CERES Negros FC sealed its Philippines Football League (PFL) back to back championship title on Saturday with a 4-1 triumph over Laguna Stallion FC at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
“Man of the Match” Bienvenido Marañon hit a brace to lead the Busmen and skipper Martin Steuble and Blake Powell scored a goal apiece in the 49th and 67th minutes. Nathaniel Andrew Alquiros scored the lone goal for the visitors.
Ceres FC assistant coach Ian Treyes, who made back to back appearances in the PFL finals, said the team has faced lots of challenges to defend the title.
“This is a sweet victory, but it’s been very hard. This year, we have lots of suspensions, injuries. But, we are happy to get this back-to-back championship for our city and our province,” Treyes stressed during the post-match press conference.
Marañon, who missed the AFC Asean Zonal Finals due to suspensions, thanked everyone for all the support the whole year in the PFL and AFC Cup. “It’s always great playing for our fans that made the stadium full during our home matches,” he added.
Onward to the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which kicks off on September 1, Treyes said that even if they have already secured the spots in next year’s AFC Champions League qualifier and AFC Cup they will not easily give up the title.
“We will work on this to win the title,” he added.
On the part of Stallion assistant coach Richard Leyble, their team tried to win against Ceres FC but their efforts weren’t enough. “We have to look into our mistakes and make the necessary adjustments ahead of the Copa,” he added.