(CNN Philippines) — Global Cebu FC scored two goals in just three minutes as they opened their Philippines Football League (PFL) campaign with a 2-1 win over JPV Marikina on Sunday afternoon at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
A goalless first half saw Marikina hold off the Cebu-based side, before getting their noses in front after the break.
Midfielder Takashi Odawara converted the first goal of the afternoon, to put JPV up 1-0 at the 56th mark.
But it did not take long for Global to strike back.
Just two minutes later Philippine international Amani Aguinaldo found the equalizer, 1-1.
Things went from bad to worse for JPV as they conceded a penalty to allow Paul Mulders to give Cebu the 2-1 advantage just three minutes later.
Cebu would hold off Marikina and take the full three points to open their PFL season.
The result sees Global hold the second placed spot in the league table after the first week of matches.
Stalemate between north and south
Meanwhile, honors were even between newly found clubs Ilocos United and the Davao Aguilas on Sunday at the President Elpidio Quirino Stadium in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Despite playing away from home, Davao drew first blood in the contest during the second half.
Former Azkal Nate Burkey found 19-year old Dylan de Bruycker, who scored the Aguilas’ first goal of the season at the 50th minute.
But the hosts would not leave empty handed, after Angelo Marasigan was deemed to be fouled in the penalty box at the 77th minute mark of the contest.
Ilocos captain John Kanayama converted the resulting penalty to even the scores, 1-1.
Read: Manila Meralco runs riot past Stallion to kickoff PFL season, Kaya battles Ceres to stalemate
