The Loyola Meralco Sparks opened the RHB Singapoe Cup with a hard fought 2-1 win over home team Geylang United.
The match nearly started in disaster as Geylang almost scored after a free kick was deflected by the wall but hit the corner of the post. Just a few inches and it would have hammered in and destroyed Loyola's morale early in the game.
However, the post saved them and Loyola was able to make several attempts on goal with Mark Hartman and even Phil Younghusband showing that he has the ability to penetrate the defensive line.
After an amateurish defensive mistake by the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Geylang United finally scores in the 42nd minute when the ball was left gift-wrapped and just waiting to be kicked in after a blocked attempt by Geylang. Michael King just needed to help the ball in while the Loyola players looked on.
At the half, The favored Singaporeans were up by one goal.
The second half was a different story however, as Mark Hartman was able to score after the Sparks here able to control the pace of the game from the beginning of the half. The Geylang Offense was unable to match their first half prowess and the cross of substitute David Cortina allowed Hartman to finish perfectly from close range in the 64th minute.
The heat in Singapore proved to be a major factor as the Sparks seem to be going out of the Loyola team late into the game and more and more players looked exhausted. Loyola players were dropping like flies due to cramps. Both teams started messing up their passes and the tempo started to fall.
Despite several more attempts at goal, no one was able to score again to end regulation time at a 1-1 draw. The teams soldier on for a 30 min. overtime with everyone looking drained and positively exhausted.
Both teams were not playing well but the Loyola Sparks were able to force an attack. Luck for Mark Hartman, a long distance shot was deflected off a Geylang defender which left their keeper wrong footed giving Loyola the lead in the 5th minute of overtime. Geylang answered quickly with their own attempt just a minute later and Loyola keeper Cuaresma needed to get his A-game up to maintain the lead.
In the second period of overtime, the Geylang Eagles dominated the game putting a lot of pressure on Cuaresma and the entire Loyola defense. With the Singaporean team taking it up a notch, Loyola suddenly showed the beginnings of a collapse with dismal passing and a lackluster over-all performance. The players looked tired and distracted.
The Loyola goal was peppered by shots and they needed all the energy, luck and skills they had left to keep the ball out. Cuaresma was beaten in a golden opportunity but it was knocked into the side netting.
A good result for Loyola considering how Geylang was the favorite to win this match. A good achievement as well for the UFL and Philippine football in general as this proves that our teams can be competitive at least in the Asian level.
Check back here for updates on the upcoming Singapore Cup games.The UFL resumes after the series of international games, exhibition matches and international friendlies scheduled bu the Philippine Azkals and the various Clubs.
*photo: www.facebook.com/azkalspilipinasfutbol
However, the post saved them and Loyola was able to make several attempts on goal with Mark Hartman and even Phil Younghusband showing that he has the ability to penetrate the defensive line.
After an amateurish defensive mistake by the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Geylang United finally scores in the 42nd minute when the ball was left gift-wrapped and just waiting to be kicked in after a blocked attempt by Geylang. Michael King just needed to help the ball in while the Loyola players looked on.
At the half, The favored Singaporeans were up by one goal.
The second half was a different story however, as Mark Hartman was able to score after the Sparks here able to control the pace of the game from the beginning of the half. The Geylang Offense was unable to match their first half prowess and the cross of substitute David Cortina allowed Hartman to finish perfectly from close range in the 64th minute.
The heat in Singapore proved to be a major factor as the Sparks seem to be going out of the Loyola team late into the game and more and more players looked exhausted. Loyola players were dropping like flies due to cramps. Both teams started messing up their passes and the tempo started to fall.
Despite several more attempts at goal, no one was able to score again to end regulation time at a 1-1 draw. The teams soldier on for a 30 min. overtime with everyone looking drained and positively exhausted.
Both teams were not playing well but the Loyola Sparks were able to force an attack. Luck for Mark Hartman, a long distance shot was deflected off a Geylang defender which left their keeper wrong footed giving Loyola the lead in the 5th minute of overtime. Geylang answered quickly with their own attempt just a minute later and Loyola keeper Cuaresma needed to get his A-game up to maintain the lead.
In the second period of overtime, the Geylang Eagles dominated the game putting a lot of pressure on Cuaresma and the entire Loyola defense. With the Singaporean team taking it up a notch, Loyola suddenly showed the beginnings of a collapse with dismal passing and a lackluster over-all performance. The players looked tired and distracted.
The Loyola goal was peppered by shots and they needed all the energy, luck and skills they had left to keep the ball out. Cuaresma was beaten in a golden opportunity but it was knocked into the side netting.
A good result for Loyola considering how Geylang was the favorite to win this match. A good achievement as well for the UFL and Philippine football in general as this proves that our teams can be competitive at least in the Asian level.
Check back here for updates on the upcoming Singapore Cup games.The UFL resumes after the series of international games, exhibition matches and international friendlies scheduled bu the Philippine Azkals and the various Clubs.
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