Post by cjeagle on May 5, 2016 3:19:48 GMT 8
Azkals' Phil Younghusband dreams of league success with Sparks
Phil Younghusband, Philippines, 2015
Phil Younghusband is still yet to win a league title in the Philippines.
It has been half a decade since English-born Phil Younghusband first made his debut in the United Football League for the Loyola Meralco Sparks.
And in those five years, the Sparks have won the UFL Cup and the PFF National Club Championship while Phil himself has captured a Golden Boot in 2012.
It is a respectable trophy haul, but some may consider it a modest return, especially with Phil and brother James bannering the team. Because, noticeably absent from Phil's domestic football resume is a league winner's medal -- and it is the league trophy that Phil desperately wants.
"We've won the UFL Cup, the Smart Club Championship, and the one that's eluded us is the league. And for us, the league will always tell you who the best team is," he told ESPN FC. "You have to be the most consistent team regularly to win the league. So for me, the league is the one we really want."
The path to league glory would prove elusive for Younghusband and the Sparks in recent years. They've finished in third place in three of the last four league seasons. They would come close in 2013, only to come short in the end. Phil shares his disappointment at not being able to win the title when they had a strong chance.
"I can be honest, it is disappointing," he said. "Especially not getting the league where we had the opportunity. A couple of years ago we swept the first round unbeaten, then we had a bad second round and an even worse third round so yeah, I'm very disappointed."
Phil Younghusband of Philippines vs. Thailand, December 2014, Suzuki Cup semifinal, second leg
Younghusband is still four weeks away from a full comeback after a serious knee injury.
Of course, Loyola have come up against good competition in the UFL, which Phil has been quick to acknowledge.
"We've won a couple of trophies, but to be fair to the competition we've had, we've been playing against good teams," he admitted.
Phil Younghusband is still four weeks away from full recovery from an MCL tear, but he knows there is still time for the Sparks and himself to put things right in the history books.
"Still, I'm only 28 years old. I feel there's still time to get there and with the club's ambitions -- Meralco, Sparks Vice Chairman Randy Roxas, the managers, the coaches and the staff -- their ambition is to continue to progress.
"And that's why I'll always stay at Meralco because I know that they're always wanting to be the best."
This year, Loyola have embarked on a youth drive in the hope of nailing their first ever league title. Younghusband added: "We've brought in new faces in a team for the future.
"We brought in Arnel Amita, Daniel Gadia, and Jinggoy Valmayor -- all young players for the future of the club. A lot of the senior players now, we've got to pass on the mantle to the younger guys, so it's good having the young players in.
Ceres vs. Selangor
Fast rising Ceres La Salle have been performing well in the AFC Cup as well domestically.
"It may not mean initial success, but it does take time, and it is for the future, and it can only mean good things for us in the long term."
However, the Loyola Meralco Sparks are not the only team with sights on league glory. Ceres La Salle have come from Division 2 with a huge budget and have immediately challenged and won the league title in their first attempt.
Global have their sights set on reclaiming old glory and have stated their intent by winning the 2016 UFL Cup. Under coach Ernie Nierras, 2013 league champions Stallion are always contenders for the title, and could yet provide a stiff challenge.
Kaya FC, another team who have underachieved in the league in recent years, will be riding high after last year's UFL Cup triumph and an excellent 2016 AFC Cup campaign thus far.
That said, Younghusband knows that the clock is ticking in his search for his first league title. And he is realistic about how history will judge him if he fails to win even one league crown in his career.
"Yes, it would be a disappointment if I finish my career not winning the league," he conceded. "I've been part of the UFL for five years and the national team for 10 years.
"And to go through that and to say I've not won one league title... You judge Lebron James on how many championships he's won. They judge Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan on how many titles they've won, so you could probably do the same with me.
"So I would definitely look back on it as a disappointment if I don't win at least one title."
Last Saturday, the Loyola Meralco Sparks began their quest for their first ever league title on a bright note by defeating defending champions Ceres La Salle on Matchday 1.
And, with games against title rivals Stallion and Global up next, it is important for Loyola to sustain their momentum if former Chelsea junior Younghusband and the Sparks are to lift the league title for the first time.
www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2864501/azkals-younghusbands-unfulfilled-ambition-in-philippines
Phil Younghusband, Philippines, 2015
Phil Younghusband is still yet to win a league title in the Philippines.
It has been half a decade since English-born Phil Younghusband first made his debut in the United Football League for the Loyola Meralco Sparks.
And in those five years, the Sparks have won the UFL Cup and the PFF National Club Championship while Phil himself has captured a Golden Boot in 2012.
It is a respectable trophy haul, but some may consider it a modest return, especially with Phil and brother James bannering the team. Because, noticeably absent from Phil's domestic football resume is a league winner's medal -- and it is the league trophy that Phil desperately wants.
"We've won the UFL Cup, the Smart Club Championship, and the one that's eluded us is the league. And for us, the league will always tell you who the best team is," he told ESPN FC. "You have to be the most consistent team regularly to win the league. So for me, the league is the one we really want."
The path to league glory would prove elusive for Younghusband and the Sparks in recent years. They've finished in third place in three of the last four league seasons. They would come close in 2013, only to come short in the end. Phil shares his disappointment at not being able to win the title when they had a strong chance.
"I can be honest, it is disappointing," he said. "Especially not getting the league where we had the opportunity. A couple of years ago we swept the first round unbeaten, then we had a bad second round and an even worse third round so yeah, I'm very disappointed."
Phil Younghusband of Philippines vs. Thailand, December 2014, Suzuki Cup semifinal, second leg
Younghusband is still four weeks away from a full comeback after a serious knee injury.
Of course, Loyola have come up against good competition in the UFL, which Phil has been quick to acknowledge.
"We've won a couple of trophies, but to be fair to the competition we've had, we've been playing against good teams," he admitted.
Phil Younghusband is still four weeks away from full recovery from an MCL tear, but he knows there is still time for the Sparks and himself to put things right in the history books.
"Still, I'm only 28 years old. I feel there's still time to get there and with the club's ambitions -- Meralco, Sparks Vice Chairman Randy Roxas, the managers, the coaches and the staff -- their ambition is to continue to progress.
"And that's why I'll always stay at Meralco because I know that they're always wanting to be the best."
This year, Loyola have embarked on a youth drive in the hope of nailing their first ever league title. Younghusband added: "We've brought in new faces in a team for the future.
"We brought in Arnel Amita, Daniel Gadia, and Jinggoy Valmayor -- all young players for the future of the club. A lot of the senior players now, we've got to pass on the mantle to the younger guys, so it's good having the young players in.
Ceres vs. Selangor
Fast rising Ceres La Salle have been performing well in the AFC Cup as well domestically.
"It may not mean initial success, but it does take time, and it is for the future, and it can only mean good things for us in the long term."
However, the Loyola Meralco Sparks are not the only team with sights on league glory. Ceres La Salle have come from Division 2 with a huge budget and have immediately challenged and won the league title in their first attempt.
Global have their sights set on reclaiming old glory and have stated their intent by winning the 2016 UFL Cup. Under coach Ernie Nierras, 2013 league champions Stallion are always contenders for the title, and could yet provide a stiff challenge.
Kaya FC, another team who have underachieved in the league in recent years, will be riding high after last year's UFL Cup triumph and an excellent 2016 AFC Cup campaign thus far.
That said, Younghusband knows that the clock is ticking in his search for his first league title. And he is realistic about how history will judge him if he fails to win even one league crown in his career.
"Yes, it would be a disappointment if I finish my career not winning the league," he conceded. "I've been part of the UFL for five years and the national team for 10 years.
"And to go through that and to say I've not won one league title... You judge Lebron James on how many championships he's won. They judge Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan on how many titles they've won, so you could probably do the same with me.
"So I would definitely look back on it as a disappointment if I don't win at least one title."
Last Saturday, the Loyola Meralco Sparks began their quest for their first ever league title on a bright note by defeating defending champions Ceres La Salle on Matchday 1.
And, with games against title rivals Stallion and Global up next, it is important for Loyola to sustain their momentum if former Chelsea junior Younghusband and the Sparks are to lift the league title for the first time.
www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2864501/azkals-younghusbands-unfulfilled-ambition-in-philippines