By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC defeated JPV Marikina FC, 3-0, over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, moving the defending Philippines Football League (PFL) champions atop the standings on goal difference.

Their opponents previously led the league.

Ceres striker Takumi Uesato opened scoring in the 14th minute, then earned a brace in the 31st minute.

Marikina tried to pull one back during first half injury time, but striker Kennedy Uzoka’s header flew over the crossbar.

In the second half, Ceres midfielder Bienvenido Marañón made it 3-0 in the 64th minute.

“We [were] able to meet [our] objective to control the game and let the opponents run first,” said Ceres assistant coach Ian Treyes. “The players [ran] the designed play well.”

Ceres and Marikina are currently tied on six points; however, the Bacolod City-based club carries +4 goal differential to Marikina’s -2. In addition, last weekend’s match was the latter’s fourth PFL match this season; for Ceres, it was their second./JSG, WDJ