CARMONA, CAVITE – Mendiola 1991 finally barged into the win column following a 2-0 dismantling of Maharlika Manila in continuing action from the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) brought to you by Qatar Airways Monday at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center. Behind the good plays of captain Jim Ashley Flores, Mendiola improved to four points on a win and a draw in four matches with one more left to be played this Thursday against Stallion Laguna.
Flores got things going with a crisp pass to the waiting Aron Altiche whose shot hit the crossbar and bounced on the goal line. However, play continued and Jon Nebreja was left unmarked to head in their very first goal of the season in the 25th minute.
With the defense holding form, Flores’ hard work all game long was aptly rewarded as Stephen Appiah delivered a good assist towards him for the second goal just as the regulation 90 minutes were about to lapse. Despite having an additional four minutes of stoppage time, there was no denying Mendiola as they moved up to fourth spot in the six-team league.
Entering their penultimate match, Mendiola was coming off a well fought 0-0 draw with powerhouse Kaya Iloilo last November 6. The draw was painful for Kaya because it essentially snuffed their championship hopes while Mendiola gained inspiration from their first points of the season.
Maharlika thus ended their maiden season in the PFL with a solitary win in five matches, a 2-1 come from behind victory over Stallion last October 31. Maharlika also dropped matches versus Kaya (1-0), United City (10-0) and the Azkals Development Team (5-0).
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