THIRD time proved to be a charm for Kaya FC-Makati against FC Meralco Manila in the Philippines Football League (PFL) after it finally won over the latter after three tries.
In its Saturday fixture at its home turf of University of Makati Football Stadium, Kaya averted a 1-1 draw with late go-ahead goal from substitute Eric Giganto that gifted it a maiden victory over the Sparks.
Before the win, Meralco had the number of Kaya in two games previously, winning, 2-0, on June 17, and 2-1 on Aug. 5.
Kaya was first on the board thanks to league-leading scorer Jordan Mintah who found the bottom of the net at the 22nd minute of the match.
Meralco though would retaliate 14 minutes later with centerback Lee Jeong Min on the firing end.
The two teams had it tight in the second half but Mr. Giganto would break through in the 89th minute off a pass from Mr. Mintah.
Meralco tried to rally back thereafter but no comeback would happen as Kaya held on for the win, its third straight.
The win improved Kaya to 12 wins, five draws and six losses and 41 points, just three points removed from still-league leading Meralco (13-5-3).
“It’s a very important three points for us. Coming into this game, the coaches, the staff, the players were very positive. We were looking forward to this point. We’re very happy to get the result. As I said before, this game was a test of consistency for both clubs. I think my players prevailed in this — we were more consistent, and that led to the three points,” said Kaya coach Noel Marcaida in assessing his team’s victory after.
Meralco gave credit to Kaya for the win, seeing how in the end its opponent delivered from its end, even as it expressed bullishness of its prospects moving forward despite the loss.
“Kaya wanted it more than our team today. With the average of chances in the second half, Kaya were able to capitalize on those few chances, and that was the main difference. We had more chances in the second half but we weren’t able to capitalize. Kaya had less, but it was quality in the end,” Meralco coach Aris Caslib.
“We still have one more home match [versus Kaya]. We value our matches at home. We just need to take the last three points against Kaya,” he added.
CERES BIG WINNER
Also chalking up a win on Saturday was Ceres-Negros FC, routing Ilocos United FC, 5-0, in Bacolod City.
Stephan Schrock had a brace — 41’ and 74’ — while Bienvenido Maranon (7’), Fernando Rodriguez (19’) and Carlie De Murga (29’) had a goal each to tow Ceres (11-2-3) to now third place with 35 points.
Ilocos (1-4-16) with the loss was sent back to earth after winning its first game previously.
Meanwhile, Stallion Laguna FC (7-6-9) and Davao Aguilas FC (0-8-10) drew, 2-2, and got a point each. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
