Sanchez returns to help Cebu evade Ilocos’ upset ax

Sanchez, who came on at halftime, headed in a 63rd minute goal that rocked the good-sized crowd. (Photo by Rufo Sanchez/Facebook)

MANILA, Aug 6— Rufo Sanchez finally made his first local league game as a Global Cebu player and even helped the club fight back in the second half to escape Ilocos United, 2-1, at the Cebu City Sports Center in Cebu on Saturday night.

Four years after his supposed domestic debut with Cebu was derailed due to transfer issues, the Spanish striker finally suited up with the team in the PFL and scored a goal that sparked its second half blitz to turn back upset-minded Ilocos.

Charlie Beaton shocked the Cebuano hopefuls in the 11th minute as he slotted in a goal off a low cross to put Ilocos up.

But Sanchez, who came on at halftime, headed in a 63rd minute goal that rocked the good-sized crowd.

Pika Minigeshi won it for Cebu with a 67th minute attack.

Cebu, following Makati’s loss at Manila later Saturday, is now in second place with 28 points, two points behind Manila for the top spot, while Ilocos remains in search for the elusive first win.