FC Meralco whips Davao but loses Younghusbands
FC Meralco Manila rallied past Davao Aguilas, 3-2, to get back to the top of the Philippines Football League Saturday at Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City.
But off the field, winless Davao (five points) appeared to still emerge winner over pacesetting Manila (27 points) as it virtually convinced Phil and James Younghusband to move out of the Sparks’ camp and into its fold yesterday.
The Younghusbands, Meralco management announced hours before the match with Davao, were being released from their current contracts to allow them to sign with the Aguilas.
“We all express our deep gratitude for the brothers’ distinguished service to the club eversince 2011, when Meralco took ownership of Loyola Football Club,” said the club, which the Younghusbands helped win the UFL Cup title in 2013 and the PFF national club championship in 2015.
According to the Sparks, last night’s game was the Younghusbands’ last with them.
“Their leadership, work ethic and professionalism never fail to inspire their teammates,” said FC Meralco Manila vice chairman Randy Roxas.
“Off the pitch, the Younghusband brothers embodied our club’s values in every way and tirelessly worked to promote the game and serve as ambassadors for Meralco. We can never thank them enough for all they have given us,” he added.
Facing a 1-2 deficit at the break, the Sparks turned to James Younghusband to put Manila level with his 64th minute connection then counted on Milan Nikolic, who fired his second goal to secure its eighth victory and spoil Davao’s bid for its first triumph.
With the Younghusbands leaving, the Sparks expressed “utmost confidence” in the remaining players, saying: “This is a fantastic opportunity for them to prove their worth to the team and pick up the slack both on the field and in the dressing room.”
The Aguilas have mounted an aggressive recruitment spree, beefing up their roster with high-profile acquisitions like Jason de Jong, Matt Hartmann and Simone Rota prior to the Younghusbands.