Ceres-La Salle, Kaya fire 10 past UFL foes

BRACING for tougher battles in the AFC Cup,  Ceres-La Salle and Kaya made light work of their respective foes on Wednesday in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Bacolod-based Ceres overwhelmed Agila, 10-1, for its second straight victory, while Kaya rolled to a 10-2 win over Forza.

Far from their best in the 6-0 demolition of Nomads, Ceres flashed its deadly form this time with Patrick Reichelt and Bienve Marañon delivering a hat trick each.

Nate Burkey struck for the second straight game, while Martin Steuble, Jalsor Soriano and Carlie De Murga also found the back of the net for Ceres, which moved up to fifth in the table with six points from three matches.

“We needed this win to get some momentum ahead of our important AFC Cup game,” said Ceres coach Frank Muescan, whose squad hosts South China of Hong Kong on Tuesday in the Round of 16 of the AFC Cup at Panaad Stadium.

“It’s important for us to stay focused and disciplined because we know we will be facing a strong team in South China on Tuesday.”

Kaya travels to Johor Bahru, Malaysia to face defending champion Johor Dairul Ta’zim at Larkin Stadium in another AFC Cup Round of 16 knockout game on Wednesday.

Robert Lopez Mendy fired four goals, while Louis Clark and Kenshiro Daniels knocked in two goals each for Kaya, which picked up its second victory in three matches.

New signing Eric Giganto joined Sean Kane in the scoresheet as Kaya climbed to fourth just ahead of Ceres on goal difference.