Loyola Meralco put injury-hit Global under pressure unlike any other team this season, but had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate Tuesday night in the United Football League at the packed Emperador Stadium.
In a battle of the league’s top two sides, national team standout Patrick Reichelt fired home a header in the 10th minute to put Global on top before a Phil Younghusband penalty 14 minutes from time restored parity.
Global and Loyola thus kept their 1-2 position with the defending champions on 22 points, just two ahead of the Sparks.
Pasargad earlier notched only its second victory of the season after walloping a listless Army side, 4-0.
The win pushed Pasargad to seventh after the Iranian-flavored side jacked up its tally to eight points from eight matches.
The Sparks were clearly the better team particularly in the second half when they exploited fringe players who were thrust into the Global backline following injuries to Jeff Christiaens, Val Kama and Carlos Guisso.
“I thought we had more chances than they did, so based on that we’re slightly disappointed we didn’t win the game,” said Younghusband. “But overall, a draw is not a bad result.”
“Fair play goes to my players who showed great character again to stand all things of adversity,” said Global coach Brian Reid. “Loyola played very well tonight and we were around 60 to 70 percent fit.”