Global FC ousts Ceres-La Salle, faces Sparks in final

Matches today (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

4 p.m. – Stallion vs Ceres- La Salle (Third Place)

7 p.m. – Loyola Meralco vs Global (Championship)

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC hacked out a vengeful 3-1 win in extra time over nemesis Ceres-La Salle FC in a highly charged semifinal encounter to dethrone the Bacolod-based club in the PFF-Smart National Club Championship Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Mark Hartmann fired a brace while Dennis Villanueva came off the bench to deliver a clutch strike as Global completed the come-from-behind victory – their first in four head-to-head duels with Ceres – and grab the second and last finals seat.

Global will dispute the vacant title with Loyola Meralco Sparks, which earlier advanced after a 2-1 victory over Stallion FC in their side of the semis, tonight at 7 p.m. Ceres and Stallion contest third place at 4 p.m. today.

“It was a tough game against a tough team and they (Ceres) lived up to the expectations as defending champions. I’m happy for the boys as they pulled through even though we went down a goal early,” said Global FC CEO Dan Palami.

Ceres took the upperhand two minutes in with Manny Ott sending his corner kick past the defense and into the goal.

Global pushed to create scoring opportunities but only found the mark three minutes after restart as Hartmann converted a feed from Kiraku Minegishi in a well-played counter initiated by Misagh Bahadoran.

Ceres positioned itself for the go-ahead goal when Patrick Reichelt went to work against greenhorn Richard Talaroc and won a penalty at the 88th minute.

But fancied Martin Steuble, making his debut for Ceres, unexpectedly sent his spot kick over the bar to the relief of Global.

“(The penalty miss) was a scare,” said Palami.”I thought it was a repeat of the (League Cup) final.”

Villanueva, who relieved Satoshi Otomo in the first half of extra time, pounced on a poor clearance inside the area to give Global the all-important goal with nine minutes remaining.