Kaya FC Looking for Payback in Showdown Versus Heated Rivals PFL 2022 — United City FC Match Preview and Quotes from Coach Yu Hoshide

The PFF National Football Center is once again the backdrop for the clash of the Philippine football titans, as the number three-seeded United City FC host the table-topping Kaya FC-Iloilo.

It’s been nearly four months since the last meeting with the Clark-based side, and now Iloilo have their chance to exact a bit of payback for the heartbreaking loss in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final. Though the Cup result may linger in the minds of many PFL fans, it’s all in the rearview for the team—and especially Head Coach Yu Hoshide.

“I think that the players have moved on from that match already, in a good way,” Hoshide stated. “It’s because we are much, much better than we were at that time; thanks to everything we’ve learned from the AFC Cup and these first few PFL games.”

Prior to the bye-week, Kaya achieved their best start to the league in club history—securing their fifth consecutive win against Stallion Laguna FC. Goal contributions came from Jarvey Gayoso, Jovin Bedic, and Daizo Horikoshi, while Quincy Kammeraad turned in a MOTM performance between the sticks to seal the deal.

“We got our confidence back in this game, especially for our GK and DFs. That’s why the clean sheet was really important for us to obtain, it was key to our mental preparations against UCFC,” noted Coach Yu.

United City have enjoyed a hot start of their own, going undefeated in their first four matches. They currently sit third in the league standings with a game in hand after missing their match against the Azkals Development Team due to illness.

They’ve since returned recovered and in full form, having notched a win of their own against the pink shirts in a 4-2 victory on Laguna’s home field last Saturday.

Kaya themselves received a much needed break, especially after the roster was similarly decimated by illness in the aforementioned match against Stallion—Coach Hoshide having only four total substitutes on the bench. Thankfully, the boys will be going into this game well-rested and complete.

“The break was important, especially since those who got sick were able to recover and resume training well,” Hoshide remarked. “It’s been really great for our preparation, being able to train all together and field a full squad tomorrow.”

United City are the reigning PFL and Copa champions, and are undoubtedly the most significant test for Iloilo in terms of the full season picture. A win here will not be enough to avenge the defeats of fixtures’ past, but what it will do is show the growth the team has undergone so far this year.

Kaya vs UCFC kicks off at 4:00 PM at the PFF National Football Center in Carmona, Cavite. Tickets are listed at P150 but Students, Seniors, PWDs, Kaya Weekly Subscribers, and Kaya Academy Players get in for only P100! Watch it LIVE in person, or online via the PFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages!