MANILA – Ceres-Negros FC survived a tough stand by Mendiola FC 1991 to pull off a 5-2 victory in the 2019 Philippines Football League at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
Robert Lopez Mendy tallied four goals while Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon added another one on Saturday night as the defending champions padded its lead in the standings with 28 points (nine wins and a draw).
“Getting the score sheet was because of the help of all in the team. The hard work from everyone helped me to finish the goals,” Lopez Mendy said. “It’s not the game what we were expecting but we get the win, that’s the most important thing.”
Mendiola caught Ceres-Negros off guard early in the match for a 1-0 edge on a conversion by Ricki Sendra. But Lopez Mendy immediately responded with a hit at the 16th minute for a 1-1 count.
After several missed attempts from both teams, Ceres-Negros took a 2-1 lead with Lopez Mendy converting his second goal at the 36th minute before he nailed his third at the 44th minute for a 3-1 halftime score.
Mendiola once again started strong in the second half. Jim Ashley Flores scored in the 49th minute to bring his club to within one, 2-3. Lopez Mendy answered with his fourth goal in the 55th minute.
Mendiola tried to be aggressive since then but could not have a decent attempt. Marañon iced Ceres-Negros’ victory with a penalty right before the final whistle.
“It was a hard game but the team was very happy with the result,” said Ceres-Negros assistant coach Ian Treyes. “We conceded the first goal but regained the lead and continued our winning ways.”/PN
