After a poor start to the 2017 Philippines Football League, Stallion Laguna notched their fifth win of the campaign in a 2-1 victory against Global Cebu at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Ernie Nierras’s men had already suffered eight losses and five draws this season before this game. Only a win for Laguna would do if they wanted to keep pace with those occupying the top four places in the league table.
Likewise, Global needed the win themselves in order to add some separation between them and Ceres Negros and JPV-Marikina, who both have games that are yet to be played this season.
Following a goalless first half, substitute forward Terrence Linatoc shot past Global goalie Patrick Deyto to open the scoring for the home side in the 60th minute.
The win was then sealed when former Far Eastern University Tamaraw Jhan-Jhan Meliza eluded his markers to hand Laguna a priceless two-goal cushion, 10 minutes from fulltime.
Former Stallion forward and Global’s new signing Rufo Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time, but the home side did enough to secure the big win.
With the win, Stallion have finally breached the 20 points mark for the season. Laguna are just five points behind Ceres, who currently have the last playoff berth at fourth place. However, Ceres have only played 12 games compared to Stallions’ 18.
On the other hand, Global are still in third place with 29 points. Cebu are actually level on points with Kaya Makati, but the latter’s goal difference puts them above Dan Palami’s club.
On Deck
The League will enter a short break until September to give way to the FIFA international break. It will resume on September 9 when Davao Aguilas host Global at 4:00 PM.
