JPV Marikina FC opens new PFL season with win
JPV Marikina FC got its 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) campaign to a good start, beating Global Cebu FC, 2-1, in the tournament opener on Saturday, March 3.
Playing finally on its home field of Marikina Sports Complex, JPV did not disappoint the home fans as stalwarts Keigo Moriyasu and Ryuki Kozawa towed their team with goals on both halves while relying on team defense to stave off the Global challenge.
Mr. Moriyasu gave JPV, which played most of its home games last season at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, its first goal at the 13th minute, converting from outside the box.
Teammate Kozawa then made it 2-nil for JPV in the 75th minute to create further separation.
Global, which is seeing action as well in the ongoing AFC Cup, tried to rally back but could only manage to come within one point, 2-1, with a Dominic Del Rosario goal at the 88th minute before the home team held for the victory.
In the inaugural season of the PFL in 2017, JPV Marikina finished at sixth place in the eightteam field with nine wins, six draws and 11 losses for 33 points.
Apart JPV and Global, other teams seeing in the 2018 PFL are defending champions CeresNegros FC, Davao Aguilas FC, Kaya-Iloilo FC and Stallion Laguna FC.
Later yesterday Davao and Kaya were to make their season debuts in Tagum City. —