Sparks grab UFL lead

NATIONAL team standout James Younghusband struck twice to power the Loyola Meralco Sparks to a 3-0 win over nine-men Stallion last night and into top spot of the United Football League at the University of Makati.

Younghusband’s goals in the 10th and 78th minute sandwiched a penalty from younger brother, Phil, who jacked up his tally to a tournament-leading 17 goals for the season.

A long ball from Roxy Dorlas found James in the penalty box and the Sparks captain expertly blasted in into the bottom corner.

Phil doubled the lead with a well-placed penalty after he was fouled inside the box by Muñoz, before James struck again 12 minutes from time, volleying it home after Mark Hartmann’s free kick from the right.

“The win is good for our confidence because right now the top four teams are in good form,” said James, who now has nine goals this season.

Earlier, Air Force Phoenix and Army Fritz and Macziol battled to a 2-2 draw, effectively quashing the title hopes of the two Armed Forces sides.