Matthew Hartmann Speaks on His Transfer to Global

Matthew Hartmann has been the subject of a transfer to Global FC, ending a spell of four years with the Loyola Meralco Sparks. Part of the squad even before the club was renamed to its current form, the midfielder played a key role in winning the UFL Cup and the PFF National Club Championship. His move to Global
“Not for one second was it an easy decision to make. It was very hard. It was a very emotional decision because the club has looked after me so well. For four years they’ve stood by me, they’ve looked after me on and off the field, especially Randy [Roxas] (club’s Vice Chairman) – he’s really looked after me. He’s the one who’s been at the club the whole time. We’ve had managers in and out. We’ve had coaches in and out, but Randy’s been there since the start. I owe a lot to him,” said Matt Hartmann
Although his decision to leave the club was a difficult one to make, the midfielder is relishing the opportunity to once again be playing alongside his brother and former Spark, Mark Hartmann.
“The next step is finally getting to play alongside my brother again. I hated playing against him. I didn’t like winning against him, I hated losing against him. So now we’re on the same team, it’s brilliant. And also it’s a massive chance for me to play in the AFC Cup (where Global is in the group stages).”
Having been at the club even before it officially became the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Matt Hartmann has developed close friendships with more than a few of his teammates, especially with long serving Sparks Roxy Dorlas, Simon Greatwich, and Phil and James Younghusband.
“It’s very sad leaving them, but they understand that it’s a good move for me, and that it’s a good time for me to go. I’m obviously still going to be friends with them. Just because I’m at a different club doesn’t mean I’m not friends with them.”
As he bids farewell to the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Matt Hartmann does so content with his achievements with the club, and confident with the level of quality the current squad possesses
“Winning the UFL Cup in 2013, and of course the Smart Nationals,” said Hartmann of his fondest times with the club. “In four years we’ve got two trophies and we’ve finished second in the League, so it’s been very very good,” he said. “Now we’ve got all the new players in. It is actually the strongest squad we’ve had. As time goes on, we’re bonding more and more, and it will be a very strong team.”

http://loyolameralcosparks.com/matthew-hartmann-speaks-on-his-transfer-to-global/

McMenemy: Attacking Referees is Unacceptable

After achieving a dramatic comeback from two goals down, the Loyola Meralco Sparks were understandably jubilant after the final whistle. But the celebrations were cut short after members of Manila Jeepney, including head coach Kim Chul-Su, were involved in a fracas as they expressed their annoyance at the result, and their disappointment at the referee. The incident saw both benches cleared, but mostly with the intention of restraining certain individuals from violent actions.
“From their bench, to be winning 2-nil against one of the top teams in the League, to then go down 3-2, there was always going to be frustration coming for their bench. And James’ (Younghusband) request was simply to shake hands. There had been a lot of back and forth during the game. For one reason or another, players decided not to shake hands and walked straight off the field after a really tough game,” said McMenemy when asked about the incident.
“I have no idea what their coach was going on about. He looked like he was after the referee. I think that’s something that needs to be looked at because, I may talk, but I don’t touch referees – that’s not on. So maybe the UFL will have a little look at what happened there.”
An incident report has since been filed by the match officials regarding the events that transpired after the final whistle, and the United Football League’s disciplinary committee will release their decision in the coming days before the weekend.

http://loyolameralcosparks.com/mcmenemy-attacking-referees-is-unacceptable/

OFFICIAL: Loyola and Global agree on Matt Hartmann-Curt Dizon Transfer

After lengthy negotiations, the Loyola Meralco Sparks and Global have come to an agreement over the transfer of Matthew Hartmann. The midfielder, recently crowned MVP and Best Midfielder in the Sparks’ title-winning campaign in the PFF Smart National Club Championship, leaves after being a fixture at the club since its inception four years ago. During his time with Loyola he won a UFL Cup title, a PFF National Club Championship title, and a runners-up finish in the League.
“First of all, he’s the longest standing player at the club. And it’s always hard to lose a player that’s been there since the beginning,” said Team Manager Armand Del Rosario, who also revealed the club was close to extending Hartmann’s contract, which was set to expire in June. “We were on the verge of signing him to a longer term contract, but the pull to play with his brother and to play in the AFC Cup decided it. Although we didn’t want to lose him, with Global’s interest, it was a decision that was a win for both clubs. We wish him the best of luck. I feel he’s one of the best players in the League and I really want him to be the best he can be out there.”

Hartmann’s departure ushers in the arrival of Philippine National Team player Curt Dizon from Global.
“Curt is an exciting young player,” said Del Rosario. “At 21 years old he’s got a bright future ahead of him for the Azkals, and for Meralco.”
While the deal has been agreed, Hartmann will not be able to play for Global in the United Football League until the next transfer window opens in April, but he will be eligible to suit up for his new team for the upcoming AFC Cup matches.
Having been a crucial figure in the clubs’ successful first four years, Matthew Hartmann’s time at the club will be remembered fondly by all involved with the Loyola Meralco Sparks.

http://loyolameralcosparks.com/official-loyola-and-global-agree-on-matt-hartmann-curt-dizon-transfer/

Phil Younghusband optimistic about Loyola's title chances

Jaelle Nevin Reyes

MANILA, Philippines – Despite sitting out the first two games of his club due to an injury, Phil Younghusband is confident about their chances of clinching this year's United Football League (UFL) title.

The Loyola Meralco Sparks FC star striker told the media in an interview during the presser for his new sports show, with his brother James Younghusband, that even though they had a slow start to this season, he is happy with their two consecutive wins.

"We haven't performed like the way we would've liked but we still won the games."

The Sparks have notched a 2-0-0 win-loss-draw card after sailing through Team Socceroo FC and Manila Jeepney FC to open their campaign in the UFC. He said he was frustrated that he had skip those games of Loyola but stressed that he is impressed with the performance of the new additions to their team.

P. Younghusband, who has been a vital cog in the Azkals and Loyola FC frontline, is nursing a hamstring strain but is expected to be fit to play within the next 5-6 days.

Meanwhile, amidst the upcoming games of Global FC and Ceres La Salle FC in the AFC Cup, he said Loyola targets to acquire the same honor of representing Philippine football on an international level.

"Hopefully, next year. We feel that we have enough quality and I think we're on the same level as Global and Ceres. It would be nice to see Meralco play there next year." – 

Rappler.com

Loyola Meralco Sparks FC signs Australian Tahj Minniecon

.

Loyola Meralco Sparks has signed 25 y.o .former Western Sydney Wanderers forward Tahj Minniecon.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/former-western-sydney-wanderer-tahj-minniecon-signs-with-philippine-club-loyola-sparks-20141201-11xrqu.html

He has 26 matches for Australia U20 and 4 matches for Australia U23

source :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahj_Minniecon

  

Loyola Meralco Spark - Roster for UFL FA League Cup

Slumping Loyola Sparks try to regain solo second spot as it takes on Army

By Karlo Sacamos

LOYOLA Meralco takes a leaf out of the Kaya FC playbook as it faces Philippine Army in the hope of reviving its title campaign in the United Football League on Saturday at the Emperador Stadium.
After Kaya focused on its performances rather than results when it suffered its own string of disappointments, it’s the struggling Sparks’ turn to do that as they try to start afresh in the third round of the tournament against the Troopers.
Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. with the Sparks trying to regain solo second spot away from Kaya.
“It’s easy for you to get lost in such a long league, thinking about where you are, where you stand, how many points this, how many points that,” said Sparks coach Vince Santos, whose team is coming off three disappointing results, the latest a 1-3 loss to Kaya.
“So I think we agreed we should start forgetting counting totals and whatnot. We should stop looking at results of others and just focus on ourselves,” he added. “That’s the proper mentality for us to have moving forward.”
Getting back on the winning track, however, is easier said than done as the Sparks take on a sixth-running military squad that’s coming off a 2-1 win over Pasargad.
Loyola, though, is undefeated the Troopers after scoring 5-1 and 3-1 victories in the first two rounds.
Earlier, Pachanga, running seventh, and second-to-last Socceroo collide at 6:15 p.m. as the two bottom-half squads try to end their respective second-round campaigns on a bright note.

spin.ph

Menpora Cup - Loyola 1-5 Mitra Kukar FT

Menpora Cup Wednesday


Loyola Meralco Sparks Fc 1-5 Mitra Kukar

Loyola jolts Indonesian side

Karl Decena, InterAKTV

The Loyola Meralco Sparks came away with a 3-1 victory against Indonesian side Persepam Madura United to bounce back in their campaign in the 2013 Menpora Cup on Monday at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java.
James Younghusband and Lee Joo Young scored one goal apiece for Loyola before an own goal by Madura sealed the final score for the Sparks, who recovered from 1-nil loss against Arema Malang last Saturday.
Lee started the scoring with a goal at the 19th minute, but Madura’s Denny Rumba quickly answered with a conversion at the 20th minute to tie the match.
Younghusband broke the deadlock after hitting the back of the net at the 45th minute to give Loyola a 2-1 halftime lead.
Madura suffered a huge blow in its comeback effort as Fachruddin Wahyudi Aryanto made an own goal at the 55th minute, allowing the Sparks to take a commanding 3-1 edge en route to the victory.
Loyola notched the triumph despite having just 41 percent of the possession and attempting eight shots, five of which were on target. Madura had more goal chances with 17, seven of which were on target.
The Sparks will next face Mitra Kukar on Wednesday to complete their matches in the Malang Group.
The 2013 Menpora Cup is an invitational club tournament featuring local clubs in Indonesia and some international teams. Also playing in the other group of the competition, the Bandung Group, are defending Australian League champion Central Coast Mariners, reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Malaysia Under-23 football team, domestic sides Persib Bandung, one of the most successful clubs in Indonesian history, and Sriwijaya FC, 2012 champion of the Indonesia Super League.

interaksyon

Hartmann departure a `big loss' for Meralco, says Younghusband

Karlo Sacamos

MARK Hartmann is definitely one of the top booters in the United Football League (UFL), pulling the strings in midfield for a Loyola Meralco Sparks’ squad that boasts one of the league’s most offensively potent lineups.

But with the recent transfer of Hartmann to Global, one former teammate who will probably be affected the most is Phil Younghusband, who has been the recipient of numerous passes that led him to becoming the second-leading scorer in the recently concluded UFL season.

“He’s a big loss,” admitted the Sparks’ star striker, who finished the season with 17 goals, only one behind Golden Ball and Boot winner Rufo Sanchez. “A lot (of goals) went through Mark and he supplied a lot to me.”

“But we have to look at another direction now on how we can get success,” added Younghusband, who turns 26 on August 4.

The Sparks are starting to make steps toward rebuilding by recruiting two imports for the Singapore Cup in goalkeeper Baba Sampana and center back Samuel Bonney.

The Ghanaian recruits suited up on Friday when Loyola had its first tune-up game after the UFL break at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig, a 5-4 win over a selection of players from newly minted champion Stallion, Kaya, and Nomads.

So far, Sampana and Bonney have been able to mesh well with mainstays like James Younghusband, Matthew Hartmann, Armand del Rosario, and Jake Morallo.

“What’s good is the majority of the team stayed together, so system-wise, we only need to adjust a few players,” Sparks coach Vince Santos said. “But they’re professionals so it’s been easier than I expected.”

The Sparks have been practicing for three weeks in preparation for the Singapore Cup quarterfinals, where they will face former champion Tanjong Pagar United in a two-legged series starting July 24.

“From today’s performance, a lot of positive to take out of it,” Santos said, adding the Sparks will have another tune-up game on Monday before leaving for Singapore the next day.

spin.ph

Loyola grabs second UFL spot with win over Pasargad

Karl Decena, InterAKTV

The Loyola Meralco Sparks broke loose in the second half en route to a 4-2 victory over Pasargad FC in United Football League action Thursday night at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill in Taguig.
Star striker Phil Younghusband scored two goals to lead the Sparks, who took the second spot in the League table with the victory.
Byeong Yeong Jeol opened the game’s scoring with a shot at the 13th minute which gave Loyola an early 1-nil lead.
Emmanuel Mbata then answered moments after, firing a long-range shot at the 22nd minute which brought the match to a 1-1 deadlock at the half.
Younghusband then made his presence felt right after the break as he nailed a goal at the 47th minute off a Mark Hartmann dish to put Loyola on top, 2-1.
Just a few minutes after his first shot, Younghusband showed the other side of his game, this time dishing an assist to Matt Hartmann, who sank a goal at the 61st minute to give the Sparks a comfortable 3-1 edge.
Younghusband then bagged a brace after converting a penalty kick at the 81st minute for his second goal of the match and Loyola’s 4-1 cushion.
Younousse Yaogo then nailed a goal at the 92nd minute for Pasargad, but that wasn’t enough for his squad to overcome the Sparks’ lead in the match.
The victory put Loyola at the second spot in the standings with 32 points after grabbing its 10th win of the season along with two draws and a loss.
Meanwhile, Pasargad suffered its eighth loss along with three wins and two losses to stay at seventh place with 11 points.

interaksyon

UFL Today - Loyola beat Global 4-3 !

UFL Div 1 match today :

Loyola Fc vs Global Fc at 7 pm Rizal Stadium

Loyola will play without Phil Younghusband and Matt Hartmann who are suspended.

Loyola Fc beat Global Fc 4-3 !

Global XI: Bahadoran, Barbaso, Basa, Cortes, Elhabbib B., Elhabbib I., Espinosa, Guisso, Hoshide, Hwedi, Pascual

Loyola Meralco Sparks XI : Cortina, Dorlas, Gonzales, Hartmann M., Jeong, Morallo, Ozaeta, Park, Vorbeck, Yoshioka, Younghusband J.

Goals Global Fc : Misagh Bahadoran , Angel Guirado ,Izo Elhabbib
Goals Loyola Fc : James Younghusband 2 goals ,Mark Hartmann,Byeong Yeol Jeong