Iloilo, Philippines — It was fireworks until the final whistle for the PFL’s 2023 restart, as Kaya FC-Iloilo fell short of a comeback against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
The visiting team laid on the pressure from the jump and made it difficult for the hosts to build rhythm in the match’s early stages. Cebu succeeded in putting Kaya on the back foot, capitalizing on their momentum in the 24th minute.
Mert Altinoz’s corner picked out Daniel Gadia in a crowded Iloilo box, and the midfielder headed in the opener for the Gentle Giants. (0-1) This wouldn’t be his biggest contribution to the match, however.
Not to be outdone in a contest of set pieces, Daizo Horikoshi brought the game level in the 35th minute. From roughly 25 yards away, the league’s current top scorer and assist leader sent in a looping ball over the wall and into the bottom left corner. (1-1)
The score back level, the match continued its back-and-forth action until pandemonium struck right in the 43rd minute. A foul tackle from behind on Jhan Melliza developed into a scuffle at midfield: Jarvey Gayoso attempted a quick restart, but Daniel Gadia bodily got in the way and sparked a widespread argument between several players from both teams.
The usual shouting, pushing, and light shoving ensued, when Gadia suddenly threw himself to the ground after an exchange with Simone Rota. When the referee finally managed to get the situation under control, everyone in the stadium was shocked to see both Rota and Gadia given red cards—leaving the match to be played 10 v 10 the rest of the way.
With both teams discombobulated in additional time, Cebu pounced on a crucial mistake by Arnel Amita right before the break. Audie Menzi and Leaford Allen chased after the midfielders wayward back pass, but the forward had the better angle and put the ball past Kenry Balobo to steal the lead back. (1-2)
Adjustments were made entering the second half to account for the backline. Jovin Bedic passed the captain’s armband to Jhan Melliza before checking out for Fitch Arboleda, while Marwin Angeles gave way to Dylan Nobiraki who made his Kaya debut.
Melliza donned the captain’s armband coming back from the break, skipper Jovin Bedic and Marwin Ageles giving way for Fitch Arboleda to round up the backline, and Marwin Angeles giving way for Dylan Nobiraki to make his Kaya debut.
The pace settled down considerably as Iloilo tried to climb their way back into the game, but Cebu delivered another gut-punch of a goal in the 55th minute. This time it was Elijah Liao at the end of JB Borlongan’s free kick, the duo finding a gap in the defense for the lead-extending header. (1-3)
The Kanagawa Rocket wasn’t done scoring, however. Horikoshi pulled one back in the 61st minute, breathing new life into the thousand-strong Kaya fans in attendance. Dylan Nobiraki fired a long ball to the winger up the left flank, who then cut inside and evaded two defenders before squeezing his shot past Ace Villanueva’s gloves and in. (2-3)
Iloilo led a spirited effort the rest of the way, on the comeback trail and hungry to answer the fans’ pleas for one more goal. Cebu were pushed back and hung on to their narrow lead for dear life, but the equalizer never came and the visitors escaped with all three points.
Not an ideal start to the year for the yellow and black, but Kaya have five days to recover and adjust in order to bounce back against Mendiola FC this Saturday, February 25th.
Starting Lineup:
CF: Gayoso
LMF: Horikoshi, CMF: Bedic, CMF: Amita, RMF: Melliza
DMF: Angeles
LB: Casambre, CB: Tacusalme, CB: Rota, RB: Menzi
GK: Balobo
Coach Yu Hoshide utilized all five available substitutions:
- Mar Diano entered the game in the 39th minute for Camelo Tacusalme, who appeared to have picked up an injury.
- Fitch Arboleda and Dylan Nobiraki checked in for Jovin Bedic and Marwin Angeles at the break.
- Milad Behgandom also made his Iloilo debut, relieving Jhan Melliza in the 69th minute.
- Eric Giganto came in for Arnel Amita in the 83rd minute.
Other than Simone Rota who received a red card in the first half, Fitch Arboleda received a yellow card for a late challenge in the 54th.
