MANILA – Ceres Negros made sure it will be an easy win this time when it walloped Stallion Laguna 6-2 in the 2018 Philippines Football League at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Jose Elmer Porteria fired two goals while Patrick Reichelt, Mike Ott and Kevin Ingreso added a conversion each for Ceres.
The Busmen – the defending champions – remained on top after the Wednesday match – with 24 points on eight wins and one defeat.
“The game was more important to us than it was on paper,” said Reichelt. “For us to take the win now and have an 8-point gap will make it more comfortable for us going to June-July when we have a tight schedule.”
Ceres surged to a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes as Reichelt scored from a cross by Bacolodnon Joshua Dutosme and Porteria slot back his own missed shot.
Their aggression continued in the second half as they increased the lead 4-0 on an Ott conversion followed by own goal violation by Stallion’s Jason Cordova.
The Busmen tallied their fifth goal as Ingreso struck one over the defense of Stallion and the second conversion by Porteria from a pass by Reichelt followed in the 71st minute.
Ceres’ relaxed a bit late in the match, allowing Stallion to sneak in two goals – a header by Abou Sy and an inside conversion from Fitch Arboleda.
“We came here to get the 3 points. We are so happy that our objective was achieved and [we hope to] do well in our other game here this weekend,” said Ceres assistant coach Ian Treyes.
After the loss Stallion stayed put on fourth place with 9 points on four wins and three losses./PN
