Phil bounces back as Sparks thump Kanbawza, 3-1

MANILA, Philippines – Phil Younghusband snapped out from his personal slump as he led the Loyola Meralco Sparks to a convincing 3-1 win over Kanbawza FC in the opener of their quarterfinal leg in the 2012 RHB Singapore Cup tonight at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.



After being held scoreless in Loyola's last three matches in the United Football League (UFL), Phil looked for his shot early in the match and was rewarded right away.

After Kanbawza pressed its attack, Loyola countered back as Phil, the AFC Challenge Cup and UFL Golden Boot awardee, completed a well-executed play to find the back of the net just 15 minutes into the match.


Mark Hartmann doubled the lead in the 65th minute before Myanmar's national team striker Soe Min Oo cut the lead 10 minutes later.

The Sparks put the match away in the injury time as Phil's brother James connected two minutes past the 90-minute mark.

Loyola will take the 3-1 scoreline into their second and final meeting on Sunday also at the same venue.

The Sparks just need to keep Kanbawza from scoring two goals to advance to the semis in their maiden participation in the tournament.