KAYA FC–ILOILO FALL SHORT ONCE MORE AGAINST CHAMPIONS

Kaya FC–Iloilo 0-3 Ceres Negros FC
Aboitiz Pitch, Lipa, Batangas

19 OCTOBER 2019 — Ceres Negros marked their coronation in the 2019 Philippines Football League with a slim victory over Kaya FC–Iloilo, completing the season without a single defeat — unprecedented in the nation’s top tier. Stephan Schrock was instrumental in the Busmen’s 3-0 victory at the Aboitiz Pitch on Saturday, providing two assists for the three-time champions.

Without the services of regulars Alfred Osei, Marwin Angeles, Mike Casas, Shirmar Felongco, and Jalsor Soriano, Iloilo began the match defensively solid, but rather sluggish in possession. Janrick Soriano and Chy Villaseñor flanked Audie Menzi and Masanari Omura in defense, while Mike Menzi partnered Darryl Roberts in the middle between Jayson Panhay and Eric Giganto. Jovin Bedic returned from international duty to lead the line alongside Connor Tacagni, but the pair were busier closing down than creating chances.

Limited to playing mostly direct, Kaya conceded plenty of the ball to Ceres. Allowed to probe, Bienvenido Marañon hit a chipped effort off the crossbar 15 minutes into the contest. Iloilo responded by tightening up. It took another 20 minutes for Negros to see daylight, with OJ Porteria heading just wide from close range. He followed that up with a stinging free kick that was tipped over by Ace Villanueva. The Kaya shot stopper was down quick just a moment later to smother Mike Ott’s low drive. The first half ended scoreless.

Having kept the champions at bay, Iloilo emerged from the break with a bit more confidence on the ball. Darryl Roberts provided a physical presence in the middle, while the flanks started finding more space. 10 minutes in, Noel Marcaida made a defensive change with Janrick Soriano being replaced by Camelo Tacuslame. Mike Menzi, who asserted himself admirably throughout the match, went down with cramps 10 minutes later, prompting the entry of Kenshiro Daniels, followed by Jordan Mintah replacing the injured Eric Giganto.

Although the introduction of the league’s leading scorer hinted at more fire power for Kaya, it was Ceres that broke through. After a quick exchange on the left flank, Schrock got to the end line, manufactured room, and put in a pinpoint cross for OJ Porteria to head in. Villanueva denied Marañon from doubling the lead with seven minutes left. But as it turned out, the Spanish forward’s place on the scoresheet was only to be delayed. In the final minute of regulation, Schrock once again delivered from the left flank, finding Marañon inside the box for a wide open finish. To add the cherry on top of the icing, James Younghusband came on as a late substitute, and pounced on a loose touch at the back to slot in a third for Ceres Negros.