Football
Contrapelo? Air Force foils Loyola again, dims Sparks’ title hopes
AKTV file photo/Mark Dimalanta
The road to Division One supremacy became tougher for Loyola Meralco Sparks after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Philippine Air Force Phoenix in thrilling United Football League action Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The loss left Loyola at third place in the UFL standings with 35 points, behind Global’s 38 and Kaya’s 36.
The match seemed headed for a draw, with both teams tied at 1-all late in the game. But Reymark Palmes, who subbed in at the 83rd minute, he rifled a goal for Air Force from close range at the 93rd minute to give his team the victory.
Yanti Barsales also scored in the 35th minute for Air Force, while Byeong Yeol Jeong slotted the lone goal for Loyola, which had several chances to grab the lead in the second half but was denied by superb goalkeeping of veteran Tats Mercado.
The Sparks now need to sweep its last two games and hope Global and Kaya drop their next matches to win the Division One title.
Loyola will face Nomads Auction Manila on Saturday and Global on June 26 in a match that could determine the season’s champion.
