CERES-LA SALLE survived a late scare from Kaya, coming away with a pulsating 3-2 win Thursday night to open its title defense in the PFF Smart National Club Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Nate Burkey made an impact in his debut for the Bacolod side, knocking in two goals that sandwiched Angelo Marasigan’s second-half strike as the two-time defending champions built enough cushion early on to prevail.
Joven Bedic set the stage for a nervy finish with two goals in a five-minute stretch in the second half, before narrowly missing a chance to snatch an equalizer in stoppage time.
“We’re happy with the win, but it’s another lesson for us to play and not relax until the final whistle,” said Ceres manager Ali Go.
With the victory, Ceres pulled level with Loyola Meralco with three points in Group A. The Sparks earlier whipped Laos FC, 4-0.
Acquired from Pachanga at the end of last season, Burkey, who was sidelined in the UFL League Cup due to a knee injury, impressed for his new club, while tormenting his former side.
Pouncing on a weak clearance, Burkey beat Nick O’Donnell with an angled shot in the 32nd minute.
Marasigan picked up a loose pass from Kaya skipper Aly Borromeo and surged forward before firing low to double the lead nine minutes after the restart.
Burkey scored again after a fine cutback from Patrick Reichelt before the hour-mark.
But just when it looked like Ceres was coasting to victory, Bedic willed Kaya back into the match. The Iloilo-born striker volleyed home in the 77th minute before powering a header past Michael Casas five minutes later.