Loyola Meralco targets 2nd vs Pachanga today

RIDING high on its most convincing win of the season, Loyola Meralco tries to climb to second spot when it clashes with dangerous Pachanga Diliman today in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

The Sparks, running third with 23 points, go into the 5:15 p.m. clash inspired by a 10-1 demolition of bottom team Army last week.

Kaya and Green Archers collide at 7:30 p.m. in what is expected to be a tense duel after both teams figured in a fight-marred encounter in the first round last Feb. 12.

Kaya won that duel with Green Arch-ers, 2-1, as Janrick Soriano fired the winner seven minutes into stoppage time.

But it will be remembered more for the ugly scenes in the second half, where several players were engaged in violent conduct.

Green Archers midfielder Elle Cagayanan kicked Kaya defender Dario Dakic and was slapped a lengthy suspension.

Kaya remains unbeaten in five matches under coach David Perkovic, but the Archers, who narrowly lost to Stallion, 3-4, last Thursday, are desperate to avoid the relegation battle.

Pachanga occupies sixth with 16 points, having collected 8 in four matches.

Pachanga, which lost to the Sparks, 0-1, in the first round, has been buoyed by the solid play of Guamanian internationals Jason Cunliffe, Ian Mariano and Marcus Lopez, who has scored in the last two matches for last year’s second division champions.