PHILIPPINES Football League (PFL) top teams FC Meralco Manila and Ceres-Negros FC collide today at the newly built Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, with the top spot at stake.
Separated by just a point in the standings, Meralco (17-6-4) with 57 points and Ceres (17-5-4) with 56 look to come out triumphant in today’s contest to secure the top seed heading into the two-leg semifinals of the national football league and build momentum as they advance to the next round.
“This is an important match for both teams as we close the regular season. Some players are suspended but we will see the fighting nature of the club,” said Meralco coach Aris Caslib at yesterday’s pre-game press conference at the PFF House of Football in Pasig City.
“The mind-set of the coaches is to prepare for the knockout stage. But we put a premium on the match. We want to expose players who can help,” he added.
It is the same mind-set that Ceres is having, notwithstanding the team being undermanned with several players out due to suspension and injuries.
“Some of our players are suspended, some are injured, but we hope to win the game and finish at the top of the table,” said Ceres assistant Jo-oc Treyes at yesterday’s press conference.
“Kota Kawase (defender) is suspended. Fernando Rodriguez has a knee injury, MCL. We are waiting for the medical report. Martin Steuble and Luke Woodland are also injured. We hope Manny Ott can come back for the postseason,” Mr. Treyes added.
The regular season of the PFL is now down to three playdates, including today’s schedule.
Apart from Meralco and Ceres, other teams advancing to the semifinals are Kaya FC Makati with 47 points and Global Cebu FC with 44.
As per tournament schedule, the two-legged semifinals of the PFL will be held on Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10 with the one-match final set for Dec. 16.
The Meralco-Ceres match will be played 3 p.m. behind closed doors but will be aired on Gametime TV CH 109 and SLBN Sportsnet Channel 107 exclusively on Cignal TV. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
