By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC successfully defended their Philippines Football League (PFL) title earlier this week after thumping Global Cebu FC, 6-1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Ceres midfielder Bienvenido Marañón opened scoring in the 23rd minute after a successful run at goal.

Just over 10 minutes later, midfielder Manuel Ott nearly doubled the Negrense side’s lead but missed; however, his brother, midfielder Mike Ott, made it 2-0 one minute later.

Ceres striker Omid Nazari scored a screamer in the 39th minute, giving his side a 3-0 lead, which was where the two clubs stood at halftime.

Shortly into the second half, Global midfielder Marvin Angeles pulled one back for his side after his attempt bounced off the side post and into goal in the 48th minute.

In the 70th minute, a defensive error by Global set up Marañón for his brace, putting Ceres up 4-1.

A couple of minutes later, after Global keeper Jun Badelic fouled Ceres forward Blake Powell in the box, the Negrense side was awarded a penalty, which the striker successfully converted, giving his side a 5-1 advantage.

Marañón capped off the title-winning effort by earning a hat trick in the 88th minute.

“We played lots of games in a week – every three days and [we] have many injuries – but we won,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidaković.

With the PFL title won, the club goes on to face Singapore’s Home United FC in the 2018 AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal finals series. The first leg takes place next week, August 1, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City; while the second leg will be held on August 8 at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore./JSG, WDJ