Carmona, Cavite — Kaya FC-Iloilo struggled to pick apart Mendiola FC 1991’s rigid defense, but Jhan Melliza’s solitary goal proved more than enough to win and secure all three points in today’s match.
The La Paz, Iloilo product nearly made PFL Cup history for the fastest score, breaking free and firing a shot on goal mere seconds after the opening whistle blew. Kaya would go on to dominate possession as expected, as Mendiola lined up in their classic low block. The first half was a grind session for Iloilo, as they entered a cycle of creating chances, tracking back on quick counters, and routine trips to the corner spot.
Every time Iloilo would progress into the final third, they’d struggle to find clean looks against the sea of red and white shirts that would converge in front of goal. Even when an opening would present itself, some inspired goalkeeping from Mendiola’s Michael Asong would play spoiler time and time again over the course of the match.
However, Kaya kept the pressure up through the halftime break and into the second period. Patient build-up led to a constant stream of chances created from crosses into the box, which slowly chipped away at the parked bus and pushed their line back deeper and deeper. It was only a matter of time before a crack appeared, and it was the 5’2 sparkplug who’d answer the call.
A shallow clearance popped straight up towards Robert Lopez Mendy, who pulled it down only to be met with yet another high shallow clearance that bounced towards Daizo Horikoshi. The speedster managed to trap, turn, and evade two converging Mendiola defenders before unleashing a half-volley from inside the box.
The keeper just managed to get his hands on the attempt, but his defender took a big swing on the spilled ball and completely whiffed. Destiny rolled towards the box-crashing Jhan Jhan in the 69th minute, who cut it back to his dominant left foot and smashed in his first-ever goal for the yellow and black.
The boys continued to create chances throughout the rest of the match and came very close on several occasions, but none would find the back of the net. A win is a win nevertheless, and the 1-0 victory vaults Kaya straight to the top of the Copa standings.
Coach Yu Hoshide used three of five available substitutions in this game. Arnel Amita checked in for Jovin Bedic in the 63rd minute, who passed the captain’s armband to Lopez Mendy prior to leaving the pitch. Mar Diano picked up an injury in the 66th minute and was subsequently replaced by Fitch Arboleda. Lastly, Sandro Reyes checked into the game for Ryo Fujii in the 83rd minute.
As far as cards go, Iloilo’s only booking of the evening came as a bit of a surprise. Robert was taken down near the left goal line in the 82nd minute, but the referee saw it differently and gave the forward a yellow for an apparent dive.
With the absence of Oskari Kekkonen and the continued recoveries of Eric Giganto and Jarvey Gayoso, Kaya continued to tinker with the lineup and formation in this match. Simone Rota started the game in midfield, and Jesse Curran made his domestic debut on the right wing. However, the way the opposing defense set up necessitated a change of tactics—which they switched to seamlessly mere minutes into the first half.
Though the final score was not the dominant result many were looking for, the team’s adaptability and individual quality got the job done. The goals will come sooner or later.
Up next, Kaya FC-Iloilo is slated to face the young guns of the Azkals Development Team. The match was originally scheduled to take place on the 18th but has since been moved by the PFF to Wednesday, April 20.
