Meralco Manila Sparks shoot to reclaim PFL lead
LOST the top spot in the Philippines Football League (PFL) early this week, FC Meralco Manila tries to reclaim it when it treks back to the field tomorrow and face anew struggling Ilocos United FC.
To take place at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the visiting Sparks (5-2-0), currently second running with 17 points from seven games, is eyeing a full three points over the hosts in their 4 p.m. clash to supplant league-leading JPV Marikina FC (6-0-2) at 18 points.
In its last game on June 24, Meralco was held to a 1-1 draw by Stallion Laguna FC. It was the second straight time that it was held to a draw after winning its first five assignments in the newly created national football league.
Phil Younghusband put Meralco ahead in their last match in the 15th minute when he scored off a penalty only to be countered by Jhanjhan Meliza in the 60th minute as he leveled things for Stallion, 1-1, a score that stayed the rest of the way.
The result left Meralco frustrated but nonetheless determined to better itself moving forward.
“For us it’s (result) a setback. But at the end of day, the target is to be in the top four then important matches come after,” said Sparks coach Aris Caslib following their game against Stallion.
On the part Ilocos, tailending to date with 0-2-5 record and two points in seven matches, it will try to finally notch its first victory in the PFL.
It fought to a goalless draw against San Miguel Davao Aguilas FC last time around and is looking to build on it.
In their first encounter on May 13, Meralco came from behind to beat Ilocos, 2-1.
The Meralco-Ilocos match tomorrow will be aired over PTV-4.
Meanwhile, in midweek PFL fixtures, Ceres Negros FC and Global Cebu FC were victorious in their respective matches.
Ceres routed Stallion, 5-1, on Wednesday with Fernando Rodriguez Ortega scoring a hat trick and Bievenido Maranon a brace.
The win improved the Busmen to 3-1-1 and 10 points in five games to move to joint fourth place with Kaya FC-Makati.
Global, for its part, solidified its hold of third spot at this point of the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Davao.
It now sports a 4-1- 2 record and 13 points in seven matches.