In a matchup featuring the top two teams in the Philippines Football League, FC Meralco Manila snapped JPV Marikina's winning run with a 2-1 victory at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Saturday night.
Much like their previous meeting, team skipper James Younghusband scored the game-winner for the Sparks in the 67th minute. In this case, James took the throw-in from Tyler Matas and flicked it past Nelson Gasic.
FC Meralco Manila opened scoring in the 23rd minute, when JPV central defender Masaaki Yanagawa and Gasic had a miscommunication error leading to the former scoring an own goal. JPV does manage to find a quick equalizer five minutes later, with John Celiz took advantage of a miscue by Daniel Gadia and found Satoshi Otomo, who then beat Junjun Badelic at the top corner.
Gadia's rough day was capped off with the former UP skipper being sent off for being booked for his second yellow card of the evening in the 76th minute.
JPV tried to find an equalizer and make full use of their personnel advantage, but the Sparks worked together to prevent one from happening. The closest answer they could have was an attempt from Takashi Odawara late, but it was off to right of the post.
In spite of the loss, Dan Padernal remained optimistic about the team's performance, knowing that the goals scored came off a set piece and a miscommunication. He also cited the team's ball possession and creation of scoring chances, but they just were unable to convert. He added that the team "will learn from their mistakes, " and praised the Sparks' adjustments to combat their personnel disadvantage.
Aris Caslib highlighted his bench as a factor in securing the victory, while also noting that luck played a role, as well. He also highlighted that the team has a desire to go into the next level. As for the game-winner, "James was at the right time, at the right place."
With the win, FC Meralco Manila extended the gap against JPV to five points (23 to 18), with the Marikina side falling to third place with Global Cebu FC's 3-0 victory over Stallion Laguna FC allowing the Sugbu side to move up to second with 20 points.
The Sparks have a huge opportunity to consolidate their reign atop the PFL table as they face Ceres-Negros this weekend, with a 4pm kickoff.
NOTES:
Both Tahj Minniecon and Milan Nikolic returned to action for FC Meralco Manila after observing their one-match suspension in their previous fixture. Joaco Canas suffered a deep cut in his shin and was sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Both Camelo Tacusalme and Takumi Uesato did not play for JPV Marikina due to injury. Padernal did praise David Basa's performance in stepping in Camelo's role during the match. He also acknowledged that the outcome would have been different had Uesato played.
Caslib also highlighted FC Meralco Manila's commitment to the national team, allowing key cog Ace Villanueva to travel and participate in the U22 training camp currently taking place in Japan. He says both Ace and Junjun are starter-caliber.
FC Meralco Manila also honored its youth standouts who did well in the Youth Football League before the game.
Much like their previous meeting, team skipper James Younghusband scored the game-winner for the Sparks in the 67th minute. In this case, James took the throw-in from Tyler Matas and flicked it past Nelson Gasic.
FC Meralco Manila opened scoring in the 23rd minute, when JPV central defender Masaaki Yanagawa and Gasic had a miscommunication error leading to the former scoring an own goal. JPV does manage to find a quick equalizer five minutes later, with John Celiz took advantage of a miscue by Daniel Gadia and found Satoshi Otomo, who then beat Junjun Badelic at the top corner.
Gadia's rough day was capped off with the former UP skipper being sent off for being booked for his second yellow card of the evening in the 76th minute.
JPV tried to find an equalizer and make full use of their personnel advantage, but the Sparks worked together to prevent one from happening. The closest answer they could have was an attempt from Takashi Odawara late, but it was off to right of the post.
In spite of the loss, Dan Padernal remained optimistic about the team's performance, knowing that the goals scored came off a set piece and a miscommunication. He also cited the team's ball possession and creation of scoring chances, but they just were unable to convert. He added that the team "will learn from their mistakes, " and praised the Sparks' adjustments to combat their personnel disadvantage.
Aris Caslib highlighted his bench as a factor in securing the victory, while also noting that luck played a role, as well. He also highlighted that the team has a desire to go into the next level. As for the game-winner, "James was at the right time, at the right place."
With the win, FC Meralco Manila extended the gap against JPV to five points (23 to 18), with the Marikina side falling to third place with Global Cebu FC's 3-0 victory over Stallion Laguna FC allowing the Sugbu side to move up to second with 20 points.
The Sparks have a huge opportunity to consolidate their reign atop the PFL table as they face Ceres-Negros this weekend, with a 4pm kickoff.
NOTES:
Both Tahj Minniecon and Milan Nikolic returned to action for FC Meralco Manila after observing their one-match suspension in their previous fixture. Joaco Canas suffered a deep cut in his shin and was sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Both Camelo Tacusalme and Takumi Uesato did not play for JPV Marikina due to injury. Padernal did praise David Basa's performance in stepping in Camelo's role during the match. He also acknowledged that the outcome would have been different had Uesato played.
Caslib also highlighted FC Meralco Manila's commitment to the national team, allowing key cog Ace Villanueva to travel and participate in the U22 training camp currently taking place in Japan. He says both Ace and Junjun are starter-caliber.
FC Meralco Manila also honored its youth standouts who did well in the Youth Football League before the game.
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