Ceres-La Salle targets pivotal result vs hurting Kaya

Defending champion Ceres-La Salle seeks to close the gap at the top as it clashes with a dangerous Kaya side today in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Victory in the 4 p.m. kickoff will push the Bacolod-based side to within three points of leader Global, which won’t be playing its 15th game of the season until Sunday when it faces Green Archers United.

Ceres is riding high on an 11-0 demolition of Forza in a match that saw Stephan Schrock, Orman Okuinaiya and Jeffrey Christiaens score two goals each last Wednesday. The win raised Ceres’ tally to 32 points with four of the 18 matches this season left to be played.

Kaya will go into the game shorthanded with foreign stalwarts Louis Clark and Alfred Osei suspended for accumulated yellow cards. The duo picked up bookings in the thrilling 2-2 draw with Stallion last Sunday.

The draw proved to be a blow for Kaya’s hopes of qualification to the AFC Cup as it only has 25 points to show from 14 games.

Left to carry the fight for Kaya are skipper Masa Omura, Aly Borromeo, Kenshiro Daniels, Miguel Tanton and Joven Bedic, who created good opportunities for Chris Greatwich’s side against Stallion.

Ceres has endured a tough start to the second round with a draw to Stallion and a loss to Green Archers putting the Busmen’s title-retention hopes in peril.

Picking up maximum points against Kaya will once again put pressure on Global with a clash against Ceres still slated next month after the international break.

Bottom teams Laos and Forza square in the first game at 1:30 p.m.