Davao Aguilas Sinks Kaya FC–Iloilo For the First Time in 2018
Davao Aguilas 3-1 Kaya FC–Iloilo
Rizal Memorial Stadium
June 20, 2018; Manila — The Davao Aguilas snatched two second half goals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to notch their first win over Kaya FC–Iloilo in the 2018 Philippines Football League. Robert Lopez Mendy scored on his return to action for Kaya, but goals from Sung Min Kim, Tyler Matas and Phil Younghusband ensured his strike was a mere consolation.
Davao’s Kim opened the scoring 25 minutes into the contest, burying Phil Younghusband’s cross with a well-taken header. The goal came somewhat against the run of play, as Kaya had been the more threatening in the opening exchanges. Within 21 minutes, Eric Giganto had fired a shot narrowly wide, Miguel Tanton had come close from a free kick, and Lopez Mendy had had a shot well saved by Ronilo Bayan.
Five minutes after Kim’s goal, the match was halted due to heavy rainfall. An hour-long delay was necessary before the weather cleared up enough for the match to resume. Right before the half-time break, Iloilo drew level. A slip from Davao’s substitute defender, Junnel Bautista, presented Lopez Mendy with the opportunity to curl in the equalizer. The goal was a massive one for the Senegalese striker. Along with Alfred Osei, Lopez Mendy had not seen action for almost a month.
“When the game continued after the stoppage in the first half, my players really worked hard. They showed aggressiveness, and a desire and willingness to put pressure on Davao’s defensive line. Before the end of the first half, we were successful in getting that goal,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida.
15 minutes from time, however, the deadlock was broken. From a deep cross on the left flank, Tyler Matas rose above Mike Menzi to nod in the go-ahead. Shortly after, Phil Younghusband iced the game with a low drive to make it 3-1.
“The shape was there, but the positioning of the players wasn’t. When that ball is delivered, it’s about switching on and anticipating what the davao players should be doing when they have the ball at the flanks,” rued Marcaida.
The result put Davao level with Iloilo at 23 points in the standings. On Saturday, the two sides face off at the Rizal Memorial Stadium once again, in their fifth and final encounter in the PFL.
“In general, the players’ effort was really big. It’s just so unlucky that we didn’t get a point from this game. We’ll take this as a challenge and as a lesson heading into Saturday’s game.”
