Pato on target in Corinthians victory

Sao Paulo, April 22 (IANS) Brazil international striker Alexandre Pato and veteran midfielder Danilo netted first half goals as Corinthians defeated Atletico Sorocaba 2-0 in the Campeonato Paulista.

The victory lifted the Sao Paulo club to fifth in the standings, securing a quarterfinal berth against Ponte Preta next Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Danilo struck with a low 34th-minute shot after Peru striker Paolo Guerrero dribbled past two defenders before finding the the 33-year-old unmarked in the area.

Then, on the stroke of halftime, Pato poked in from close range after Paulinho's long-range effort rebounded off the right post.

Pato has now scored six goals from 16 appearances for Corinthians since his 15-million-euro move from AC Milan in January.

In other matches Sunday, Santos beat Penapolense 2-1 to set up a quarterfinal meeting with Palmeiras, who lost 2-1 to Ituano.

Sao Paulo lost 1-0 to Mogi Mirim and will face Penapolense for a place in the final four next Sunday.