Ceres-La Salle Close in on UFL League Title

Ceres-La Salle FC are on the cusp of winning their first ever United Football League First Division title after a 2-0 win over Kaya FC on Sunday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Goals from Bienvenido Marañon and Adrian Gallardo in each half allowed the Bacolod side to get all three points and move closer to the title. A win over Team Socceroo will see them mathematically clinch the title on Saturday, July 25th.

Despite missing Louis Clark due to suspension, it was Kaya that piled the pressure early with Ceres relying on the counter. Tishan Hanley came close in the 19th minute but Juani Guirado made a last ditch tackle to clear.

OJ Porteria also came close in the 24th minute. The Kaya winger’s long range strike took a deflection and was already goal bound until Louie Casas made a timely effort to tip the ball away.

It was Marañon who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Patrick Reichelt sent a low cross for the Spanish winger to slot the ball past Nick O’Donnell from close range. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Ceres.

The League leaders doubled the advantage in the 58th minute, when Gallardo found himself unmarked at the top of the box and sent a smashing effort past O’Donnell.

The last 30 minutes saw the League leaders pull a tremendous defensive effort against Kaya. Kim Sang Min made his finest performance in a Ceres shirt with a series of well-timed tackles. The Korean defender’s partnership with Guirado proved to be fruitful in this match. Casas also had a marvelous game, the Bacolod stopper frustrated Kaya’s attackers with another clean sheet.

Check out the match photos HERE.

This post-match was originally posted on football.com.ph. You may read the full report and other Philippine football news and features here.

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