Kaya FC Makati and Ceres Negros closed in on leader FC Meralco Manila with crucial victories on Saturday, while Stallion Laguna denied Davao Aguilas of its first win in the Philippines Football League.
Substitute Eric Giganto struck a minute from time as Kaya overcame rival Manila, 2-1, at University of Makati Stadium, while Ceres continued its winning run at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod with a 5-0 drubbing of Ilocos United.
Kaya, now with 41 points, cut Meralco’s lead at the top to just three points, although the Makati side has played two more matches.
Stephan Schrock scored twice, including a spectacular goal from a tough angle in the second half as the Busmen continued their rise, moving up to third with 35 points. Ceres has played five matches less than the Sparks.
Bienvenido Marañon, Fernando Rodriguez and Carlie de Murga were also on target for Ceres, which rested midfielders Kevin Ingreso and Manny Ott.
Over at Biñan Football Stadium, Davao striker Phil Younghusband converted a stoppage time penalty, but the Aguilas’ comeback fell short as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Stallion.
The Laguna side leaned on the heroics of Fitch Arboleda, who struck twice, and goalkeeper Benito Rosalia.
But coach Ernie Nierras’ side remained in sixth spot with 27 points, behind JPV Marikina on goal difference. The Aguilas all but kissed their hopes of a Top Four finish goodbye as they picked up just their eighth point from 18 matches.
Arboleda put Stallion in front in the 36th minute with a clinical finish past Marko Trkulja, before James Younghusband equalized in the 66th minute. Stallion regained the lead three minutes later with Arboleda finding the back of the net again.
Jordan Mintah raised his total to a league-high 15 goals for the season as he gave Kaya the lead in the 22nd minute. —CEDELF P. TUPAS