Phil penalty shot sends Meralco back on top

Phil Younghusband struck from the penalty spot and FC Meralco Manila came away with a gutsy 1-0 victory over Ilocos United as the Sparks regained top spot in the Philippines Football League on Saturday at Quirino Stadium in Vigan.

Under a heavy downpour, Younghusband cooly sent his spot kick past Ilocos goalkeeper Baba Sampana in the 54th minute for his fifth goal of the season after a handball infraction on Ilocos inside the box as the Sparks upped their haul to 20 points from eight matches.

The Sparks also got a superb effort from goalkeeper Jun Badelic, who stopped Josh Reyes’ effort in the 84th minute, preserving the victory for Meralco.

The victory puts the Sparks two points clear of JPV Marikina, which can regain top spot with a win over Davao Aguilas in a match scheduled Sunday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Over at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Ceres Negros whipped Stallion Laguna, 5-2, for its third straight victory.

Flaunting their attacking firepower, the Busmen had five different players scoring in front of the home crowd with Stephan Schrock setting the tone for the rout with his 12th minute strike.

Goals from Jeffrey Christiaens, Iain Ramsay, OJ Porteria and Bienvenido Maranon highlighted a strong performance by coach Risto Vidakovic’s men.