Meralco Sparks seek positive turn in SG Cup

Match on Sunday

(Jalan Besar Stadium)
7:30 p.m. – Loyola Meralco vs Harimau Muda-B

DEMOLITION. Phil Younghusband spearheaded Loyola Meralco’s demolition of Socceroos with seven goals in just one match.Photo by Fritz Gerald Dalida

SINGAPORE – Its hopes of a United Football League title back home all but vanished, Loyola Meralco seeks a positive turn to its season when it sees action for the second straight year in the Singapore Cup starting today here.

The Sparks, a surprise semifinalist in their first appearance in the tournament last year, face Harimau Muda-B at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Despite their star-studded lineup that includes Phil and James Younghusband and Mark and Matthew Hartmann and Simon Greatwich, the Sparks have struggled in the past two weeks in the UFL, getting just one point from a maximum of six that left them nine points behind Stallion with only three matches remaining.

The Sparks actually return to Singapore on a similar scenario just like last season when they also faded in the UFL only to make an impact in the Singapore Cup, pulling off one upset after another against Geylang United and Kanbawza of Myanmar in the quarterfinals.

Drawing some of the biggest crowds in the tournament last year, the Sparks got another invite this year, together with reigning league champion Global, which is opening its campaign against S-League side Warriors FC on June 1.

“Obviously, its an important game to salvage something this seaso since it looks like we’re not going to get any silverware from the UFL this season,” said Sparks chair Randy Roxas.

“It’s a strong challenge for us. We really want to take advantage of the opportunities for the club to improve our level and that includes playing here.”

Although the tournament allows five foreign players in the lineup, there will be no notable addition to the lineup for the Sparks, whose roster has been hit by injuries to key players like Rodrigue Nembot and Fredde Gonzales.

The Sparks, whose run last year ended in the semifinals to Tampines Rovers, are actually facing a squad made up of Under-19 standouts of Malaysia currently given exposure in the Singapore League.

“It’s a young group but it’s not going to be an easy match for us,” said Roxas. “They’re an organized team and even Tampines had a difficult time against them recently.”