Kaya FC–Iloilo Eager to Seal Iloilo Semifinal in Group Decider Against JPV Marikina Noel Marcaida has close to a full strength squad heading into tomorrow’s Group decider.

Copa Paulino Alcantara
JPV Marikina vs Kaya FC–Iloilo
3pm | Carmona Football Field

October 16, 2018; Manila — After almost a month-long break since their last match, Kaya FC–Iloilo return to action in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Wednesday afternoon (3pm) to face JPV Marikina at the Carmona Football Field. Both teams are through to the last four, but are battling to secure home field advantage in the semifinals.

“After 23 days off, we’re ready to face JPV on Wednesday. The objective remains the same: bring the semifinal to Iloilo, so getting three points is very important,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.

“We maximized the long break, working particularly on set pieces. In our last game (a 3-3 draw with Global Cebu) we conceded from set pieces which was so unusual since we were always organized during the league,” he added.

Having struggled with several injuries in the opening three games of the cup competition, Marcaida was pleased to finally have his squad back close to full strength.

“Everyone is back to 100%. Connor (Tacagni), Janrick (Soriano), Jalsor (Soriano), Woody (Antonio Ugarte), they’re all 100% and ready to play if we call upon them. Noy (Shirmar Felongco) is back and playing well. Jalsor is really hungry to play again. Serge (Kaole) is the only one we’re still monitoring because he’s been out of action for more than a month,” he revealed.

Fresh from a grueling campaign in Bangladesh with the Philippine National Team, Marwin Angeles returned to a highly motivated Kaya side.

“From what I saw in training today, everyone is fit and everyone’s mindset is to win the next game against JPV and to bring the semifinal to Iloilo,” said Angeles. “Playing in Iloilo will give us the best chance [to progress to the final], as we’ll get to play on our own field and in front of our own crowd, where it’ll be very difficult for other teams to beat us.”

“Everyone is hungry to play on Wednesday, and I’m feeling positive we’ll win.”