Leaders Global, Loyola Meralco battle separate foes

RIDING high on their sharp forms, Global and Loyola Meralco try to increase their lead at the top of the United Football League today when they tangle against separate rivals at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

Global takes on newly promoted Pachanga Diliman in the 5:15 p.m. kickoff, before Loyola Meralco and Kaya rekindle their rivalry in the main match.

The ability to methodically execute its quick passing game has been the strength of Global’s campaign so far.

But Pachanga is expected to offer the reigning United Football League champion a far more difficult test than the one they had the past two weeks against Green Archers and Army, which Global burned for a combined 11 goals.

Global coach Brian Reid has refused to get carried away by the team’s strong start, pointing out that there will still be plenty of tough tests ahead for his squad.

Reid, however, is delighted with the current form of his squad which is on top on
goal difference.

“We can’t be carried away,” he said. “We only won four games so far and it has been a very positive start. But the league is never won after four games. We still have to work hard and improve. As long as we do that, I think we’re going to have a successful season.”

The Sparks are also looking to extend their unbeaten start to five matches against Kaya.

But while the Sparks have added depth and firepower to their roster, Kaya is struggling to find bite in its attack.

Mark Hartmann has stood at the forefront of the Sparks’ strong start with four goals so far, while dictating play at midfield.

Phil Younghusband scored in the last two games, but the Sparks could miss his strike partner Freddie Gonzalez who limped off just before halftime in the 3-0 win over Pasargad.

Kaya is coming off a 1-2 loss to Stallion, which played without a coach, following the sudden resignation of coach Maor Rozen.

Experienced internationalist Chris Greatwich, signed by Kaya during the off-season, has been helping out in calling the shots for the squad.