archers who both have a game in hand.
A moment of magic from Hartmann spelled the difference for the Sparks, who missed skipper James Younghusband and midfielder Davide Cortina due to suspension.
Hartmann’s earlier shot was blocked but the ball fell kindly to Korean midfielder Kim Hyo-ll who laid it off for the Fil-British striker to rifle home past Abdollah Golkah.