Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bacolod City: Ceres Negros’ victory in the 2017 AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final on Wednesday was a historic moment for the team, the Filipino nation and the entire region according to man-of-the-match midfielder Stephan Schrock.
Down 2-1 from the first leg in Singapore, Ceres went ahead on the away goals rule after just two minutes after Jose Porteria volleyed in from six yards.
Manuel Ott added a second with a superlative free-kick shortly before half-time and, despite Stipe Plazibat hitting the woodwork for the visitors within the final 10 minutes, Ceres were able to see out the remainder of the tie to be crowned ASEAN zonal champions.
“After the match, the players were crying on the pitch because we left it all out there,” said former 1899 Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt player Schrock.
“We put in the performance of our life in this final. We deserve to make history for the club, the country and Southeast Asia
“We have very good support here and we’re very proud to represent this city.”
Born in Schweinfurt, Germany, Schrock was a pivotal part of Ceres’ AFC Cup campaign last year, after joining on loan from 2. Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Furth.
For the 2017 tournament, though, the Philippines international only rejoined Ceres in April and the two legs of the ASEAN Zonal Final have been his only AFC Cup appearances this year.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/schrock_info.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/schrock_two.html