Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After 14 months out, Carlie De Murga marked his return to action by slotting in two goals to propel Ceres La Salle past 10-man Loyola Meralco Sparks, 2-1, in Group B of the United Football League Cup on Sunday (February 7) at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
It was Ceres who got on the scoreboard first after new Sparks signing Jason De Jong was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box to concede a penalty.
Ceres’ Adrian Gallardo stepped up to take the spot kick, but found his attempt parried away by goalkeeper Tomas Trigo.
Fortunately for the league champions, it was De Murga who pounced on the ball the quickest to slot in the rebound to make it 1-0 in the 35th minute.
Loyola would hit back in the second half on through substitute Jinggoy Valmayor, who was able to slot in the equalizing goal after only five minutes on the pitch at the 65th minute mark.
With the clock running out in injury time, it was Carlie De Murga who played the role of hero for Ceres after heading in the decisive goal at the 92nd mark from a set piece.
After such an emphatic return to the club, De Murga could not contain his emotions.
“I feel great after a long time out of the field, exactly 458 days,” he said. “Imagine how I feel right now. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
In the earlier fixtures, Jordan Mintah of Stallions dealt defending cup holders Kaya with a 1-0 season opening loss, while Green Archers United kicked off their campaign with a 4-0 blow out against Nomads.
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