FC Meralco Manila, Ceres-Negros FC share goalless draw

Jinggoy Valmayor attempting to move past a Ceres-Negros defender. Photo c/o FC Meralco Manila

The Philippines Football League made history on Friday afternoon, having its first match inside what will be the PFF National Training Facility at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, with FC Meralco Manila and Ceres-Negros FC battling to a goalless draw.

The first half was a tight affair, with minimal scoring opportunities due to Ceres having difficulty trying to generate offense, while also relying on Roland Mueller to snuff chances from the likes of Tahj Minniecon and Ashley Flores.

The second half reflected that much as well, as chances from Alvin Sarmiento and Jinggoy Valmayor went begging.

The best scoring opportunity came late. An 84th minute free kick from Curt Dizon was palmed over the bar by Mueller, with the subsequent corner kick eventually seeing Dizon firing another shot that hit the right post. The ensuing rebound scramble yielded an attempt from Flores that was saved.

With the draw, FC Meralco Manila remains atop the PFL table with 58 points heading into the Finals Series. All eyes now head to Cebu on November 28, as the Busmen fly to the Queen City of the South and face a Global Cebu FC side that would be fresh from playing Albirex Niigata (S) in the RHB Singapore Cup final tonight. With 57 points heading into that match, for as long as Ceres does not lose, they would move into first place owing to their superior goal difference.

Notes:

FC Meralco Manila had been designated as the home team, and chose this venue with its nominal home, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium unavailable due to the start of the NCAA Season 93 football season.

Although the match was goalless, Valmayor was named as the Man of the Match for creating those scoring opportunities.

Risto Vidakovic after the match: "It was very important to keep the players free from injury. No injuries means a successful day for us." He adds, "We will go to Cebu to compete."

Aris Caslib after the match: "Hats off to our players who played with so many starters unavailable."

David Pusing was sent off with a straight red card for a studs up challenge, which will force him to miss at least the first leg of their Finals Series matchup.