By Adrian Stewart Co

Ceres-Negros FC won the second “Visayas Clásico” of the 2019 Philippines Football League (PFL) with a 1-0 win over regional rival Kaya FC-Iloilo over the weekend at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa City, Batangas. The lone goal in the match was scored in the 16th minute by Ceres striker OJ Porteria.
Following the early goal, the Iloilo City-based side was handed an advantage in the 38th minute with Ceres defender Sean Kane ejected after picking up his second yellow card following an exchange of words with the referee. Shortly after, in the 42nd minute, Ceres coach Risto Vidaković was also kicked out due to another exchange with an official.
The Negrense side maintained their slim advantage throughout the first half.
By the 47th minute, after a reported handball in the penalty area, Kaya were awarded a penalty; however, the attempt by striker Jovin Bedic struck the crossbar.
New Ceres FC signing, former Kaya FC forward Robert Lopez Mendy, nearly doubled the lead but his attempt was saved by keeper Louis Casas.
In the 85th minute, Kaya FC striker Darryl Roberts’ attempt at an equalizer was denied.
Towards the end of regulation time, the two sides were both down to 10-men as Bedic picked up a second yellow card and was ejected from the match.
The win puts Ceres-Negros FC atop the PFL standings on 25 points, just ahead of Kaya FC-lloilo’s 22 points. In addition, the Negrense side also has one game in hand./ASC, WDJ