CEBU FC failed to get the much-needed three points for a run at the 2023 Philippines Football League (PFL) title after settling to a 1-1 draw with Stallion Laguna FC on Feb. 26 at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan, Laguna.
Cebu FC drew first blood after defender Roberto Corsame Jr. scored a goal in the 34th minute coming off a pass by Marius Kore.
Stallion FC, however, scored an equalizer 20 minutes later from newly acquired right back Miguel Mendoza, who last played for fifth-tier German club TB Uphusen in 2021.
Cebu FC had an advantage in the 74th minute after veteran goalkeeper Patrcik Deyto was sent out with a red card after an argument with the referee.
Down to just 10 players on the pitch, Stallion FC held on and forced a draw with Cebu FC.
Meanwhile, league-leader Kaya FC-Iloilo got an important win and widened the gap from the top spot after a 4-0 win over Mendiola FC 1991 in the other Sunday match at the City of Imus Grandstand.
The league’s top scorer Daizo Horikoshi continued his scoring dominance in the league with a 41st minute goal. Jesus Melliza and Arnel Amita scored two straight goals in the 62nd and 63rd minutes, respectively, while Dylan Nobiraki, who signed with Kaya FC this year from Niigata University of Health and Welfare, finished off Mendiola FC with a goal in the 77th minute.
Last Saturday, Andres Aldeguer scored a brace to lead Azkals Development Team (ADT) to a 4-1 victory over Maharlika Manila FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Dennis Chung opened up the match with a 15th minute goal to give ADT the early lead. But Maharlika FC answered with an equalizer by Endo Ndour five minutes later.
Aldeguer, however, gave ADT back the lead just before halftime after scoring a header in the second minute of added time from a cross pass by Oliver Bias.
Aldguer continued where he left off in the first half and connected with a volley in the 72nd minute. Newcomer Patrick Grogg then put the nail on the coffin with a goal in the 83rd minute.
Kaya FC comfortably sits at the top with 33 points, followed by Cebu FC in second place with 25 points. ADT is closing in with 18 points, while Stallion FC is fourth with 16 points. Mendiola FC is fifth with six points, while Maharlika FC is at the bottom with a point. (EKA)