Global Cebu FC near PFL semifinal berth
GLOBAL CEBU FC moved a step closer to booking a spot in the semifinals of the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League (PFL) with a 3-2 win over Ilocos United FC on Sunday night in Cebu City.
Getting a brace from Darryl Roberts and a goal from Wesley Dos Santos, Global improved to 11-7- 6 with 40 points to create further distance from its pursuer for the remaining top four spot.
As things stand after last weekend’s PFL fixtures, FC Meralco Manila ( 51 points), Kaya FC Makati ( 47) and Ceres- Negros FC ( 45) have all booked a semifinal spot as the regular season of the PFL hits the homestretch.
Global and JPV Marikina FC (28 points), with enough games remaining, are the two teams left disputing the last top four spot with Stallion Laguna FC (32), Davao Aguilas FC (15) and Ilocos (seven) already out of the running.
In beating Ilocos in their game played at the Cebu City Sports Center, Global had to buck going down early in the contest.
Arthur Kouassi put the visiting side on the board first with a well- placed strike up close in the 19th minute.
The host team though would respond two minutes later with Mr. Roberts scoring his first goal of the night.
As the opening half drew to a close, action further picked up.
Global seized the lead in the 43rd minute with Mr. Roberts completing his brace.
But Ilocos quickly answered back two minutes after to force a 2- 2 stalemate at the halftime break.
Both teams started aggressively in the second half as they looked to dictate the tempo and gain some momentum.
It was Global, however, which would beat Ilocos to the punch as it gained the upper hand, 3- 2, in the 73rd minute with Mr. Dos Santos converting off a fine setup by teammate Yu Hoshide.
It was a lead it would not relinquish the rest of the way as it held on for the win in front of its hometown fans.
In the semifinals of the PFL, protagonists will battle in a two-leg series with the top team battling the no. 4 club and no. 2 against no. 3. Winners in the semifinals advance to the finals.