Ceres-Negros FC in the dominant race with the 2nd title of the PFL

DEFENSE TITLE. Ceres Negros FC is the PFL Champion for the second time in a row. Photo of Stephen Tan and Ceres Negros FC

MANILA, Philippines – Ceres-Negros FC successfully defended its title in the Philippine Football League (PFL) after dominating Global Cebu FC 6-1 on Wednesday (25 July) Rizal Memorial Football stadium.

The Busmen won the crown after finishing the league with 54 points, exceeding the maximum number of points that could reach the second Kaya FC-Iloilo.

With the title, Ceres will formally represent the Philippines in the preliminary rounds of the AFC 2019 Champions League. If the Busmen fail to qualify for the Champions League, they will see the following. action in the AFC Cup 2019.

Bienvienido Marañon opened the scoring in the 20th minute after receiving a pass from Manny Ott to overtake defender Adam Mitter and complete it with a left foot shot in the bottom of the net.

Mike Ott doubled the lead in the 36th minute, pulling from the outside of the penalty area to the lower left corner. Three minutes later, Omid Nazari produced a half-volley goal on the edge of an assist from Mike Ott to triple in advance.

After Ceres had a 3-0 lead at the half, Marvin Angeles opened the scoring for Global with a left foot shot that passed Roland Muller in the 48th minute (3-1).

In the 66th minute, Lee Jeongmin beat Patrick Reichelt in the penalty area, awarding the penalty to Marañon. The Ceres striker, however, missed the spot as the shot was blocked by Global goalkeeper Florencio Badelic.

Marañon returned with a goal of revenge in the 70th minute (4-1) after Badelic failed to divert his shot from the center of the area.

At the 72nd mark, Badelic advanced from his line and committed a Blake Powell that the keeper attempted to intercept inside the area. Powell took the penalty shot that found his way past the line despite a deflection of Badelic. However, the referee called for a recovery that showed a better kick from Powell (5-1).

74 – Blake Powell manages to convert from the spot during his second try. The first was not counted. 5-1, Ceres. – Bee Go (@ beebeego09) July 25, 2018

Marañon completes the dominance of Ceres in the 88th minute by tapping on the cross of Mike Ott for a hat. turn (6-1). – Rappler.com