Chima Uzoka scored twice to help Dynamic Herb Cebu overcome Stallion Laguna, 4-3, in the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League, Saturday evening, at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
The former National University Bulldog put the ball at the back of the net with headers in the 27th and 43rd minutes.
Beforehand, Mert Altinoz took advantage of a defensive miscue from Stallion Laguna. That gave Dynamic Herb Cebu an early lead in the 18th minute.
Come the second half, Dynamic Herb Cebu would enjoy a four-goal cushion when Arda Cinkir scored in the 52nd minute.
Dynamic Herb Cebu would then take its feet off the pedal and allow Stallion Laguna a way back into the game.
Stallion Laguna midfielder Finn McDaniel pulled one back from close range in the 65th minute. Abou Sy then brought his side closer with a fine left-footed finish in the 71st minute.
Substitute forward Bryan Ybanez brought Stallion Laguna within one goal after scoring a summer from the right flank in the 79th minute. But that was the closest coach Ernie Nierras’ men got in completing the comeback.
With the game almost over, tempers flared when Stallion Laguna’s Gabe Silva brought down Chima Uzoka. A scuffle broke out with Dynamic Herb Cebu’s Charles Dabao III leading the charge.
Referee Meliton Pelayo then decided to give red cards to Silva and Dabao for their roles in the incident.
Ultimately, Dynamic Herb Cebu escaped with the win as Stallion Laguna was left to lament its slow start.
The result means that Dynamic Herb Cebu sits in fourth place with four points behind a win, a draw, and one loss. On the other hand, Stallion Laguna is in third place with six points after two wins and this defeat.
