Maharlika Manila FC scored its first club win in stunning fashion over Stallion Laguna, 2-1, on Saturday, October 31, in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

After suffering from a season-opening defeat, Maharlika Manila rebounded from a goal down with a 53rd minute goal thanks to Jose Montelibano, who fired through the ball from MJ Libre for the equalizer.

Montelibano cemented himself as the first goal scorer of the newly-formed club.

The Manila-based squad continued to build on its 2nd half comeback over the established Stallion squad as Charlie Beaton found an open Jeremy Theuer on the right flank to fire past Nelson Gasic.

“Still no words to express how happy I am with the team performance,” said Maharlika head coach Roxy Dorlas.

“We had a good game against Kaya, we solved our problems and we were positive going into the match against Stallion.”

Stallion attempted to regroup against Maharlika’s hot momentum, but was unable to convert their chances after opening the scoreline with Senegalese midfielder Ibrahim N’Dour’s 28th minute close-range goal.

The Laguna-based squad, which is aiming for an AFC Cup slot, took control of the opening frame and threatened Maharlika keeper Henry Bendeken Fong with clinical buildups.

But the Player of the Game continued to come up for big saves that held off Stallion’s fiery attacking third. – Rappler.com