Kaya FC–Iloilo Aims to Keep the Davao Aguilas Grounded in Title Race Back-to-back games against the Davao Aguilas could have a massive impact on Kaya FC–Iloilo's title hopes

Davao Aguilas vs Kaya FC–Iloilo
Wednesday | June 20 | 4pm
Rizal Memorial Stadium

June 19, 2018, Manila — By Saturday evening, Kaya FC–Iloilo and the Davao Aguilas will have played their last two games against one another in the 2018 Philippines Football League. With Iloilo and Davao sitting second and third, respectively, in the standings, it’s a pair of matches that will have massive implications on the race to chase down frontrunners Ceres Negros. The first of back-to-back encounters takes place on Wednesday, 4pm, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, followed by a final contest on Saturday, at the same time and venue.

“It’s going to be a busy week for both sides,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “I think if we can get maximum points from these last remaining games against Davao, we can have a stronghold of the number two spot. That’s how important it is.”

Iloilo currently sits in second place with 23 points from 12 matches, nine behind leaders Negros who have played a game more, and three points ahead of third placed Davao who have played two matches more. A pair of wins for Kaya would all but knock the Aguilas out of any hopes of the title, while closing the gap on Ceres to six points. And with Kaya FC–Iloilo still to host Ceres Negros in two matches at the Iloilo Sports Complex in July, the champions’ hold on the lead is remains uncertain. Marcaida, however, is careful not to overlook the task at hand by gazing too far ahead.

“First and foremost, we have to deal with Davao,” he said. They were very dangerous when it comes to overloading in attack. For us, it’s just important to keep the discipline and manage to stop that. In return, we have to be clinical in our counter attacks. If we take our chances, we can get a good result.”

“We can’t just jump straight to saying we’re in contention for the title. After these two games, if we can get maximum points, then we can say we are in title contention,” added Marcaida.

Kaya is undefeated against the Aguilas this season. The two played to a 2-2 draw in the PFL season opener, then Iloilo won back-to-back matches at home. But Davao enters the meeting in red hot form. Coming from consecutive victories against JPV Marikina and Stallion Laguna, the Aguilas managed a combined score of 8-0 in those two outings. With a squad filled with quality players, and now the confidence to go along with it, Davao is a particularly tricky test.

“The team right now is very positive, and we’re hungrier to win,” said Davao goalkeeper Ronilo Bayan.

“Hopefully itutuloy lang ng players what they’ve started,” said new head coach Melchor Anzures. (“Hopefully the players continue what they’ve started”)

Kaya enter the match well-rested, having not played since drawing Ceres 1-1 on June 9. Iloilo was supposed to play on June 13 against Global Cebu, but the weather forced the postponement of the match.

“[We’re] excited to play tomorrow. We haven’t had a game in a while, it seems. It’s always a good game when we play against them (Davao). I’m hoping we can go out there and get the three points,” said Iloilo striker Connor Tacagni. “We’re fresh, we’re ready for the game. We’ve had a bit of a break, we’re confident we’re going to play well tomorrow, and we’re going to give it our all.”

Admission to the tomorrow’s match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium is free. The match will also be streamed live over PFLTV.ph.