LOYOLA Meralco aims to widen its gap from Global FC as it takes on a streaking Green Archers United on Saturday in the United Football League (UFL) at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig.
With the title race turning to a see-saw battle between the top two teams, the league-leading Sparks hope to gain some breathing room anew from Global, which is just a point behind.
Gaining that objective is easier said than done, however, as Loyola is expected to have its hands full against the Archers in their second-round encounter at 6:15 p.m.
The Sparks zapped the Archers in the first round, 3-0, but will be facing a rejuvenated Green Archers side that has delivered results despite continuing to miss the services of injured skipper Chieffy Caligdong.
Coming off a 3-1 victory over Pasargad last Saturday, the Archers hope to extend their first winning streak of the season as they try to keep a firm hold of fifth spot.
The absence of Caligdong has become a blessing in disguise for some Archers, foremost of them is Dodong Villareal, the natural right-back who has been thrust to the right wing to provide scoring punch as evidenced by his brace against Pasargad.
“We’re in a good groove right now,” Archers star goalkeeper Patrick Deyto said. “I think it’s the right time for us to adjust because we haven’t won the past four games prior to the two games we had.
“Hopefully we keep getting good results,” the promising rookie Azkal added.
Defending champion Stallion FC, running fourth in the nine-team field, tries to keep its fading title-retention bid hopes alive as it collides with Pachanga-PLDT Home Fibr in the nightcap at 8:30 p.m.
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