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THE Younghusbands gave Meralco Manila a fitting farewell as the pair starred in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over their new team Davao Aguilas in the Philippines Football League on Saturday at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum.
Phil assisted on two goals as James scored his last goal as a Meralco player hours after their team made the formal announcement of the transfer to the San Miguel backed squad.
The two perfectly complimented center-back Milan Nikolic, who notched a brace for the Sparks who regained pole position with 27 points.
"It was an emotional match. Thanks to the great crowd and thanks to Phil and James for all they have done for the club," said Nikolic who was named man of the match.
Nikolic connected well with Phil, heading in the well taken corner by the national team skipper in the 41st minute, to negate the 33rd minute goal of newcomer Harrison Sawyer.
But Matt Hartmann, another new signing from the recent transfer window, pushed the hosts again on literally the next play.
The Sparks got the equalizer in what could be the moment of the night, with Phil beating defenders before feeding his brother James in the box in the 64th minute.
Nikolic made sure to give the two a fitting sendoff when he headed in a Curt Dizon cross in the 66th minute and give the Sparks the lead for good.
"You are all like brothers to me," James told the team after the match.
Despite a string of additions, the win remained elusive for the Aguilas who remained glued at seventh with five points after 12 games.
Read more at http://www.spin.ph/football/news/meralco-manila-give-younghusbands-emotional-sendoff-with-comeback-win-vs-davao-aguilas#3SxzQKyEc9dR5er7.99
NOW Davao will be a force in the leagues future! That sure went faster than expected, albeit not through the development of the local players as initially intended. But still , you need experienced players to develope them and I can think of none better than the additions this club has made!
ReplyDeleteOn the flipside I think we are seeing the end of an era for the Sparks. Wonder how Meralco will help them out of this. Either way it is good that more teams outside of Manila are getting better! Still sad for those Meralco vs Kaya games. That was the best rivalry in Philippine football, which will now make way for a Global vs Ceres vs Davao one. Atleast some will hopefully remember and uphold it!