Ceres Negros targets bounce-back in match vs Global

CERES Negros aims to get back on the winning track in the 2018 Philippines Football League when it battles Global Cebu on Wednesday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The back-to-back PFL champion hopes to bounce back from its 0-3 loss to Davao Aguilas on Sunday evening in front of its home fans in the 7 p.m. match.

Ceres is likely to deploy an undermanned roster once again as head coach Risto Vidakovic aims to test his new players led by Paul Mulders, Jerry Barbaso, Curt Dizon, Roland Muller, and Blake Powell.

“It’s an opportunity for the newcomers to show their wares,” Vidakovic said. “We need all the players that can compete for the first 11. It’s also increasing the competition between the players so it’s good for the team.”

On Sunday Ceres played without stars Muller, Bienvenido Marañon, Mike Ott, Kevin Ingreso, Manuel Ott, Stephan Schrock, and Patrick Reichelt, who suffered an injury during their AFC Cup game in Singapore last week.

“We defeated them (Global) in many games and we know they are eager to beat us,” said Ceres assistant Ian Treyes. “It’s a nonbearing game but we’re not gonna give this easily to them.”

This will be Ceres’ fifth and final meeting with the Visayan football club, with the Busmen dominating the previous four, including a 6-1 win on July 25 that sealed their championship.

Ceres remains on top of the standings with 54 points on 17 victories, three losses and three deadlocks while Global is at the cellar with 5 points on one win, 19 losses and two draws./PN