Porteria brace props Ceres-Negros

OJ Porteria bagged a brace as Ceres-Negros turned back Stallion Laguna, 2-0, Wednesday night to keep its nine-point lead at the top of the Philippines Football League at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Aching to atone for a disappointing performance in a 0-2 defeat to JPV Marikina last Saturday, the Busmen relied on Porteria’s brilliance to increase its output to 35 points from 16 matches.

Kaya-Iloilo continued to put pressure on Ceres after whipping JPV Marikina, 4-2, behind Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy’s hat trick at Iloilo Sports Complex.

An own goal from Marikina defender Suzuki Tsubasa in the second minute triggered a perfect start for coach Noel Marcaida’s side, which has 26 points from 15 games.

The win extended Kaya’s lead to six points ahead of the Davao Aguilas in the race for second place, which will be rewarded with an AFC Cup playoff spot next year. —CEDELF P. TUPAS