Stallion, Ceres-La Salle gain UFL q’finals

DEFENDING champion Stallion and national club titlist Ceres-La Salle clinched its place in the quarterfinals of the United Football League Cup following convincing victories Thursday night at Emperador Stadium.

Stallion, buoyed by goals from Park Bo Bae and Ruben Doctora, got back at group stage tormentor Cebu Queen City United, 2-0, to set up a possible collision with last year’s UFL Cup losing finalist Global in the last eight. Global will face Navy in the Round of 16 next week.

Bacolod-based Ceres overcame a sluggish start to dump Agila, 7-2, and forge a duel with Union Internacional Manila.

Two goals from Jason Panhay and one each from Joshua Beloya, Younousse Yaogo, Din Ho Kim and Hwa Seo Park allowed Ceres to complete a fightback from a goal down twice in the first half.

Heavy underdogs going into the match, Agila got off to a flying start when Olayemi Bakare slotted home past Michael Casas in the 12th minute, before Yaogo equalized four minutes later.

Bakare headed home from close range as Agila regained the lead in the 17th minute.

Ceres, winner of the Smart Club Championship early this year, found its attacking rhythm and Panhay equalized with a well-taken free kick just before half time.

Din Ho Kim added a third after a mistake from Agila keeper Marco Poli eight minutes into the second half, opening the floodgates for Ceres.