Phil’s brace lifts Loyola Meralco past Pasargad

PHIL Younghusband sustained his fiery scoring form, bagging a brace to lift Loyola Meralco to a convincing 4-2 triumph over Pasargad Thursday night in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

The country’s leading international scorer knocked in the go-ahead goal in the 47th minute before wrapping up the victory 10 minutes from time as the Sparks hiked their tally to 32 points and  dislodged defending champion Global for second place.

Byeong Jeong Yeol put Loyola on top 13 minutes into the match, but Emmanuel Mbata restored parity in the 21st minute. Matt Hartman also found the back of the net for the Sparks, who conceded a goal to Younnones Yaogo late in stoppage time to peg the final tally.

The loss dropped PSG to a tie for seventh with 11 points, the same output of Green Archers United, which overcame Air Force, 4-2, earlier.

Archers scored three goals in the last 10 minutes to enhance their chances of staying in the first division next season. The last-placed team will fall to the second division next season, while the team that finishes ninth will face the second placer in the second division in a playoff for a spot in the top flight.

Former Air Force star Chieffy Caligdong gave Archers the lead with a 31st minute penalty, before Ian Araneta scored twice to put the Airmen on top.

Jess Melliza then sparked Green Archers’ comeback, setting up Arnie Pasinabo for the equalizer in the 80th minute before assisting on Gabby Oloweyeye’s goal five minutes later. Cedelf P. Tupas