MANILA – With a 1-0 victory on Saturday night at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas, Ceres-Negros FC renewed its mastery over Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo in the 2019 Philippines Football League.
Jose Elmer Porteria scored the lone goal of the match for the defending champions in a heated encounter between the regional rivals that featured three ejections from both teams.
Kaya-Iloilo had two early attempts in the game from Ilonggos Jovin Bedic and Shirmar Felongco but was denied by the defense.
Ceres-Negros broke the deadlock with Porteria tapping in a missed attempt from Stephan Schrock.
Emotions went up late in the first half with Ceres-Negros’ Sean Kane sent off for arguing with the referees.
The Busmen’s mentor Risto Vidakovic was also ejected for the same reason.
Kaya-Iloilo continued its search for a game-tying hit but Bedic and Darryl Roberts could not find the opening. Ceres-Negros’ Robert Lopez Mendy had a chance to widen the lead but his attempt was foiled.
Roberts had another close try for Kaya-Iloilo late in the match but was defended.
Adding further to the misery of the Ilonggos was the ejection of Bedic due to two yellow cards.
With the victory, Ceres-Negros moved up to solo first place in the standings with 25 points, on eight wins and a draw.
Kaya-Iloilo remained at second with 22 points, on seven wins and two losses./PN
