In their final game with the squad, the Younghusband brothers made sure it was a winning one, securing a come-from-behind 3-2 victory for FC Meralco Manila over Davao Aguilas FC in the lone Philippines Football League matchup scheduled this past Saturday at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City.
Milan Nikolic scored twice for the Sparks, with his second goal turning out to be the game-winner for the visitors in the 66th minute. FC Meralco Manila had tied the game a couple of minutes earlier c/o James Younghusband off an assist from brother Phil.
Both teams came into the match without a key central defender, with Joaco Cañas for the Sparks and Milos Krstic for the Aguilas both suspended.
The returning Ace Villanueva was tested early, repulsing a strike from recent Davao signing Jason de Jong. But the hosts eventually scored first, thank to their recent signing Harrison Sawyer in the 33rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse.
Nikolic equalized for the Sparks in the 41st minute, nodding in a corner from Phil, but the Aguilas quickly responded to restore the lead, thanks to Matthew Hartmann.
The second half provided an early opportunity for FC Meralco Manila to equalize, but Marko Trkulja deftly denies a Phil free kick three minutes in. Seven minutes later, James had a chance, but was unable to convert.
Eventually, the Sparks found the tying goal, when Phil beat the defense on the right flank, and then centered to James, who then slipped it past Trkulja. Curt Dizon then found Nikolic on a cross to give the lead.
Post-match, head coach Aris Caslib praised Daniel Gadia's performance, noting that he "came in and pushed Phil and James upfield. That was our main adjustment in the second half."
Nikolic appreciated the crowd in Tagum and thanks the Younghusbands for all that they have done for the club. He added, "It was an emotional match."
James told the team after the game, "You all are like brothers to me."
With the victory, the Sparks temporarily take hold of first place in the PFL with 27 points, with ertswhile leaders Kaya FC set to face Stallion Laguna FC later this afternoon. The loss pegs the Aguilas in seventh place at five points.
Milan Nikolic scored twice for the Sparks, with his second goal turning out to be the game-winner for the visitors in the 66th minute. FC Meralco Manila had tied the game a couple of minutes earlier c/o James Younghusband off an assist from brother Phil.
Both teams came into the match without a key central defender, with Joaco Cañas for the Sparks and Milos Krstic for the Aguilas both suspended.
The returning Ace Villanueva was tested early, repulsing a strike from recent Davao signing Jason de Jong. But the hosts eventually scored first, thank to their recent signing Harrison Sawyer in the 33rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse.
Nikolic equalized for the Sparks in the 41st minute, nodding in a corner from Phil, but the Aguilas quickly responded to restore the lead, thanks to Matthew Hartmann.
The second half provided an early opportunity for FC Meralco Manila to equalize, but Marko Trkulja deftly denies a Phil free kick three minutes in. Seven minutes later, James had a chance, but was unable to convert.
Eventually, the Sparks found the tying goal, when Phil beat the defense on the right flank, and then centered to James, who then slipped it past Trkulja. Curt Dizon then found Nikolic on a cross to give the lead.
Post-match, head coach Aris Caslib praised Daniel Gadia's performance, noting that he "came in and pushed Phil and James upfield. That was our main adjustment in the second half."
Nikolic appreciated the crowd in Tagum and thanks the Younghusbands for all that they have done for the club. He added, "It was an emotional match."
James told the team after the game, "You all are like brothers to me."
With the victory, the Sparks temporarily take hold of first place in the PFL with 27 points, with ertswhile leaders Kaya FC set to face Stallion Laguna FC later this afternoon. The loss pegs the Aguilas in seventh place at five points.
No comments:
Post a Comment