Negrense club remains a point behind Meralco ahead of Friday clash

By Paulo Loreto Lim

Ceres-Negros FC defeated Ilocos United FC, 5-1, in their Philippines Football League (PFL) match last night at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Following a 1-1 draw between the two clubs last week, Ceres was looking to pull off a win in order to keep pace with league leaders FC Meralco Manila, who the Negrense club is scheduled to meet on Friday, November 24, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Scoring opened in the 29th minute after Ceres forward Patrick Reichelt successfully converted a cross from midfielder Bienvenido Marañón.

Ilocos United almost scored an equalizer a couple minutes later, following a free kick; however, Ceres keeper Roland Müller managed to tap it over the goal.

Shortly into the second half, the home team had another chance at an equalizer in the 52nd minute, however, the attempt by Ilocos striker Chima Uzoka was called offside.

The Negrense club soon added to their lead after Reichelt scored in the 58th minute, earning a brace. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Ilocos United managed to find the back of the net a couple minutes after.

Midfielder Kevin Ingreso later brought the match back to a two-goal difference after scoring in the 72nd minute.

Marañón made it 4-1 as the match closed in on 90 minutes. He would later earn a brace a couple minutes later, putting the visiting side up 5-1.

The win solidifies Ceres in second place and keeps them a point behind Meralco, who beat Global Cebu FC over the weekend.

A Ceres victory on Friday would put them atop the AFC table, earning qualification into either the AFC Champions League Preliminary Round or the AFC Cup Group Stage./PLL, WDJ