By Drew Malihan
MANILA — Ceres-Negros have a dismal Copa Paulino Alcantara last year, but that was a thing of the past from now.
This is after a 4-0 mauling of Green Archers United in Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa on a rainy Wednesday night and punching the ticket to their first domestic cup semifinal.
The boys from Bacolod may have missed the service of both Spaniard defender Super Herrera and forward OJ Porteria, but still proved too much to handle with Bienvenido Maranon as club captain.
James Younghusband broke the ice for the Busmen in the 18th minute, securing a saved ball by Henri Bandeken Fong from Stephan Schrock for an easy six-feet goal.
GAU's woes grew in the 26th minute after the Cameroonian keeper sustained a potential leg injury, prompting them to sub in seldom-used keeper Arjay Joyel, who was initially unavailable for the match.
GAU's first half defense was tough, denying every opportunity Ceres created despite missing Tolits Cubon due to at match suspension.
Mike Ott converted a cross by Schrock in the 67th minute to give the Busmen a 2-0 cushion and the Azkals skipper the second assist of the game.
Charles Barberan debuted for Ceres with a style, attempting a shot in the 79th minute which went past the Green Archer's keeper and the goal.
Substitute striker Robert Lopez Mendy scored his fourth Copa goal of the season on the 81st minute, putting Joyel first on skates before sending the ball to the back of the net.
The Busmen will have their first Copa semifinal match as in November 10 against Stallion Laguna, who twice kept them from having a clean Philippines Football League season sweep.
GAU however ended their Copa campaign conceding six goals while scoring none in three matches.
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