CPA 2022: Dynamic Herb Cebu FC Match Preview 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara — Game Overview, Battle for the Top Seed, and Quotes from Coach Yu Hoshide

In a match that was way too close for comfort, Kaya FC-Iloilo pulled out a 3-2 victory over Stallion Laguna FC in their last outing in the Copa Paulino Alcantara. The boys played an excellent first half, taking control of the game and building a three-goal lead before the break. However, a shaky start to the second period sparked a Laguna comeback that almost cost us the win.

“A football game is 90 minutes, but I felt at halftime that the players started relaxing. That shows a lack of game experience and we have to learn from that,” said Head Coach Yu Hoshide.

With the Semifinal Round coming up fast, the team will be looking to bounce back and regain their composure against a red-hot Dynamic Herb Cebu FC. It’s a task that’s easier said than done, though, especially with the Kaya roster still quite undermanned.

Captain Jovin Bedic, Oskari Kekkonen, and Sandro Reyes have been tearing through the SEA Games. Jesse Curran and Camelo Tacusalme are currently away due to personal reasons, and Fitch Arboleda is likely to be sidelined after picking up an injury against Stallion. Additionally, Carlyle Mitchell was given a red card in the waning minutes of the SLFC match, which unfortunately leaves him suspended for this next fixture.

On the bright side, our big gun Robert Lopez Mendy is set to return after his one-game absence. Eric Giganto and Jarvey Gayoso both saw limited minutes in the last match, which brings optimism that their recoveries are on track and that they’ll be ready to feature more heavily moving forward.

“We mainly focused on conditioning and the physical side again last week. Then, we worked on our defensive and offensive tactics this week especially,” Hoshide stated. “Cebu is a really organized team that works hard until the final whistle every time, which is why it’ll be a tough game.”

The revamped DH Cebu FC have been shot out of a cannon and into the title conversation with their performance thus far in the Copa. This year, the Whale Sharks also boast an undefeated record, including the ADT’s forfeit and a 1-1 draw against United City. In fact, they’ve actually passed Iloilo in the standings—taking the lead via goal difference.

Cebu’s partnership with Süper Lig club Hatayspor has proven to be an effective one, with the Turkish reinforcements already making a name for themselves in the Copa Paulino Alcantara. Arda Çinkir is currently tied with UCFC’s Sendra and Kaya’s Daizo for the top scorer in the tournament, and fellow youngsters Nazim Özcan and Mert Altinöz have been big for them as well. Surrounding them are former youth standouts like JB Borlongan and Chima Uzoka, as well as hard-nosed veterans like former Iloilo player Roberto Corsame Jr. to balance out the roster.

Both Kaya and Dynamic Herb have locked in their spots in the final four, but this match decides which team takes home the top seed and the matchup advantage that goes with it. A win means facing either Stallion or Maharlika, while a draw or loss would mean a Semifinal rematch with United City.

“This game will be really important because winning here brings us good energy going into the Semifinals,” Coach Yu noted. “I am expecting a full game of the players playing at the level they showed in the first half against Stallion. We are able to do that for 45 minutes, so the next challenge will be to go for the full 90 minutes.”

The gates of the PFF National Football Center will be open to all spectators, so we’re calling every Kaya fan in the area to come on down and support the boys! Kickoff’s at 5:00 PM, and you can also catch the Livestream at home on the PFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages!