Copa: Ivanobski's brace lifts Stallion past Maharlika, 4-0

Photo from PFL

 by Drew Malihan

MANILA - Stallion Laguna FC's Copa Paulino Alcantara run continues with a four-goal fest against Maharlika Manila FC in the second match of the October 9 matchday of the cup tournament.

It was a repeat performance for the Stallions following a 5-0 drubbing of the Taguig-based squad with Cristian Ivanobski, Yuta Nomura, Zach Ford, and Ruben Doctora delivering the goods.

Mexican midfielder Juan Galleana Trujillo opened the second leg with a 15th minute goal, a fifth attempt in a 20 second span after both Finn McDaniel and Shirmar Felongco's attempts missed courtesy of Lawrence Baguio's tough defending.

Kraig Bonanken then found a striking Ivanobski from three-fourths of the field, giving the ball to the Argentine who defeated his guard and slotted a screamer from outside the box in the 19th minute.

Ivanobski scored his second goal of the tie in the 41st minute after quick passes from Bonanken and Nathan Rilloraza, with the forward needing to beat Christian Jamon's guard to put the ball past Christian Jay Mendez's hands.

Defensive efforts prevailed in the second half of the tournament until longtime captain Ruben Doctora scored a fourth one to seal the deal, with Japanese forward Yuta Nomura providing a quick one-two pass back to him.

Stallion ended the tie with a 9-0 aggregate and will enter the semifinals facing defending champions and historic rivals Kaya FC-Iloilo on October 19.

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