10-men Kaya FC–Iloilo Lose Unbeaten Record at Iloilo Sports Complex
Kaya FC–Iloilo 0-1 Ceres Negros
Iloilo Sports Complex
July 11, 2018; Iloilo — Kaya FC–Iloilo’s unbeaten record at home came to an end on Wednesday afternoon, losing out 1-0 to Ceres Negros in another hard fought affair at the Iloilo Sports Complex. Patrick Reichelt’s early goal was the difference in a match where the hosts played almost an hour with 10 men.
The contest got off to a frantic start, with both sides getting opportunities in the opening 10 minutes. Camelo Tacusalme put in a wonderful last ditch challenge to deny Takumi Uesato, who was bearing down on goal. Shortly after, Toni Doblas, who was named Man of the Match, did well to get a fingertip on Eric Giganto’s curler.
In the 15th minute, the deadlock was broken. From a diagonal ball, Uesato got away from his marker and squared it for Reichelt to tap in. Things then turned from bad to worse for Kaya.
After being tripped up following a coming together with Amani Aguinaldo, play was stopped, and the fourth official signaled that Robert Lopez Mendy be booked for an apparent elbow. 6 minutes after, while trying to apply pressure on Aguinaldo, Lopez Mendy lost his footing and bundled into the Ceres defender, earning a second yellow and his marching orders.
Although a man down, Iloilo pushed for the equalizer. Mike Menzi, starting his first match for Kaya, forced a save with a low drive. Ace Villanueva then denied Reichelt a second goal with fine stop on a one-on-one — the first of several key saves for the young keeper.
After the break, Kaya had no less than four chances to tie the game. Jovin Bedic did well to create space at the edge of Ceres’ box, but could only fire over. Giganto’s cross connected with the cutting Connor Tacagni, but the forward’s attempt was well saved. Eric then had a chance of his own at the edge of the box, but his attempt sailed over. The best opportunity fell to substitute Jayson Panhay in stoppage time. Presented with a chance inside the Negros box, he fired a low shot across goal that had equalizer written all over it. But Doblas again got a fingertip to the ball and steered the attempt wide.
The result took Ceres Negros 12 points clear of second placed Kaya FC–Iloilo, with six games left in their campaign.
“I’d say it was an outstanding effort from my players. It was incredible,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. “Despite the injuries and suspensions, the players who hadn’t been getting minutes really stepped up and played their best.”
