THE fight for the United Football League First Division title ends on Tuesday night at the Rizal Stadium with Global and Kaya FC the only teams still in the hunt.
Global, in the top spot with 41 points, takes on Loyola Meralco at 8 p.m. after Kaya, running second with 39 points, collides with Penson Stallion Gilligan’s at 6 p.m.
The Dan Palami-managed Global only needs a draw against the Sparks to bag the coveted crown.
Kaya’s destiny is not entirely in its own hands. Even if it wins against Stallion in the opener, Kaya will remain in second place unless Global loses to Loyola.
A Kaya win and a Global draw would put the two teams level for the top spot with 42 points, but the latter will still go on to win the title due to goal difference.
“I’m gonna be a die-hard Loyola fan tomorrow,” Kaya defender Anton del Rosario said on Monday. “We need them to win, but first of all, we need us to perform and win.”
Stallion will definitely not be easy picking for Kaya. In their last meeting on May 2, Kaya almost lost the game before salvaging a 1-1 draw.
“Stallion’s a good team especially on a large venue like Rizal,” Del Rosario said. They’re very experienced so it’s gonna be a tough game. Last game against them we got lucky, blocking a penalty kick. So we’re not taking it easy.”
Del Rosario, Philippine Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, and Jason Sabio will anchor the Kaya defense, while Nate Burkey is expected to lead the club on offense.
Global banners a bevy of national team members in Angel Guirado, Carli de Murga, Rob Gier, and Marwin Angeles, as well as Sudanese striker Izo El-Habbib.
The out-of-it-all Sparks, led by Younghusband brothers Phil and James and Mark Hartmann, will still try to play the spoilers’ role.
“We want to end the season on a high note,” James Younghusband said.
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