Kaya FC-Iloilo’s rematch against Ulsan Hyundai FC ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Philippine side, who came agonizingly close to ending the defending champions’ record-breaking winning streak in the AFC Champions League. Despite being down to 10 men for an hour, the South Korean side managed to take home the points, winning 2-1 courtesy of the foot and face (literally) of last year’s MVP Yoon Bit-garam. The match could’ve just as easily gone Iloilo’s way, such was the fight they put up on the field tonight, but Jovin Bedic’s sensational strike was not enough.
Kaya came out with their usual lineup, except for Masanari Omura replacing Marwin Angeles who was unavailable due to accumulation of yellow cards. Zach Banzon also made his first appearance on the AFC Champions League stage, starting in goal in place of Mike Casas.
The goalkeeper’s debut was a busy one right from the start, with Ulsan attacking relentlessly over the first ten minutes. Despite some shaky looks early on, the Kaya Academy alum racked up both saves and confidence as the match progressed.
Ulsan would draw first blood in the 27th minute in truly bizarre fashion. After a failed cross into the box, a hurt Yoon Bit-garam fell to his knees in front of the goal. Play continued however, and Austrian forward Lukas Hinterseer’s shot wound up hitting Bit-garam right in the face and ricocheting in.
It was deflating moment for Kaya fans and players alike, but hope would return roughly five minutes later. Marco Casambre recieved a kick to the head when Kim Min-jun tried to go for the ball with a dangerous high boot. Casambre would eventually return after receiving treatment, but the Korean winger was sent off with a red card. The champs were suddenly down to ten men, and the challengers went into the break with a renewed hunger.
Their appetite would be satiated in the 47th minute courtesy of the captain himself. Ryo Fujii sent in a cross from the right side of the box towards a sprinting Daizo Horikoshi, who failed to make contact. The ball bounced perfectly, however, to Jovin Bedic towards the far post. The Barotac Nuevo native struck it first time to score his first goal in the ACL Group Stage in spectacular fashion, drawing Kaya level.
However, Ulsan took their lead back just four minutes later. Yoon Bit-garam struck once again in the 51st minute, and this time on purpose. Managing to receive a pass just inside the penalty box, the MVP sent in a volley past the outstretched Banzon.
What ensued after was nothing short of a stalemate. Kaya patiently worked to pry open another chance for an equalizer, however the champs held firm. Horikoshi Daizo took a shot from distance that sailed wide in the 67th minute, while Jhan Melliza’s strike in the 91st was on goal but swallowed up by the keeper.
Coach Graham Harvey used all five of his substitutes in the match in an attempt to unlock the opposition. Arnel Amita checked in for Masanari Omura at the half, Jhan Melliza came in for Jovin Bedic in the 79th, and Eric Giganto checked in for Ryo Fujii in the 84th. Fitch Arboleda and Jarvey Gayoso came in for Marco Casambre and Daizo Horikoshi in added time, but could only watch as the final whistle was blown.
Both Simone Rota and Kenshiro Daniels made their way into the referee’s book in this game. Rota got his yellow card after things got chippy with Ulsan defender Kim Tae-hyeon during a corner, while Daniels’ was after the forward made an aerial challenge.
It was an exhilarating match from beginning to end. Kaya gave the reigning champs the business in a game that was within reach, save for the MVP’s heroics—intended or not. It’s a loss that’ll sting for the ACL debutante, but it’s one they’ll have to carry as fuel for the final two matches in the group stage.
