JB Borlangan saves the day as Cebu forces draw vs. United Clark

JB Borlangan went clutch with his equalizing free kick that forced United Clark to drop points. PFL

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Just when Cebu fans were about to concede to yet another heartbreaking defeat against United Clark, JB Borlongan showed heart in the clutch.

Borlongan rocked the Rizal Memorial Stadium late into the PFL nightcap as his late strike forced a 1-1 draw between Cebu and United Clark.

In an intense showdown that probably had the markings of an early candidate for "Match of the Season" with even the fans making their presence felt, Borlongan struck an 88th-minute free kick goal that forced the stalemate but to the delight of the Cebu fans, who thought they were done after Mark Hartmann scored the opening goal for United Clark in the 71st minute.

While Hartmann's goal spoiled an impressive night from Cebu keeper Ace Villanueva, Villanueva's fellow former University of the Philippines star delivered the goal that mattered in the match, a free kick just outside the penalty area but right at the central area with the goal fully in sight.

Borlongan curved the ball just at the gap separating clusters of players and high enough to not be cleared out by a header into the hands of Jun Badelic.

Badelic initially got a touch of the ball, but he failed to control the save and the ball eventually went in.

Cebu's defense eventually held fort in the end as United Clark could not get another crack at the goal.

With the result, Cebu notched its first point this PFL season two matches in while forcing United Clark to drop points for the first time and is now on seven points, leaving Kaya Iloilo, 6-1 winner over Mendiola earlier Saturday, solely on top of the league table.

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