By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Philippines Football League champions Ceres-Negros FC were eliminated from the Copa Paulino Alcantara over the weekend after losing 2-1 to Davao Aguilas FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Davao midfielder Jason de Jong got his team out to a quick start, making attempts in both the 2nd and 10th minutes; however, it is in the 16th minute that defender Wesley dos Santos headed in a corner kick, putting their side up 1-0.

Shortly into the second half, the referee ruled a handball against Ceres defender Junior Muñoz after the ball bounced off his arms while in the box. Davao striker Phil Younghusband successfully converted the penalty and doubled the Aguilas’ lead.

Two minutes later, Ceres midfielder Mike Ott managed to pull one back.

“We are just happy that we finished the game with no serious injuries,” said Ceres FC assistant coach Ian Treyes./JSG, WDJ