TAKUMI Uesato drilled two goals in the second half as Ceres Negros scored a 2-0 win over Stallion Laguna in the 2018 Philippines Football League at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
The victory allowed the defending champion to tighten its grip further on top of the standings with 41 points on 13 wins, two losses and two draws. Stallion dropped to 7-0-7 for 18 points.
It was Ceresā fourth straight victory in as many encounters with Stallion after its come-from-behind 3-2 win on May 26, 6-2 rout on May 30 and 2-0 domination on June 27.
Ceres nearly drew first blood as early as the fourth minute Sunday night when Uesato evaded his defenders but his attempt hit the post. Jesus Melliza also nearly scored for Stallion but his was ruled as offside.
The Busmen continued to have their shot on the goal courtesy of Stephan Schrock and Kevin Ingreso but these were defended well. Stallion also had chances from Yannick Tuazon but Ceres goalkeeper Toni Doblas was there for the save.
Both teams traded misses at the onset of the second half until Ceres finally snatched the advantage in the 66th minute as Mike Ott sent a cross to Uesato, who put the ball at the back of the net.
Minutes after Uesatoās conversion, Ceres had a chance to extend the lead but Ottās struck volley was headed off the line by Matt Nierras. In the 70th minute, the Busmen netted their second goal on a close-range shot from Uesato.
Stallion went for a late push but Doblas did well to save scoring attempts from Nathaniel Alquiros, Fitch Arboleda and Bervic Italia until the final whistle was blown./PN
