Kaya FC-Iloilo extended their PFF Women’s Cup winning streak to four games, bringing home all three points in a 0-1 victory over the University of the Philippines. In what was largely a stalemate between the two sides, it was the yellow and black that won in the margins and pulled ahead.
Inna Palacios and Hali Long featured in the starting lineup, having returned from the Philippines Women’s National Team friendlies in Chile. Inna set up shop between the sticks, while Hali paired up with Mary Lam on the backline. Mea Bernal and Zhyrelle Belluga lined up as Kaya’s left and right fullbacks, respectively. Bhebe Lemoran, Ryannie Dahildahil, and Hazel Lustan comprised the midfield, supporting a front three of Kate Dacanay, Shelah Cadag, and Irish Navaja.
Iloilo played the majority of this game on the front foot, patiently working their way around Maroon’s disciplined defensive structure. The Fighting Maroons didn’t leave many exploitable gaps over the course of ninety minutes, but Shelah Cadag only needed the smallest of openings to seize the lead in the 35th minute.
From behind the centerline, Mea Bernal sent a long ball into the final third where it took a bounce directly into the penalty area. Cadag and keeper Eunice Eduave both raced to spot where the pass would drop, but it was the forward who got there first; making contact with the ball and watching it bounce into the net uncontested. (0-1)
The rest of the match was a tense dance between yellow and maroon. Kaya would progress forward through build up, UP would shut the gates and spring the other way. Kaya would track back and cut off the counter, restarting the build up against the retreating UP side. Iloilo came close to doubling the lead on multiple occasions, but the solitary goal was all they needed in the end.
Coach Marigen Ariel three substitutions on the evening:
- Suettie Simoy and Nicole Ramores entered the game for Kate Dacanay and Ryannie Dahildahil in the 59th minute.
- Kyra Dimaandal checked in for Irish Navaja in the 78th minute.
It was a clean game for Kaya that night, with no yellow shirts making their way into the referee’s book.
The Women’s Team return to Carmona this Saturday to take on Stallion Laguna FC, 8:00 am kickoff.
