Relentless all the way, Ceres-La Salle completed its rise from a provincial powerhouse to the ruler of the country’s premier football competition.
The Bacolod City-based side clinched the United Football League title with two games to spare Saturday night after a 6-0 drubbing of Team Socceroo at rain-soaked Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Needing just a draw to secure the title, Ceres refused to pull its punches, hammering out the emphatic victory despite resting Manny Ott and other stars.
More importantly, Ceres nailed an outright spot to the group stage of the 2016 AFC Cup after missing out on the spot early this year when they lost in a playoff in the Maldives.
It was Ceres’ third UFL trophy since joining the league last year, when it captured the second division title as well as the UFL FA League Cup.
Orman Okuinaya and Nate Burkey came up with a brace each and Jeff Christiaens and Marwin Angeles were also on the scoresheet against Socceroo in a testament to the depth of the Leorey Yanson-owned club, which built an unassailable 12-point lead after raising its total to 40 points.
Coach Ali Go paid tribute to the consistent play of his squad that saw the side win its first eight games of the season. The club acquired Bienvenido Marañon during the transfer window, boosting the offense that was instrumental in holding off Global, Loyola Meralco, Kaya and Stallion.
“I think toward the end, we got better while the other clubs were not doing well,” said Go. “We tried to be as professional as we can on and off the pitch and this is the fruit of our labor.”
Yanson said the next mission is to represent the country well in the AFC Cup.
“We will do everything we can to come up with a strong showing for the AFC Cup because we will now represent the Philippines, not just Bacolod and Negros Occidental,” said Yanson.
Ceres still has games against Manila Jeepney and Stallion in its schedule, but skipper Juani Guirado doesn’t mind celebrating the crown right away.
“I’m very happy for everybody who worked hard to win this title,” said Guirado. “It’s an unbelievable team. When everyone works hard and makes sacrifices, good things happen.”
Originally posted: 08:25 PM July 25th, 2015