MANILA – Stallion Laguna FC ousted Philippine Air Force FC from semifinals contention in the Philippines Football League – Copa Paulino Alcantara via a 2-1 victory at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
Nathaniel Alquiros converted the go-ahead penalty kick at the 85th minute as Stallion Laguna tied Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo on top of the three-team Group B with three points.
Philippine Air Force actually drew first blood in the match with Alexandro Elnar hitting a long pass by Moundang Koung.
Stallion Laguna, however, quickly responded with Fitch Arboleda hitting just before the halftime break.
The Airmen bowed out of semifinals contention; this is its second defeat following a 5-0 loss to the Ilonggos at the start of the Cup tournament on Saturday.
In Group A action, Mendiola FC 1991 kept its semifinals hopes alive following a 1-0 escape over the already-eliminated Green Archers United FC.
An 18th minute conversion from Jim Ashley Flores was more than enough for Mendiola; it tied the Philippines U-22 team at second place of the four-team Group A with three points.
Three-time League champions Ceres-Negros FC was on top of the group with four points on one victory and a draw./PN
