BACOLOD CITY -- Ceres Negros sealed its second Philippines Football League (PFL) title with a 4-1 domination of Stallion Laguna in the season’s final match at Panaad Stadium on Saturday night.
Coming from a loss to Davao Aguilas two weeks ago, the Busmen returned to winning form as Bienvenido Marañon hit a brace in the 32nd and 89th and Martin Steuble and Blake Powell scored a goal apiece in the 49th and 67th.
A minute after Steuble’s strike, Stallion broke into Ceres’ defense and Nathaniel Andrew Alquiros found the back of the net to give the visitors a lone goal.
It was a night of celebration for the back-to-back champions who lifted the PFL 2018 trophy after raking in 60 points in 25 matches, with a 19-3-3 win-loss-draw record.
Ceres Negros assistant coach Ian Treyes said the team’s quest to defend the title came with so many challenges.
“This is a sweet victory, but it’s been very hard. This year, we have suspensions, injuries. We are happy to get these back-to-back championships for our city and our province,” Treyes said during the post-match interview.
Marañon, who was named “Man of the Match”, said he is just glad to celebrate the league championship with the fans after missing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup ASEAN Zone finals earlier this month due to suspension.
Ceres Negros failed to defend its regional title after losing to Singapore’s Home United in the two-leg finals.
“Thank you for the support all year especially in the AFC Cup…This title is for them. We will fight again next year to give (our supporters) what they deserve,” the Spanish striker said.
Ceres Negros bested five other teams to clinch this year’s PFL title in a campaign that started in March.
Kaya Iloilo took the second spot with 49 points while Davao Aguilas settled for third with 39 points. Stallion Laguna was in fourth place with 36 points. (PNA)
