MANILA – Jose Elmer Porteria scored on a go-ahead goal and the Ceres-Negros FC escaped with a 2-1 victory over the Green Archers United FC in the 2019 Philippines Football League at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
With both teams knotted at 1-1, the Philippine Azkals mainstay rose to the occasion with a conversion at the 78th minute to shove the Busmen closer to its third consecutive League title.
“I’m just very proud of the team,” said Porteria. “We don’t feel that we won the League already because we still have games left. Now our task is to win every single game that we have.”
After settling for a draw in their previous match against Stallion Laguna FC, the Busmen were aggressive against the Green Archers United with Robert Lopez Mendy surging his team ahead at the second minute.
After a back and forth action in the opening half, Green Archers United found a hole into the defense of the Ceres-Negros at the 71st minute leading to a goal by John Celiz for a 1-1 count.
The Negros Occidental-based football club, however, got the advantage anew seven minutes later with Porteria sending the ball past the defense of Green Archers United before tightening its defense down the stretch.
With the outcome, the league-leading Busmen improved to 53 points, on 17 victories and two draws, while Green Archers United is still at fourth with 26 points, on seven wins, five draw and seven losses./PN
