August: We’ve Got Scores to Settle

After a rough end to June, Kaya Makati bounced back in July in fine fashion. The team amassed 17 points from a possible 21, while remaining unbeaten in seven outings, and managing a five-game winning streak in the process. Having successfully created momentum in the Philippines Football League, now the challenge is maintaining it, in an August where we face all of the PFL’s top clubs in quick succession.

It all begins with a short trip to the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Saturday (August 5) to face a familiar foe. The rivalry runs deep against Meralco Manila, and despite the departure of the Younghusband brothers to Davao, round two of the Metro Manila Derby will be an intense affair. Especially after their 2-0 win at the University of Makati in the first meeting, we will be particularly eager to even the score on their ground.

A week after that (August 12), we entertain Ceres Negros at UMak, three days after the second leg of their AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final at Panaad. With a draw and a loss to the Bacolod powerhouse so far this season, a win would not only restore parity between the clubs, but also provide a boost to our ambitions to excel on the continental stage next season.

We then entertain JPV Marikina four days later (August 16). Once the league leaders in the PFL, the club has gotten stuck in a difficult patch as of late. But despite their recent struggles, JPV remains among the trickiest tests in the league.

Immediately after that match, the team sets out for Cebu to face Global three days later (August 19). Having already lost and drawn against them this season, a win will even up the series.

After the trip to Cebu, Kaya Makati will have 22 days before the next competitive fixture. If we have it our way, we’ll enter that break having settled the score with our closest PFL rivals.