Schrock hits hat trick in Ceres win

MANILA, Philippines – Stephan Schrock came through with a hat trick as Ceres-La Salle downed Loyola Meralco, 4-1, to wrest second spot in the United Football League  at Rizal Memorial Stadium over the weekend. 

Manny Ott was also on target for the Busmen, before Simon Greatwich scored a late consolation goal for the Sparks. 

The win hiked Ceres’ tally to 35 points, six off leader Global, which can seal the crown if it wins two of its next three matches. The Sparks fell to fourth spot with 34 points with three matches remaining. 

“It was crucial for us (to win) because if we lose, our league (campaign) would have been done but now we still have a chance on second (place),” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic. “We have three games left and we have to give our best.”

The Bacolod-based side firmed up its bid to bag the second AFC Cup berth that will be awarded to the second place in the event that Global clinches the crown.

Entering the game on the back of a horrendous stretch that saw the Busmen collect five of a possible 15 points, Ceres needed a flash of inspiration to overcome a Loyola side that was riding high on a come from behind 3-2 win over JP Voltes last week. 

Schrock put Ceres on top with a 30-yard free kick that left Gui Hasegawa rooted to his spot. Schrock’s deflected strike in the 17th minute doubled the lead for the Busmen, who hardly gave the Sparks a clear-cut chance in the first half.