Veteran midfielder Stephan Schrock scored a precious away goal as Ceres-Negros subdued Kaya Makati, 1-0, on Sunday night in the first leg of the Philippines Football League semifinals at University of Makati Stadium.
Schrock wriggled free from a tight Kaya defense before finding the bottom corner in the third minute of second half stoppage time as the Busmen grabbed a slim lead heading into the second leg at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Saturday.
The goal capped a wild finish as Kaya earlier missed a golden chance when Robert Mendy was denied by the crossbar in the 89th minute after beating a couple of Ceres defenders in the box.
“It was a tough game and we’re happy to get this goal from Schrock and the advantage that we can bring home to Bacolod,” said Ceres assistant coach Ian Treyes.
“But our job is not finished yet. We know what Kaya is capable of.”
It all came together in the final minute of stoppage time for Ceres as Schrock weaved his magic in ghosting into the area before finally outwitting the stubborn Kaya defense.