WITH its AFC Cup hopes hanging in the balance, Ceres-La Salle turned to its star whom their coach described as the “best player in the Philippines.”
Stephan Schrock bagged a hat trick as the Busmen returned to their winning ways with a 4-1 drubbing of Loyola Meralco Saturday night to gain pole position in the race for second spot in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Manny Ott was also on target for the Busmen, who moved closer to clinching the second AFC Cup berth after improving to 35 points with three matches remaining.
Loyola entered the game as the team that has the best chance to catch up with frontrunning Global, but a sluggish performance and Schrock’s brilliance left them undone.
Ceres’ win gave leader Global an easier path to the crown with the reigning UFL Cup champion needing just four points from their last three matches to clinch the title.
Simon Greatwich scored a late consolation goal for the Sparks, who fell to fourth spot with 34 points.
“Had we lost today, our campaign would have been done,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.