Stallion Laguna pummels Maharlika Manila, makes strong push for 3rd place in PFL table

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Stallion Laguna began its late march to third place in the PFL table after ripping Maharlika Manila at home, 4-1, on Wednesday night at the Biñan Football Stadium.

Abe Placito's early goal set the tone for Stallion Laguna as the club overtook the Azkals Development Team for fourth place and could officially depose United Clark, which amassed 24 points in the first half of the season before dropping out of the competition at the start of the year, with another victory.

Placito placed a fourth minute goal in off a corner kick to put Stallion Laguna on the board.

Rafael Nogueda then slotted one goal in the 28th minute to make it 2-0 for the home side.

Juanito Gallena had his 69th minute attempt thwarted by Vinci Valdez, but Valdez could not complete the save and the ball went into the goal for the 3-0 count.

Kraig Bonanken sealed the deal for Stallion Laguna with a 75th minute goal off a throw-in.

Zachary Ford scored a consolation goal for Maharlika Manila in the 83rd minute.

Stallion Laguna moved up to 22 points after 15 matches as the club took advantage of the ADT's long break due to its commitment in the Southeast Asian Games.

Stallion Laguna is initially scheduled for a May 11 clash against Mendiola also at the Biñan Football Stadium with a chance to formally take third place, which could mean an alternate spot for the AFC Cup should both Kaya Iloilo and Dynamic Herb Cebu make it both to the AFC Champions League group stages.

Maharlika Manila remained stuck at four points after 18 matches.

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