LOYOLA Meralco relied on the late heroics of James Younghusband to salvage a 2-2 draw against an impressive Kaya side yesterday and stay on top of the United Football League.
Shrugging off cramps, Younghusband headed home the equalizer off a free kick four minutes into stoppage time to the delight of the big Loyola gallery at the University of Makati Stadium.
Midfielder Lexton Moy looked to have given Kaya the precious three points that could prove vital in its title aspirations with a 61st-minute goal after a breakdown in the Loyola defense.
But Younghusband rescued the Sparks in a goal that brought back memories of his late equalizer for the national team against Laos in the AFF Suzuki Cup Qualifiers in Laos two years ago.
“It’s a heartbreaking result,” said Kaya coach Kale Alvarez, whose squad trails Loyola on goal difference. “But it’s better than not getting a point at all.”
Earlier, Pasargad nipped Stallion, 1-0, to move into the Top 5 for the first time this season. Mohamad Ohadi fired home a well-struck volley off a cross from the left in the 35th minute that turned out to be the game-winner.
Nate Burkey gave Kaya a 1-0 halftime lead after his dipping shot from just outside the box beat Loyola replacement keeper Gabby Vorbeck in the 21st minute.
The goal set up by Jonahan Romero was a reward for Kaya’s remarkable work on the right flank in the opening exchanges.
But the Sparks came out of the break with a spring in their step and they equalized three minutes into the second half courtesy of Phil Younghusband.
Jake Morallo’s found Phil Younghusband running in behind the Kaya defense and the Azkals striker made no mistake, chipping the ball past Saba Garmaroudi.