Kaya FC–Iloilo Fall Short in Biñan
Philippines Football League
Kaya FC–Iloilo 0-2 Ceres Negros
Biñan Football Stadium
18 September 2019; Biñan — Kaya FC–Iloilo fell short in their hopes to cut Ceres Negros’ lead in the Philippines Football League on Wednesday afternoon, losing out 2-0 at the Biñan Football Stadium. First half goals from Mike Ott and and OJ Porteria did the damage for the two-time defending champions, in a heated affair that saw both sides finish with 10 men.
Kaya FC–Iloilo started the match in promising fashion. Just three minutes in, Connor Tacagni squared Jordan Mintah’s knockdown to Eric Giganto, but his shot sailed over from close range. Shortly after, Mintah had a headed attempt saved from a corner kick. Then, Ceres struck through Ott.
Porteria manufactured space on the right flank and drilled a ball into the middle for Mike to tap in the opener. Just after the halfway point of the first period, Mintah threatened an equalizer, but his low strike from distance whizzed past the post.
Porteria then doubled the advantage. From just inside the box, his quick feet created space to drill a shot across goal and into the side netting. Before the half elapsed, both teams were reduced to 10 men, as Jordan Mintah and Super Herrera were both sent off after a heavy aerial collision left the pair needing to be stretchered off.
Looking to inspire a comeback, Jovin Bedic came on at the break, with Kenshiro joining the game shortly after. Both were involved in a few half chances for Kaya, but in the end, Ceres were able to hold on to the vital three points.
“I think my players really tried their best,” said a disappointed Noel Marcaida after the match. “This game really showed Ceres’ strength in their clinical finishing. I only recall maybe three chances for them in the whole game, and they converted two.”
“You can really see the disappointment in the players. All we can do now is focus on finishing strong in the league, starting with the two games we have in Iloilo coming up,” he added.
