Ceres-Negros FC missed their final opportunity to finish atop the league, after losing last night to Global Cebu FC, 2-0, in the final match of the 2017 Philippines Football League (PFL) at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

The Negrense club finishes one point shy of first place, failing to overtake FC Meralco Manila, despite previously having several games in hand and attaining a superior goal difference of +51.

Following an early 3rd minute attempt by Global Cebu FC that flew well over goal, the home team struck in the 7th minute, with a goal scored by striker Rufo Sánchez. They went on to double that lead in the 33rd minute, following an attempt by midfielder Misagh Bahadoran that rolled past Ceres keeper Louie Casas.

Ceres nearly offered an immediate response; however, the attempt was saved by Global keeper Patrick Deyto.

With the first half drawing to a close, the Cebu City-based side tweeted, “Negros providing minimal pressure beyond the midfield line.”

The visiting side went into halftime with a two-goal deficit.

Into the second half, Ceres had an early opportunity to get back into the match, unfortunately for the Negrense side, the close-range free kick was blocked.

In the 55th minute, in a move that appeared to add more firepower, Ceres subbed in midfielder Stephan Schröck for defender Joshua Grommen.

Minutes later, Ceres midfielder OJ Porteria made an attempt at goal, which was saved by Deyto.

An exchange of free kicks before and after the 70-minute mark offered no results for either club, with the home side keeping their 2-0 lead with 15 minutes left in regulation time.

With Meralco Manila finishing in first place, they go on to meet fourth place Global Cebu in the finals series; while Ceres FC will face Kaya FC-Makati./PLL, WDJ