In heartbreaking fashion, Kaya FC-Iloilo fell to the University of the Philippines 4-5 on penalties.
Palacios set up between the sticks to start the game; behind a backline of Kate Dacanay, Mary Lam, Hali Long, and Zhyrelle Belluga. Mea Bernal, Bhebe Lemoran, and Hazel Lustan made up Kaya’s midfield; while Irish Navaja, Shelah Cadag, and Nicole Ramores formed the front three.
UP came out the gates aggressive, but Kaya quickly adjusted to soon pin the Maroons in their own half for the majority of the first period.
Iloilo’s best chances to score came off multiple left-sided corners. Shelah Cadag repeatedly tried to find the towering Hali Long in the box, but UP kept throwing white shirts at the defender to nullify the goal threat.
The match opened up once it entered the second half, but Kaya were able to nip nearly every desperate counterattack in the bud—allowing only one shot on target in the entire match.
The ladies tried every which way to pry open the Maroon’s staunch low block in open play, but were unable to do so in 120 minutes of game time. The forward line were able to secure several set pieces in advantageous positions late in the game, but all credit goes to their opponents for defending like their very lives were on the line.
In the end, it all came down to a fateful penalty shootout. Kaya went first, sending Mea Bernal to the spot to open the proceedings. Unfortunately, the southpaw’s powerful strike cruelly pinged off the crossbar.
Behind on the count, Inna Palacios displayed a tremendous level of calm and decisiveness on her line; but the keeper was ultimately unable to put her gloves on any of UP’s attempts.
Hali Long placed her shot neatly in the bottom right corner, Shelah Cadag went high and right for her spot kick, Hazel Lustan launched the ball into the left side netting, and Bhebe Lemoran placed hers perfectly in the upper left corner.
Kaya were nearly put away on UP’s fifth penalty, but their hopes were given new life when Jennifer Baroin’s strike hit the left post and out. Iloilo were momentarily back in the fight, but that elation swiftly turned on its head when Palacios’ ensuing spot attempt was saved.
Inna had one final chance to redeem herself as she faced down Jaz Borra from her line on the ensuing shot, but could do nothing but watch from full stretch as the ball slipped past her fingertips and in.
Coach Marigen Ariel utilized six substitutions on the evening:
- Analou Amita entered the game for Kate Dacanay in the 68th minute.
- Kyra Dimaandal and Ryannie Dahildahil checked in for Irish Navaja and Mary Lam in the 91st minute.
- Cesca Crespo subbed in for Zhyrelle Belluga in the 105th minute.
- Tessa Bernardo relieved Nicole Ramores in the 113th minute.
- Lastly, Suettie Simoy checked in for Analou Amita in the 118th minute.
It just wasn’t Kaya’s night, and Iloilo’s PWC 2022 Championship dreams end here. The battle for third versus Tuloy FC will take place on Saturday, December 17 at the PFF National Football Center.
