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| Jerry Barbaso tried to stop a dashing Jhan-Jhan Melliza late in the match, but he conceded the eventual game-winning penalty in the process. Arturo Enriquez/Stallion Laguna FC |
By Ivan Saldajeno
BIÑAN--A costly error down the stretch kept Global Cebu from at least splitting the points with Stallion Laguna in their PFL showdown at the Biñan Football Stadium on Wednesday night.
Longtime Cebu defender Jerry Barbaso accidentally tripped Laguna's offensive young gun Jhan-Jhan Melliza inside the penalty area in the 78th minute of their clash, which was tied at 1-all during that point.
That set up Carlo Polli's 79th minute spot kick that put Laguna back up, 2-1, eventually becoming the marginal goal that gave the club its first win of the season.
[Related Story: Polli penalty lifts Laguna over Cebu]
However, Coach Marjo Allado said during the post-match press conference at the nearby Alonte Sports Arena that he is not pinning the blame on Barbaso.
"I believe Jerry did his best to stop the goal," Allado said. " I cannot blame Jerry."
Allado also said that he will respect the officiating crew's verdict on the said play.
"There's nothing that we can do. The referee blew the whistle regarding the penalty... so we have to obey it," he continued.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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