De Murga header lifts Ceres versus Meralco Sparks

MANILA, Philippines - Stephan Schrock made his much-awaited debut for Ceres but teammate Carlie de Murga stole the show as he fired a brace that powered the Bacolod side to a 2-1 victory over 10-man Loyola Meralco Sparks in the UFL Cup Sunday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Playing his first game after a 14-month layoff due to knee injury, former Azkal de Murga marked his return to action by delivering the winning header off a corner from Orman Okuinaya in injury time.

“I feel great after a long time out of the field, exactly 458 days,” said de Murga, recalling the serious knee injury he suffered in the FA League Cup final against Global last Nov. 6, 2014. “Imagine how I feel right now. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

De Murga earlier drew first blood for Ceres in the 35th minute as he picked up Adrian Gallardo’s saved penalty and sent it home. Ceres enjoyed the upperhand until the 65th when Sparks sub Jinggoy Valmayor came off the bench to knock down the equalizer.

Schrock, who joined Ceres on loan from SpVgg Greuther Fürth, immediately made an impact against the Phil Younghusband-less Sparks, threatening Tommy Trigo twice, including a free kick at the second minute.

The showdown between Azkals stalwarts Schrock and Younghusband didn’t materialize as the Fil-British striker sat it out due to injury.  Simon Greatwich and Joaco Canas also missed the game for Simon McMenemy’s squad.

In another high-powered duel, Stallion FC stunned defending Cup champion Kaya FC, 1-0.

Jordan Mintah extricated from the defenders to blast the marginal goal in the 36th minute as the Stallion exacted revenge on Kaya FC, its tormentor in last year’s semifinals.