FC Meralco Manila was held to a goalless draw against Stallion Laguna FC in the first Philippines Football League fixture since the resumption of club play this past Saturday afternoon.
The visitors tried to take advantage of a makeshift defensive unit by the Sparks, with Joaco Cañas, Alvin Sarmiento, and Neil Dorimon all suspended. Aris Caslib moved Tyler Matas to central defense while inserting Jake Morallo as a wingback on the left side. Unfortunately, attempts from the likes of Gabriele Mascazzini and Nate Alquiros were either off target or easy enough for netminder Jun Badelic to handle.
The second half showed something similar, with the likes of Ko Kyung Joon and Carlo Polli getting off shots for the visitors. Stallion also had a case for a penalty shout as they perceived that a Morallo block inside the area could have been called for a handball, but the referee opted not to call it.
The Sparks had their own scoring opportunity, with a Lee Jeong Min header hitting the crossbar.
Stallion had a final scoring chance in stoppage time, but Alquiros' chance was just high. As for FC Meralco Manila, a chance from Minniecon force a save from Bitoy Rosalia, which Jinggoy Valmayor would bunch in. Unfortunately, the assistant referee deemed the UP alumnus to be offside.
With the point, FC Meralco Manila padded their lead to four points against Kaya FC-Makati, and puts them closer to a berth in the Finals Series. Stallion moves into solo fifth place with 28 points in 23 matches.
Notes: Tahj Minniecon got booked in the match, which means he is suspended for FC Meralco Manila's next match. Recent Philippine international Jhanjhan Melliza suffered a groin injury.
Stallion's Ernie Nierras: It was a well-played game from both sides. We wanted to control the middle of the pitch and we did. We also addressed the long throws of Tyler Matas and their corners.
Polli: For me, we played better. We had so many shots.
Caslib: We wanted three points so this is a setback for us. But everyone in the organization knows where we are so we all really need to step up.
Simon Greatwich on the game: A scrappy game, not much football being played. Lots of 50/50s and poor controls. Both teams had chances to score. We need to be positive. We need to regroup.
The visitors tried to take advantage of a makeshift defensive unit by the Sparks, with Joaco Cañas, Alvin Sarmiento, and Neil Dorimon all suspended. Aris Caslib moved Tyler Matas to central defense while inserting Jake Morallo as a wingback on the left side. Unfortunately, attempts from the likes of Gabriele Mascazzini and Nate Alquiros were either off target or easy enough for netminder Jun Badelic to handle.
The second half showed something similar, with the likes of Ko Kyung Joon and Carlo Polli getting off shots for the visitors. Stallion also had a case for a penalty shout as they perceived that a Morallo block inside the area could have been called for a handball, but the referee opted not to call it.
The Sparks had their own scoring opportunity, with a Lee Jeong Min header hitting the crossbar.
Stallion had a final scoring chance in stoppage time, but Alquiros' chance was just high. As for FC Meralco Manila, a chance from Minniecon force a save from Bitoy Rosalia, which Jinggoy Valmayor would bunch in. Unfortunately, the assistant referee deemed the UP alumnus to be offside.
With the point, FC Meralco Manila padded their lead to four points against Kaya FC-Makati, and puts them closer to a berth in the Finals Series. Stallion moves into solo fifth place with 28 points in 23 matches.
Notes: Tahj Minniecon got booked in the match, which means he is suspended for FC Meralco Manila's next match. Recent Philippine international Jhanjhan Melliza suffered a groin injury.
Stallion's Ernie Nierras: It was a well-played game from both sides. We wanted to control the middle of the pitch and we did. We also addressed the long throws of Tyler Matas and their corners.
Polli: For me, we played better. We had so many shots.
Caslib: We wanted three points so this is a setback for us. But everyone in the organization knows where we are so we all really need to step up.
Simon Greatwich on the game: A scrappy game, not much football being played. Lots of 50/50s and poor controls. Both teams had chances to score. We need to be positive. We need to regroup.
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