17 hours Ago By Glenn Tan, BipSU intern
THE Cebu Football Club (CFC) Gentle Giants fell 1-3 to Stallion Laguna FC in the 2024-25 Philippines Football League (PFL) on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex. Despite the homecourt advantage, Cebu FC struggled to recover from a tough first half, where Stallion Laguna seized early control and took a commanding two-goal lead by halftime. Stallion Laguna got off to a blistering start, with Stephan Schrock finding the net in the second minute to give the visitors the early advantage.
Griffin McDaniel doubled their lead with a clinical finish in the 33rd minute. The Gentle Giants showed some promise after the break, when Leo Maquiling scored in the 65th minute. However, their hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Juan Diego Galeana restored Stallion Laguna’s two-goal lead in the 66th minute.
Cebu FC pushed forward late in the match but failed to find another breakthrough, allowing Stallion Laguna to secure the 3-1 victory. After the game, Stallion Laguna skipper Griffin Connor McDaniel reflected on the win and the atmosphere in Cebu. “You know it’s a battle every day, but I think at the end of the day, coming here to this crowd gives us all the motivation we need.
It may not be our home, but the atmosphere really got the boys going. Like I said earlier after the game, it’s not just Cebu fans, it’s fans of football in general,” McDaniel said. McDaniel also emphasized the importance of staying focused as the season draws to a close, stating, “I think staying hungry and staying intact during the game is key.
Cebu is very good at keeping us on our toes; they keep pressing.” Cebu FC head coach Glenn Ramos addressed the team’s performance and stressed the importance of securing three points in their next match to stay in contention for a top-four finish. “Focus -- we need to win to take the three points and stay in the Top 4.
If we win the next game, we’ll have a chance for the Top 4. That’s our aim and goal for this coming Sunday,” Ramos said. Looking ahead to the rematch against Stallion Laguna this Sunday, April 6, Ramos remains optimistic that the team will bounce back.
“We will work hard for this coming game. Of course, every game has a winner, and this time I hope it will be us. I pray that God will give us the win this coming Sunday,” Ramos added.
The loss leaves Cebu FC tied with Stallion Laguna at 27 points, with both teams now in a tight race for the fourth spot in the PFL standings. Stallion Laguna currently holds the No. 4 spot due to a better goal difference.
With the season intensifying, every game becomes vital in the battle for the Top Four. Kaya FC leads the standings with 40 points and closely followed by Manila Digger FC with 39. Meanwhile, Cebu FC, Stallion Laguna FC, and One Taguig FC remain locked in a fierce battle for the fourth spot, making Sunday’s match another exciting chapter in the PFL 2024-25 season.
/ Glenn C. Tan.
