Stallion tops Smart Club Visayas elims

LOILO CITY – Stallion Football Club (FC) of Barotac Nuevo whipped Laos FC of Leyte, 6-1, on Thursday to win the all-Visayas regional title of the Smart Club Championships at the Central Philippines University (CPU) football field.

After yielding its own goal in the 3rd minute when goalkeeper Louie Jay Sobrevega bungled a back pass by Tommy Escoltero, the Stallion squad, led by Ruben Doctora Jr., dominated the rest of the way.

Laos FC sorely missed the services of Nigerian striker Ogwejiofor Cusmas, who was suspended for one game after he got a red-carded in their previous outing,

However, Laos FC still earned a slot into the next round in the Smart-sponsored competition organized by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

“We started a bit slow after that early error and I shifted our attacks from the right to the left wing,” said Stallion head coach Ernie Nierras.

“We still have a lot to work to do on our skills, strength and endurance in preparation for the next phase of the event,” he added.

Nierras said he expects some of his other team members, including Wilson Muñoz who also plays for Iloilo in the Under-23 Suzuki Cup, to be back for their future games.

“Stallion was really a strong team, and the absence of Cusmas hurt us. But we are happy to advance to the succeeding stage of the tournament,” said Laos FC team manager-coach Jojie Ronda.

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