Ceres-NOFA Beats Stallion in PFF-Smart Round 16 Tourneys

Submitted by Cyrus Garde

 Korean midfielder Kim Jong Mook saved the day for Ceres-NOFA (Negros Occidental Football Association) to defeat United Football League champion Stallion, 1-0 in the Philippine Football Federation - Smart National Club championship round 16 at the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium football field last night.
Kim Jong Mook eluded his defender and his mark in the 46th minute. It was the only goal that put Ceres- NOFA on top as both teams cautiously concentrated on their defense from start to finish. Ceres head coach Freddie “Nene” Laza-rito said his team’s victory was also a boost for the team who claimed earlier that home advantage will be on their side, despite having Stallion’s formidable lineup that include Azkals midfielder Jason de Jong, Spanish players Joaquin Garcia and Rufino Sanchez, and a list of highly-skilled players from Iloilo.
Garce and Sanchez, who signed with the Stallion last year, are on loan from Spanish third division side CF Internacional de Madrid.
Lazarito said they also have in Ceres’ uniform Azkals’ Joshua Beloya and British striker Peter Long, defender Danny Claxton, and mid-fielder Daniel Sandoval making the game an exciting one.
Ceres and Stallion are evenly matched with topnotch Korean players playing in both sides.
Ceres advanced to the Round of 16 after claiming the top spot in regional qualifying last year in San Carlos City, beating the Cebu Queen City United FC, 1-0, and Leyte FC, 10-0.
Ceres-NOFA squad is composed of Louie Michael Casas and Korean Hyoun Jae Jun as goalkeepers, Abelardo So-linas Jr., Jason Panhay, J. Baguioro, Beloya, Joel Bedia Jr., Kim Jung Mook, Choi Gun Hee, Rolando Ian Treyes, and Sandoval for midfield, Lemuel Unabia, John Timothy Bolo, Sim Hyung Min, Richard Sumabong, Anthony Tongson, Jose Emmanuel Thomas Diel, Claxton, and Park Keon Hyeong as defenders, while the strikers are Long, Yoon Byeong Jun, Hanesin Prince Antony, Jaime Poderoso Jr., and Jemuel Ariola.

Ramon Janeol assisted Lazarito as assistant coach and Ali Go. Brothers Ricky and Leo Rey Yanson are supporting the team.* (CMGarde)

Negros Daily Bulletin