United City F.C.

As Ceres (2012–2020)

Early years

The club was founded by Leo Rey Yanson in 2012 as Ceres–La Salle, with the cooperation of the University of St. La Salle of Bacolod. The club was initially composed of college and some Korean players, becoming primarily led by Philippines national team players. A notable early victory was at the inaugural Negros Men's Open Football Championships in January 2012, an 11–0 win against Bacolod United in the final. United City's first national tournament was the 2012–13 PFF National Men's Club Championship. United City won the championship trophy with a 1–0 victory against Pasargad in the final. En route to the championship, they won matches against Stallion, Global and Kaya.

United Football League

After their victory in the PFF championship, Ceres expressed an intention to join the United Football League (UFL, the top-tier football league in the Philippines at that time). They were not able to play in the 2013 UFL season, however, and joined the league for the 2013 UFL Cup. Ceres debuted in the UFL in the 2014 season in Division 2. The club dominated the division, and was promoted to Division 1 the following season. Ceres were considered serious contenders for the 2015 UFL Division 1 title in their first year, and clinched the championship with several regular-season games to play. They were unable to replicate their success in the 2016 season, and finished second.

First three seasons in the Philippines…