Loyola downs 10-man Pachanga; Stallion whacks Pasargad

MANILA, Philippines – The Loyola Meralco Sparks bounced back from an early deficit and pounced on Pachanga – Diliman PLDT Home Fibr FC’s huge blunders as they took home a 4-1 victory while Stallion FC displayed its championship form in thumping Pasargad FC, 5-nil, in the 2014 United Football League, Wednesday, March 18 at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City. 

Reza Amirkhizan put the underdogs on top just 17 minutes from kickoff but Pachanga wasted a golden opportunity to upset the league-leading Loyola after its goalie Steve Yambou was slapped with his second yellow in the 35^th, allowing the Sparks to pour in four goals and tighten its hold of the top spot of the table.

It only took three minutes for the Sparks to capitalize on that crucial error as Phil Younghusband netted in Loyola’s first goal of the night from the penalty spot while his brother, James, announced his return and scored the go-ahead goal in the 61^st. 

Joo Young Lee and Freddie Gonzalez put the match away with goals in the 70^th and 84^th to help Loyola to 32 points and widen its gap from second-place Global FC which is now four points behind with 28. 

Pachanga, meanwhile, remains in seventh place with 11 points from three wins, two draws and six losses.

In the night’s other game, reigning champions Stallion FC flexed its muscles and walloped Pasargad, 5-0, to tie third-place Kaya FC in the standings with 21 points. 

The win, though, came at a price for coach Ernie Nierras as his prized striker Ruben Doctora, who opened the scoring in the 17^th, injured his left hamstring midway in the first half amidst Stallion’s bid in retaining the league title.

But that did not stop Stallion from whipping the struggling Pasargad as Nathan Alquiros scored a brace with Naser Dourudian and former Army stalwart Meliton Pelayo each netting a goal.

Pasargad continues its misery at the bottom of the table with nine losses and only a win and a draw to show 11 games into this season.

Stallion and Pachanga face each other next on March 22 while Loyola squares off with Green Archers United on that day’s curtain raiser.

Pasargad, on the other hand, will have a tough assignment ahead as they go up against Kaya FC on March 25. – Rappler.com