Stephan Schrock gave Ceres-Negros the precious away goal right before the final whistle after Ceres-Negros beat Kaya-Makati, 1-0, Sunday in the first leg of their Philippines Football League semifinals at the University of Makati Field.
Schrock eluded several defenders from the left side before firing a left-footed shot past Kaya goalkeeper Ref Cuaresma to put the Busmen closer towards advancing to the one-game final of the league’s inaugural season.
Ceres needs at least a draw on Sunday when it hosts Kaya at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
The winner of their semifinal tie will face either Global-Cebu or Meralco-Manila in the final set Dec. 16. Global leads 2-1 on aggregate after topping Saturday’s first leg at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Chances were begging for both sides prior to Schrock’s crucial goal, with Kaya’s Jordan Mintah blowing a chance to give the home side the lead in the second half when his shot hit the goalpost.
Cuaresma almost preserved a clean sheet until Schrock delivered in the end.
