Ceres FC downs Global to take UFL FA League Cup title

MANILA, Philippines – Ceres La Salle FC completed their impressive run in the United Football League, defeating powerhouse Global FC 2-1 to win the FA League Cup title at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Thursday, November 6.

Ceres FC caught the defense of Global FC off guard early in the match as Jin Ho Kim capitalized on a corner to head a sneaky strike past the defense to take the early lead for his club, 1-0.

On the other side, the defending champs geared their offense to notch an equalizing goal but the defense of their foes came well prepared for their meeting.

The intensity of the final took its toll on the players as Ceres FC’s Carli De Murga was brought out of the match due to an injury to the left knee after colliding with a Global FC defender, forcing an early substitution.

Almost halfway into the match, another goal off a corner kick was tallied for the club from Bacolod as Adrian Gallardo left his defender to double the lead at 2-0.

Global FC’s hopes of lessening the lead went up after Ceres’ keeper Michael Louie Casas was penalized for holding the ball for more than six seconds prompting the referee to award an indirect free kick.

Mark Hartmann took it but his shot went straight to the defensive wall of Ceres.

Several outbursts were sent by Global in the remaining minutes of the first half but no goals were sank before the break.

When play resumed, a refreshed offense came into the field for Global FC to hound the defense of their adversaries.

As a result, Hartmann connected with a long distance shot from outside the box to inch his team closer to Ceres, 2-1.

Ceres FC’s defense, however, suffered a big blow when team skipper Juani Guirado was sent off the game after incurring a red card.

With Ceres down to just ten men on the field, Global had their eyes on another late game goal to hopefully level the scoreline and send the game to extra time but Casas denied each of their chances until the end o regulation.

Consequently, Global FC’s Patrick Deyto was awarded as the tournament’s golden glove, Kaya FC’s Louis Clark was given the golden boot award and Ceres’ Jin Ho Kim acquired the golden ball award.

Also, Stallion FC was given the fair play award after incurring the least number of cards throughout the entire competition.

Meanwhile, the Loyola Meralco Sparks FC bagged third place after trouncing Pachanga Diliman FC, 3-1. – Rappler.com