THE spot in the 2017 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup remains on Ceres-La Salle FC’s radar after a 4-1 win over Loyola-Meralco Sparks FC over the weekend in the ongoing United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Pasay City.
The victory also fortified Ceres' title-retention bid, taking back the second spot of the table with 11 wins, a pair of draws, and three losses in 16 outings. Global FC remained on top with 13 victories, two draws, and a loss. Trailing closely at third is JP Voltes FC (11-2-4 card), Loyola (11-2-4 card), and Kaya FC (10-1-5 card).
Fil-German midfielder Stephan Schrock scored a hat-trick, beating Guilherme Hasegawa twice in the first half before sealing the win for Ceres FC with a goal in the 82nd minute.
Fellow Fil-German Manny Ott added another in the 51st minute, also beating Hasegawa inside the box.
Simon Greatwich scored Loyola’s only goal on a follow up off a free kick.
Ceres FC had some hard time against Loyola on 54-46 ball possession, sending 11 shots on goal with six attempts from the latter’s side.
Loyola also got seven corners compared to only three of Ceres on a physical match both combining a total of 19 fouls and a pair of yellow cards.
“It was good to be back on the field and getting that big win against a strong Loyola-Meralco side,” said newly-wed keeper Michael Casas.
Ceres FC Coach Risto Vidakovic said it was a crucial match for them because if they lost, the league would have been over.
“We have three games left and we have to give our best,” he said.
