Don Bosco Garelli United signed off on their 2024 PFL campaign in style, defeating the Philippine Army with a lone goal in the penultimate match on Sunday evening at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The valiant Greywolves of Karl Claudio narrowly missed out on the top ten by just a single point but bounced back from two consecutive losses to end their season on a high note.
Garelli fired a warning shot to Army just three minutes in, as Jangobah Johnson nearly caught John Kent Delariarte off his line, with only the crossbar denying the Liberian early on. However, Army had a reply in the 16th minute when a speculative chance by captain Ricardo Becite forced Garelli custodian John Rhain Misagal to jump awkwardly to grab it, preventing a potential error in the process.
Army then had a pair of set-piece opportunities past the half-hour mark but could not beat Misagal, with one effort hitting the left stanchion. However, in the 40th minute, Jangobah Johnson gave Garelli a deserved lead from the spot. After being tripped by Roy Kent Bedia in the box, the Liberian sent Delariarte the wrong way, thumping the ensuing penalty into the bottom left corner.
The Troopers made several changes at halftime, including moving Army gaffer Boogie Margarse into midfield to try to turn things around. However, their best chance came in the 88th minute, when late substitute Francis Sumaylo could only find the side netting after being picked out by a long ball from midfield, with Chris Suarez marking him.
That missed opportunity was a relief for Misagal, who kept a precious clean sheet to give DB Garelli a winning end to their maiden season in the top flight.
PHILIPPINE ARMY: Delariarte (GK), Soriano, Becite ©, Villaseñor, Caruscay (Benitez 46’), Dorimon, Bernardo (Longno 46’), Gatinao (Sanquilos 87’), Monterona, Bedia (Margarse 46’), Decena (Sumaylo 87’)
DB GARELLI: Misagal (GK), Oladipo, Suarez, Johnson, Banagodos (Balbino 90+1’), Sancho, Mahinay ©, Dela Cruz (Baclason 58’), Bullen, Zurbito (Fornis 58’), Obu
