Maharlika Taguig, Loyola share spoils after 2-2 showdown

Photo from PFL

by Drew Malihan

MANILA - Midtable sides Maharlika Taguig and Loyola FC settle for a 2-2 draw inside the Rizal Memorial Stadium to continue their 2024 Philippines Football League on Sunday.

Loyola looked to bounce back against a 0-3 defeat to contenders Davao Aguilas last week, while Maharlika Taguig wanted to build momentum after a 5-0 beatdown of hapless Manila Montet.

It was the Team of the Masses who drew first blood as Lucas del Rosario scored in the eight minute, converting an assist from Gael Basana after Loyola committed an early defensive error.

Del Rosario returned the favor to the Englishman as he assisted Basana in the 28th minute with a strike at the edge of the box which went straight to keeper Javi Coscolluela but the deflection still went to the goal.

The former Maharlika keeper helped to get one back for Loyola as his long ball found Ivorian forward Ousmane Sidibe, who then passed it to skipper Kim Sung-min to send the ball past Mamadou Sene's guard to end the first half 2-1.

It took the Greywolves the entire second half to tie the game as Kim sent the ball to William Winter, who then kicked the ball to Sidibe to score three minutes into stoppage time.

Both teams remained at 13 points with a 4-1-4 record, with Loyola keeping the eighth spot against Maharlika by goal difference.

Maharlika Taguig will try to keep their momentum going as they will face fellow Taguig-based side Philippine Army, while Loyola will rekindle their UFL Cup days as they will face Mendiola FC, both on Saturday.

Follow him on X: @DMalihan_DPH