CERES-LA SALLE continued its imperious form to repulse Kaya, 5-0, Monday while a resurgent JP Voltes claimed another scalp in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Adrian Gallardo struck twice in the first half, before Patrick Reichelt, Manny Ott and Bienvenido Marañon found the back of the net as Ceres-La Salle bucked the early exit of Stephan Schrock due to an apparent knee injury.
Six days after stunning Kaya, 3-1, JP Voltes brought down another powerhouse in the Loyola Meralco Sparks, 2-1, on goals from Takumi Uesato and John Celiz.
Uesato scored his 12th goal of the season, sliding home a pass from Yu Hoshide in the 12th minute, before Celiz’s clinical finish in the 40th turned out to be the marginal goal.
Phil Younghusband pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 48th minute, but Voltes held its ground to pull off another upset.
The results meant that Ceres moved up to second spot with 24 points, ahead of the Sparks on goal difference, with Voltes in fourth with 22. Global, which faces Ceres on Sunday, remains on top with 27 points.
In a battle of teams that reached the AFC Cup’s Round of 16 early this year, Gallardo broke the tie from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, after Schrock was fouled by Kaya goalkeeper Matthew Acton inside the box.
Schrock left in the 15th minute, but it hardly mattered as Ceres continued its fluid assault.
Reichelt brilliantly picked out Gallardo inside the box, before the Spanish striker volleyed home to double the lead in the 37th.
Kaya found difficulty breaking down Ceres without OJ Porteria, who announced his departure from the club early last week.
Ceres took a commanding 3-0 lead six minutes into the second half as Reichelt coolly finished a flowing move with a left-footed strike, before Ott grabbed a fourth shortly after.
Marañon completed the rout as his supposed lofted ball for Kevin Ingreso was misjudged by Acton and crossed the goalline.