Ceres-Negros FC registered a 2-0 victory over Stallion Laguna FC last July 1 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod. Takumi Uesato scored a brace in the match to lead the busmen to the win.
The home squad had the earliest chance in the 4th minute when Uesato broke free from his defender and shot towards goal but his attempt hit the post and out.
Stallion found the back of the net in the 10th minute when Balot Doctora send a through ball to Melliza who shot past Doblas but the referee raised his flag on the play.
Stephan Schrock tried from long distance in the 17th minute but his attempt went straight to the keeper. He would have a chance moments later when the ball fell in his lap but his attempt was blocked for a corner.
Uesato again broke free from the defense but his one-touch attempt was a foot wide of the post. Yannick Tuason tried from twenty yards minutes later but Doblas did well for the save.
Kevin Ingreso recovered a deflected pass and tried to slide it past the keeper but the keeper made a routine save. Toni Doblas was forced into a fine save near the hour mark with an attempt from Nate Alquiros but the veteran stuck his foot out in time for the block.
Both teams would earn half chances each but the referee blew the whistle with both squads scoreless at the half.
The visitor had their first attempt in the second half but a routine free kick was wasted as Kyo’s grounder was way off target. Schrock tried to loft the ball in the box in the 60th minute but Rosalie came off his line to secure the ball.
Ingreso tried from the edge of the box minutes later but his attempt went way over. Ceres broke the deadlock in the 66th minute sa Mike Ott sending a cross to a rushing Uesato. The Japanese strike did well to put the ball at the back of the net for the lead.
Ott almost made it double moments later but his well struck volley was headed off the line by Matt Nierras. They wouldn’t be denied in the 70th minute when Uesato controlled well to beat the keeper to slot in his brace and the second for the busmen.
Stallion went for a late push but Doblas did well to stave off attempts from Alquiros, Fitch Arboleda, and Bervic Italia. He was again instrumental for a shutout when he tipped over another attempt from Stallion off a free kick.
The final whistle blew with Ceres-Negros earning another three points in Panaad.
