Carmona, Cavite — Far from an ideal start to their PFF Women’s Cup campaign, Kaya FC-Iloilo were bested by Far Eastern University 0-2 on opening night.
Shelah Cadag and Kyra Dimaandal served as the tip of the starting eleven’s spear, backed by the midfield pairing of Bhebe Lemoran and Hazel Lustan. Irish Navaja and Sophia Lyttle started on the left and right flanks respectively, ahead of fullbacks Katherine Dacanay and Zhyrelle Belluga. Mea Bernal and Ryannie Dahildahil formed the center-back pairing, while Khryss Dacanay manned the goal line behind them.
From the opening whistle, Kaya were faced with an intense high press from FEU. The ladies had to settle into the game quickly, but their passing in the early stages left something to be desired. Before they could get their legs fully under them, the Tamaraws struck an early blow.
Following a critical mistake by the backline near midfield, it was a full scramble down the left flank to cover the quick counterattack in the 8th minute. Iloilo were able to get their numbers even with the attackers, but a popped up ball and a missed clearance left FEU’s Matunding open for a pretty half-volley that flew just inside the far post. (0-1)
The early lead emboldened the Far Eastern University side, and Kaya were kept on the back foot as a result. They eventually acclimated to the barrage of counters, however, and were able to prevent conceding another goal for the rest of the first half.
In the 33rd minute, FEU forward and former Kaya Women’s guest player Dionesa Tolentin beat the defense to a long ball from their own third. Surging ahead of the pack into dangerous territory, goalkeeper Khryss Dacanay came to the rescue. Coming far off her line to challenge the striker, she blocked the initial strike with both hands—only for the ball to fall perfectly back to the striker. However, Khryss quickly got up and blocked the second strike too before it was ultimately cleared away; an impressive double save near the edge of the box.
Kaya steadily took control of the game, with their passing through and around the press getting crisper as the game went on. The ladies seized the possession advantage and began venturing into the final third more in the second half, but were just missing the final touches needed to turn the match around.
With time running out and the game fully opened up in search of an equalizer, Iloilo unfortunately left an opening that the Tamaraws didn’t hesitate to charge through.
In the 81st minute, FEU’s Cristobal was deemed onside after receiving a through pass down a wide open left flank. The result of the ensuing one-on-one situation was the nail in the coffin, one that not even Dacanay’s heroics or Mea Bernal’s chase down could prevent. (0-2)
Nicole Ramores and Shelah Cadag both had last-ditch attempts on goal in additional time, but there was no joy to be found that night. Kaya received a humbling welcome to the domestic stage, one they hope to learn from and shake off in the next game.
Coach Marigen Ariel utilized all five available substitutions on the evening:
- Cesca Crespo and Nicole Ramores checked in for Katherine Dacanay and Kyra Dimaandal in the 44th minute.
- Mary Lam replaced Sophia Lyttle at the halftime break.
- Ariel entered the game herself for Ryannie Dahildahil in the 74th minute.
- Lastly, Mae Sullano relieved Mary Lam in the 85th minute.
As for bookings, Zhyrelle Belluga received a yellow card following a hard tackle in the 86th minute.
It’s just a few days’ rest for the yellow and black, as they’re slated to return to the PFF National Training Center on Wednesday night—taking on Tuloy FC on November 9th.
