MANILA, Philippines – Loyola Meralco Sparks blew its chance of retaking the solo lead after it managed only a 1-1 draw with reigning champion Stallion Gilligan's in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Thursday night.
Phil Younghusband, the heart and soul of the Phl Azkals team, went on attack mode early as he rammed through the vulnerable Stallion defense with a smashing 31st minute goal to give the Sparks the early lead.
Ruben Doctora, Jr. grabbed the opportunity he missed early in the match as he connected on a rebound minutes later to help Stallion knot the count at one goal apiece.
Loyola took control of the second half but couldn't cash in on their opportunities, while Stallion settled on its counter-attacks but it too wasn't able to capitalize on their chances resulting to the deadlock.
The draw gave Loyola a mere point that kept it stuck at second place with 33, or a point behind league-leader Global FC with 34. A victory would have catapulted the former back to the top.
"I think we still had the lion share of possession, we still pretty much controlled the match. Unfortunately, the energy required in the last 20 meters of the field where the goals are scored, we seem to be missing it," said Loyola coach Vince Santos.
"For a championship team, especially in long seasons like this, there will always come a point where you're questioned, how much do you really want it? It's a question that's being asked of us right now. I'm really hoping we respond well."
Stallion, for its part, improved to 23 points, which was only good for fourth spot.
It also made its coach Ernest Nierras concede on its title-retention bid.
"We felt we had some chances. Like I said we had to win this game. I don't think mathematically it's possible for us to win the championship," said Nierras.
In the other match, Green Archers United-Globe relied on the late rocket by Robert Lopez Mendy as it turned back Team Socceroo, 2-1, to hike its total to 19 points.
It was the fourth straight victory by the Globe-backed Archers in a sensational streak that included giant-sized wins over powerhouse LBC-bankrolled Kaya and Loyola.