Loyola Meralco, Air Force renew UFL rivalry today

STALLION tries to extend its lead at the top of the United Football League today  even as Loyola Meralco and Air Force rekindle their rivalry at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

Having won 10 of its first 11 matches, Stallion seeks a repeat of its first round victory over Army when they collide at 5:15 p.m.  before the Sparks and the Airmen square off in the main match.

Stallion already has 30 points, two ahead of Global, which is playing Green Archers on Thursday.

The Sparks, running third with 26 points, easily won their first-round clash against the Airmen, 4-0, ending a long winless slump against the 2011 UFL Cup champions. But Air Force will go into the showdown confident after notching its first winning streak of the season.

The Airmen followed up their stunning 2-0 win over Nomads with a 1-nil nipping of Armed Forces rival Army last Saturday.

Ian Araneta looked like he was the lone bright spot for the Airmen this season until Antonio Albor came to the fore to score the decisive strike against Army, keeping Air Force afloat in its battle for survival.

But the Sparks are definitely in better form than Air Force’s last two opponents with two convincing wins in the second round.

Air Force also has to contend against two of

the most ruthless attackers in the league in Phil Younghusband and Mark Hartmann, who have combined for 23 goals this season.

Stallion has racked up three straight victories since losing to Global late in the first round with its latest conquest coming against Pasargad last Thursday.

Coach Ernie Nierras has been getting some fine performances from reserves Nathan Alquiros and Diego Barrera in recent matches, complementing the superb work of Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez.

Army has lost its last six matches and has surrendered a league-high 37 goals this season. The team’s confidence hit rock-bottom two weeks ago when it lost, 1-10, to the Sparks.