MANILA, Philippines — Ceres Negros rained goals on Global Cebu and ran away with a 7-1 rout to inch closer to back-to-back Philippines Football League crowns on a wet Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Bienvenido Maranon fired a brace to lead a searing offensive that also saw new signings Curt Dizon and Blake Powell netting their debut goals and set the tone for their 16th win in 21 games.
With 51 points and an 18-point lead against closest pursuer Kaya FC Iloilo, the Busmen can secure their second straight diadem with at least a draw on Wednesday when they play Global Cebu (five points) in their fourth meeting this season.
“Global is not the same team as before (following the transfer of its key players to other clubs) so it was very easy to beat them today,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.
Maranon put the Busmen on the board in the 18th with a converted penalty then Dizon doubled the margin three minutes later and the Spaniard got his double and made it 3-0 early in the second half.