MANILA – Ilonggo Jesus Melliza completed a hat trick for the second straight game. Stallion Laguna FC walloped Philippine Air Force FC, 4-1, in the 2019 Philippines Football League at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Aside from La Paz, Iloilo City native Melliza, Negrense Jowarren Bedia also contributed on offense as Stallion Laguna improved to 36 points on 10 wins, six draws and five losses for third place.
“I need to push harder. Kailangan kong ibalik ‘yung confidence ko,” said the former Far Eastern University men’s football team standout. “Kailangan kong lampasan ‘yung limit ko.”
After missing their first few attempts, Stallion Laguna broke the scoreless deadlock with Bedia’s 28th minute hit. It was followed by another shot from Melliza for a 2-0 halftime edge.
Stallion Laguna went on to pound their
opposition at the latter part of the match. Melliza netted his hat trick with
conversions at the 80th and 83rd minute.
Philippine Air Force made sure Stallion Laguna won’t have a shutout victory.
Jake Hugo got one past the defense at the 86th minute.
The Air Force was stunted at 11 points (three
wins, two draw, 18 losses).
“We were lucky (against the Air Force). Our finishes were better especially in
the second half,” said Stallion-Laguna head coach Ernest Nierras. “We really
want to finish the League stronger as a preparation for the Copa Paulino
Alcantara.”/PN
