KAYA FC-Iloilo got its third straight win and solidified its grip on the top spot in the Philippines Football League after a 3-0 victory over Stallion Laguna FC last March 12, 2023, at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Javier Gayoso immediately made his presence felt with a goal in the fourth minute of the match. Gayoso scored from point-blank range coming off a cross pass by Daizo Horikoshi.
Mar Diano added a second goal for Kaya FC in the 13th minute after beating Stallion FC goalkeeper Hayeson Pepito coming off a rebound.
Stallion FC fought back hard but the quality attempts of Abou Sy and Miguel Mendoza missed their mark.
Arnel Amita put the nail in the coffin with a goal in the second minute of extra time from an assist by Jovin Bedic.
On the other hand, Maharlika Manila FC finally got its first win of the season after a 1-0 win over Mendiola FC 1991 at the Imus Grandstand.
Zachary Ford hit the match’s lone goal in the 30th minute.
Kaya FC is now back up with eight points ahead of second-place Cebu FC. Kaya FC has 39 points, while Cebu FC has 31. Cebu FC, however, is two matches behind Kaya FC and could quickly close the gap if they continue to win.
Azkals Development Team (ADT) is far third with 21 points, Stallion FC is fourth with 16 points, Mendiola FC is fifth with six points and Maharlika FC is still last with four points.
Cebu FC beats ADT
Meanwhile, Cebu FC inched closer to the top spot of the Philippines Football League (PFL) after a 2-1 win over ADT last Saturday, March 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Cebu FC went up ahead in the first half with a header by new acquisition Rintaro Hama in the 20th minute. Hama was at the right place at the right time as he headed in the ball that came off the crossbar from a shot attempt by Leaford Allen.
After trailing 1-0 at halftime, ADT had a strong start in the second half and quickly scored the equalizer compliments of Gavin Muens. Muen struck inside the box coming off a cross pass by Oliver Bias from the left side of the pitch.
Cebu FC, however, hit the winning goal later in the half. Daniel Gadia went past two defenders and struck from point-blank range in the 70th minute.
With the win, Cebu FC closed in on league leader Kaya FC-Iloilo.
Kaya FC has 36 points, while Cebu FC has 31 points. Cebu FC is also a game behind Kaya FC in matches played.
ADT is in third place with 21 points, Stallion Laguna FC is fourth with 16 points, Mendiola FC 1991 is fifth with nine points and Maharlika Manila FC is last with six points.
This weekend, Cebu FC faces Maharlika FC on March 18, while Kaya FC locks horns with ADT on March 19.