Matches today (Rizal Memorial Stadium)?
4 p.m. – Kaya vs Laos?
7 p.m. – Loyola Meralco vs Ceres-La Salle
MANILA, Philippines - Three-peat-seeking Ceres-La Salle FC overcame a late fightback by Kaya FC to score a pulsating 3-2 victory Thursday night to kick off its campaign in the PFF Smart Club Championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Nate Burkey struck with a brace in his debut to help Ceres seize a 3-0 cushion then the Bacolod-based club quashed the Joven Bedic-led Kaya uprising to secure the win and tie Loyola Meralco Sparks with three points in Group A. The Sparks beat Laos FC, 4-0, earlier in the day.
“The performance was okay especially in the first half, where we had more chances to score. But there were lapses in second half and I think the team relaxed with a 3-0 line,” said Ceres manager Ali Go.
“These games are good for us just to let us realize that anything could happen; even with 3-0, 4-0 up, if you relax for a while, it could still be a dangerous game,” he added.
Burkey, who was acquired last season but didn’t get to play due to injury, immediately proved his worth for his new club by scoring twice in a 75-minute job.