By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC served Kaya FC-Iloilo their first home loss of the season, winning 1-0 earlier this week at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

Ceres forward Patrick Reichelt scored the decisive goal early, in the 15th minute, off a pass from fellow striker Takumi Uesato.

Things became more difficult for the home team after striker Robert Lopez Mendy picked up his second yellow card, ejecting him from the match. Although, Kaya defender Mike Menzi nearly equalized a couple of minutes later but his attempt was saved by Ceres keeper Toni Doblas.

“No easy game for us but we are very happy,” the goalie said after the match. “The weather was bad, the pitch was very difficult.”

Ceres coach Risto Vidaković expressed a bit of relief following the victory.

“We are now one step closer to the title,” he said. “Maybe we can now focus on the AFC Cup.”

The win further secured Ceres FC’s position atop the Philippines Football League (PFL) table, 12 points ahead of second place Kaya.

The Negrense club’s next PFL match will be against Davao Aguilas FC this weekend, July 14./JSG, WDJ