Ceres routs Stallion to end PFL campaign in style

CERES Negros FC closed out its triumphant season with a resounding 4-1 victory at the expense of Stallion Laguna FC and claimed its trophy in the 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) on Saturday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

With the silverware awaiting them in the awarding ceremony right after the game, the Yellow Busmen showed their championship pedigree in the second half in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Bienvenido Marañon gave Ceres Negros a slim 1-0 halftime lead with a slick curler from the edge of the penalty box in the 32nd minute.

Martin Steuble doubled the cushion as the veteran midfielder tapped in Blake Powell’s assist in the 49th but Stallion Laguna threatened to within a goal following Nathan Alquiros’ close range strike a minute later.

That Alquiros goal sparked a flurry of attacks from the Stallions, who were running closer to the equalizer near the hour mark. Ceres’ seasoned goalkeeper Muller, however, stood his ground and foiled the visiting side’s fightback.

Australian forward Powell then restored a two goal-lead in the 67th, making good on a nifty through ball from OJ Porteria before lobbing it over gloveman Felipe Tripulca Jr.

Marañon assured a fairytale ending to the Negrenses’ glorious night as the Spanish striker finished off a counter-attack with a low strike in the last minute of the regulation.

Moments after the final whistle, the Busmen hoisted their second PFL trophy in as many seasons.

Ceres wound up with a league-best 60 points on an impressive record of 19 wins and three draws against three losses.

Stallion, on the other hand, finished fourth with 36 points on 12 victories and three stalemates against 10 defeats.

Earlier, runner-up Kaya FC-Iloilo also ended its campaign on a winning note after beating Global Cebu FC, 1-0, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.