FC Meralco Manila's four-match winning run in the Philippines Football League was halted on Wednesday afternoon, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by JPV Marikina FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Allen Angeles' equalizer in the 43rd minute cancelled out Joaco Cañas' 12th minute opener to constitute the goals in the match.
Cañas' goal reflected once again what has bedeviled Dan Padernal's side against the Sparks, as the Spanish defender nodded in a corner kick from Curt Dizon off the far post. Set piece defending has been an issue for JPV whenever they faced Meralco, with its previous two meetings highlighted by a goal off that situation.
JPV tried to equalize almost midway into the first half, but Sparks goalkeeper Junjun Badelic steered a Takumi Uesato drive safely. They eventually did manage to tie the game up as Angeles took advantage of a poor defensive clearance.
Both teams had the chance in the second half to take the lead. Jim Ashley Flores' header went directly to Nelson Gasic two minutes in, while Badelic easily saved a long shot from Satoshi Otomo at the 52 minute mark. Badelic also managed to deny two attempts from JPV skipper Takashi Odawara, including one in injury time that salvaged a point for the Sparks.
Addressing the media afterwards, Aris Caslib praised Badelic, noting that "He really showed his capabilities." He added that the team "could have done better, but fatigue was a factor."
Anto Gonzales adds, "The JPV style of play is very difficult to match. They play 1-2 plays, and have good off-the-ball movement."
As for Padernal, he was "half-happy" with the draw, and praised Masaaki Yanagawa, noting that he "organized that backline and was able to stop all the Meralco counters. He did very well in the high balls."
The draw means FC Meralco Manila's lead over both Kaya FC-Makati and Global Cebu FC has grown to eleven points, 40 to 29. Global has two games in hand, with one coming in tomorrow against Stallion Laguna FC that will be the final Philippines Football League match before the international break. Meanwhile, JPV's gap between themselves and Ceres-Negros FC is now down to one point, although the Busmen have four games in hand, having played the fewest games so far this season alongside Davao Aguilas FC.
NOTES: Flores started due to Connor Tacagni's suspension. Caslib also gave a starting nod to Gonzales for this match. With Camelo Tacusalme sidelined to due a hamstring issue, Sean Kane was tasked to fill his shoes at centerback. Although the game was played at Rizal Memorial, which is the home stadium of the Sparks, JPV was designated as the home team with the Marikina Sports Complex still not yet ready for use as a PFL home venue.
Allen Angeles' equalizer in the 43rd minute cancelled out Joaco Cañas' 12th minute opener to constitute the goals in the match.
Cañas' goal reflected once again what has bedeviled Dan Padernal's side against the Sparks, as the Spanish defender nodded in a corner kick from Curt Dizon off the far post. Set piece defending has been an issue for JPV whenever they faced Meralco, with its previous two meetings highlighted by a goal off that situation.
JPV tried to equalize almost midway into the first half, but Sparks goalkeeper Junjun Badelic steered a Takumi Uesato drive safely. They eventually did manage to tie the game up as Angeles took advantage of a poor defensive clearance.
Both teams had the chance in the second half to take the lead. Jim Ashley Flores' header went directly to Nelson Gasic two minutes in, while Badelic easily saved a long shot from Satoshi Otomo at the 52 minute mark. Badelic also managed to deny two attempts from JPV skipper Takashi Odawara, including one in injury time that salvaged a point for the Sparks.
Addressing the media afterwards, Aris Caslib praised Badelic, noting that "He really showed his capabilities." He added that the team "could have done better, but fatigue was a factor."
Anto Gonzales adds, "The JPV style of play is very difficult to match. They play 1-2 plays, and have good off-the-ball movement."
As for Padernal, he was "half-happy" with the draw, and praised Masaaki Yanagawa, noting that he "organized that backline and was able to stop all the Meralco counters. He did very well in the high balls."
The draw means FC Meralco Manila's lead over both Kaya FC-Makati and Global Cebu FC has grown to eleven points, 40 to 29. Global has two games in hand, with one coming in tomorrow against Stallion Laguna FC that will be the final Philippines Football League match before the international break. Meanwhile, JPV's gap between themselves and Ceres-Negros FC is now down to one point, although the Busmen have four games in hand, having played the fewest games so far this season alongside Davao Aguilas FC.
NOTES: Flores started due to Connor Tacagni's suspension. Caslib also gave a starting nod to Gonzales for this match. With Camelo Tacusalme sidelined to due a hamstring issue, Sean Kane was tasked to fill his shoes at centerback. Although the game was played at Rizal Memorial, which is the home stadium of the Sparks, JPV was designated as the home team with the Marikina Sports Complex still not yet ready for use as a PFL home venue.
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