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| Blake Powell instigated a late fightback as Ceres-Negros stays alive in the Copa. PFL |
MANILA -- Facing a must-win situation, Ceres-Negros came from a goal down to pip Stallion Laguna, 2-1 to cap off the first midweek Copa fixtures Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial.
Interim manager Ian Treyes pulled off the improbable fightback despite only having 15 men in their matchday squad to stay alive in Group A, avenging their stinging loss to Ernest Nierras' men last Saturday in the process.
[Related Story: Laguna opens Copa bid with rout of Negros]
Their win, their first in three matches, gave Negros a huge boost ahead of their rematch on Sunday against Davao Aguilas in their final group match.
Fitch Arboleda gave Laguna a shock lead six minutes before halftime, pouncing on a Carlo Polli feed to chip the ball past Roland Muller.
But the league champions hit back and duly equalized in the 56th minute when Mike Ott found Blake Powell and the Aussie did not disappoint, stretching his right foot past Bitoy Rosalia inside the box.
Manny Ott completed the comeback with six minutes left, hitting a right-footed rocket inside the box.
Ceres Negros: Muller (GK), Aguinaldo, Mike Ott (Sebuha 68'), Manny Ott, Mulders, Powell, Muñoz (Barbaso 78'), Dutosme, Dizon (De Murga 90+5), Nazari, Steuble (C)
Stallion Laguna: Rosalia (GK), Nierras, Linatoc, Alquiros, Tuason (Villareal 59'), Doctora (C) (Flores 70'), Melliza, Ko, Ishihara (Sy 46'), Polli, Arboleda
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