Kim’s free kick lifts Ceres-La Salle over Manila Jeepney

MANILA, Philippines – Ceres-La Salle Bacolod drew strength from a Jin Ho Kim penalty to eke out a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Manila Jeepney and fortify its grip of the solo lead in the second division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium at the Emperador Stadium Tuesday night.

Scoreless and frustrated in the first half, Ceres struck hard after Yong Chan Son poked in a goal on an uncleared free kick to open up the scoring early in the second to seize a 1-0 advantage.

But Sean Iliff, fed by new addition Mikko Mabanag, an Ateneo standout, headed into Masood Shadideh, who drilled in the header to knot the count at one goal apiece while triggering a wild celebration following that sensational team effort.

But the celebration didn't last long as another new recruit, Jaham Taher, gave up a penalty after he brought down Ceres' Kevin Capolei in the box, allowing Jin to convert the spot kick to the match-sealing goal.

The win thus sent Ceres way ahead of everyone with 20 match points, leaving the Kaya-sponsored Manila Jeepney, Forza, Manila All-Japan and Laos FC four points behind and in a four-way logjam at second spot with 15 apiece.

"It was a very good win, it was a hard-fought game and Manila Jeepney played really good," said Ceres coach Ali Go. "I think we're starting to gel as a team coming in but we still need to finish our chances so the game will be open."

The match also saw the return of former Azkals star Carli de Murga from a career-threatening knee injury and the 25-year-old central midfielder came out impressive.

"So happy to be back on the pitch. It was a long time without football and I was getting jealous watching my teammates, it’s really nice to be back," said de Murga.

Earlier, Nomads relied on a brace from Jamal Lord to turn back a hard-fighting Air Force, 2-1, to remain in the title hunt with 13 points.