Fernando Rodriguez struck deep in injury time as 10-man Ceres-Negros survived Kaya Makati,
3-2, to close the gap at the top of the Philippines Football League at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Saturday.
The Spanish striker pounced on a cross from Stephan Schrock at the far post in the 94th minute as the Busmen prevailed in a duel filled with controversial calls and marred by the sending off of Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic and the red card of left-back Jeffrey Christiaens.
“The field was so wet and we adapted well to the conditions,” said Ceres assistant coach Pepe Losada, who minced no words about the officiating.
“With these kind of referees, it’s very dangerous. Super Herrera had a broken lip and you see the yellow cards? Ceres had six yellow cards, one red, and Kaya had zero [cards],” added Losada
Ceres moved within seven points off Meralco Manila, which is two wins away from clinching a playoff berth. —CEDELF P. TUPAS