PFL Preview: Ceres-Negros vs Stallion Laguna

Ceres-Negros FC meets Stallion Laguna for the fourth time this season on July 1, Sunday, at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. Both teams have played interesting matches so far in their meetings in Binan and Bacolod.

The first meeting in June saw Stallion race to a two-goal before making a comeback late in the match. Ceres-Negros overpowered Stallion in the second game with a 6-2 win in Binan.

The Busmen scored a 2-0 triumph against the visitors last Wednesday in front of their home crowd. Laguna were the most dangerous in the match as the fresher team but goals from OJ Porteria were the difference in their fourth outing.

The match saw the return of Carlie De Murga and Super Herrera in the starting lineup which brought renewed energy to the backline. Both missed some games from slight injuries in prior league matches.

“These two games (versus Stallion) here at home are very important for us if we want to win the league again. We have to give a hundred percent,” said Ceres Coach Risto Vidakovic.

The Ceres mentor who fielded a thin lineup in the last few days will have returning players in the fold in Sunday’s match. Bienvenido Maranon will mark his possible return after missing a few games after getting a knock in their first match against Laguna.

Michael Casas will also return from suspension in their last match against JPV. A win is vital for the busmen before they proceed to a title deciding stretch in three games against Kaya FC Iloilo and Davao Aguilas.

The Negros squad are currently ahead in the standings needing 21 points to raise their second consecutive PFL trophy and three points from the next match would be vital in their chase.

Kickoff is set at 7pm at the historic stadium with free admission given to fans. Match will be broadcast live at PFLtv.ph.