Dylan de Bruycker scored an equalizer in the second half as the Davao Aguilas held league leader Meralco-Manila to a 2-all draw Wednesday in the Philippines Football League at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City.
The Fil-Belgian midfielder struck in the 74th minute with help from Gilmar Fernandez in the attack that enabled the host Aguilas end the Sparks’ five-game winning streak by salvaging a point.
It was the second straight draw by Davao to climb into sixth place in the eight-team league with three points. The Aguilas were coming off a scoreless draw against Stallion-Laguna over the weekend in Biñan, Laguna.
Meralco remained unbeaten despite the draw with 16 points in six matches, but its hold of the lead reduced to one point after JPV-Marikina downed Ilocos United, 2-1, at the President Elpidio Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
JPV posted its fifth straight win for 15 points after seven matches.
Meanwhile, Patrick Deyto made two big saves in the penalty shootout that gave Global-Cebu a dramatic 3-2 win over Geylang International to reach the quarterfinals of the Singapore Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Both clubs were forced to play a shootout when they failed to break a 4-all tie after extra time.
The result left Global as the only Filipino club in the competition after Ceres-Negros was eliminated 1-0 by Hougang United a day earlier.