By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Following their 4-1 loss earlier this week to Philippines Football League (PFL) leaders Ceres-Negros FC, JPV Marikina FC is back at the Panaad Park and Stadium, where the two will meet tonight, June 23, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

JPV assistant coach Frank Muescan will be overseeing the team after head coach Dan Padernal picked up a suspension following an altercation with Ceres midfielder OJ Porteria in their previous match.

Speaking on the club’s performance last Wednesday, Muescan blamed the flight schedule.

“We could have flown Tuesday but we weren’t able to book that day,” he explained. “It was a tiring day.”

The JPV official also recalled their match earlier this month, where the Marikina City-based club and Ceres played to a 1-1 draw.

“If you recall, we were ahead,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, Ceres coach Risto Vidaković expressed caution ahead of the match.

“We have lots of injuries,” he said. “It’s very hard.”/JSG, WDJ