Ceres extends UFL streak, downs Archers

Ceres-La Salle extended its unbeaten streak to six matches Tuesday night with national team standouts Manny Ott and Juani Guirado securing a narrow 2-1 victory over Green Archers in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ott and Guirado, who were part of the Azkals side that played against Bahrain last week, showed fine form, scoring eight minutes apart in the second half as Ceres improved to 18 points while climbing to second spot behind Kaya on goal difference.

Kennedy Uzoka fired a late consolation goal for Green Archers who remained in sixth spot with just eight points from seven matches.

A two-week break due to the international window and the Holy Week hardly mattered as Ceres recovered its sharp form in the second half after going down to 10 men.

The Busmen dodged an early bullet thanks to goalkeeper Michael Casas who blocked Robert Lopez Mendy’s penalty in the 10th minute.

Yellow card

Defender Jalsor Soriano was sent off for a second yellow card before halftime. But Ceres stayed resolute and patient with Ott pulling the strings at midfield.

The Busmen were rewarded in the 70th minute as Ott found space outside the box to fire home and break the deadlock.

Guirado headed home the second goal off a corner kick.

Green Archers keeper Paolo Pascual produced another encouraging display in the first half denying Adrian Gallardo twice to keep his side in the match.