Late Toto Bedia strike denies Maharlika Manila upset at home as Stallion Laguna ends PFL season with win

By Ivan Saldajeno

TAGUIG—Just when everyone at the McKinley Hill Stadium thought Vinci Valdez would be having himself a night to remember, Toto Bedia surprised the entire Maharlika Manila backline with the match-winner for Stallion Laguna.

Bedia once again showed why he is Stallion Laguna's super-sub as the club ended its PFL season with a 1-0 road win on Sunday night.

Bedia struck right at the death, scoring the lone goal of the match from long range at the right wing to deny Valdez a clean sheet in what could have been his best performance as Maharlika Manila's starting keeper.

Earlier in the second half, Valdez had fantastic saves as his club seemed to be on its way to scoring an upset draw against its AFC Cup-bound opponent.

Stallion Laguna finishes its campaign with its 11th win against two draws and nine defeats for 35 points, while Maharlika Manila remains at seven points with a showdown against Mendiola also at the McKinley Hill Stadium happening next Sunday to formally close the 2022-23 PFL season already won by Kaya Iloilo.