Stallion holds off Global

Matthew Nierras struck three minutes into stoppage time as Stallion Laguna picked up its first point in the Philippines Football League by salvaging a 1-1 draw with powerhouse Global Cebu on Saturday at Biñan Football Stadium.

Nierras, the former La Salle standout and son of Stallion coach Ernie Nierras, canceled out Global midfielder Shu Sasaki’s 84th-minute goal as both clubs got a share of the spoils in the high-tempo clash.

Sasaki gave Global the lead with a tidy finish past Roland Sadia, after picking up a through ball from Pika Minegishi inside the box.

But just like its match against Home United in the AFC Cup, where it conceded a late goal for a 2-2 draw, Global couldn’t finish off Stallion. Balot Doctora dispossessed Paul Mulders at midfield to spark a quick counterattack finished off by Nierras.

“We didn’t deserve to lose the game, considering the way we fought for the whole match,” said the Stallion goalscorer.

Global was left to rue a missed chance to pick up three points although the Cebu side stayed third with four points.

“We have to go on,” said Global coach Marjo Allado. “We have to learn from our mistakes.”

Global could have taken the lead in the 51st minute, but Sadia denied Mulders from the spot, after Sekou Sylla was fouled inside the area.