Loyola XI battles Singapore club

A STERN test awaits United Football League powerhouse Loyola Meralco when it clashes with Singapore League side Geylang United in the opening round of the RHB Singapore Cup on Friday at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Led by Filipino internationals Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks are the first Philippine side to have been invited to a club tournament since the national team boosted the sport’s popularity to unprecedented heights two years ago.

Aside from S-League teams, the 16-team Singapore Cup also involves clubs from Australia, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia competing in a knockout format.

If the Sparks, whose campaign is backed by Cebu Pacific, hurdle Geylang, they will return to Singapore in July to play in a two-leg quarterfinal.