Kaya FC–Iloilo Seeking to Edge Season Series with Stallion Laguna

Stallion Laguna vs Kaya FC–Iloilo
3pm | Sunday | August 19, 2018
Biñan Football Stadium

After four meetings in the 2018 Philippines Football League, Kaya FC–Iloilo and Stallion Laguna are dead even, with each holding two wins over the other. On Sunday, 3pm, at the Biñan Football Stadium, the two sides clash for one last time this season, with the visitors eager to edge the season series and grab a stranglehold of second place.

“It’s important that we finish off the season against them strongly. At the moment the series is tied 2-2. We haven’t played to our full capacity each time we’ve played them at their home. I think it’s important that we go to Biñan with the mindset of showcasing ourselves in a positive way and maximizing the potential for three points. We’re obviously in very good form—three games on the bounce, 13 goals scored, none conceded—so I think it’s important that we go in there full of confidence,” said Iloilo team manager Chris Greatwich.

Stallion drew first blood in the series, a 3-1 win back in April in Biñan. Kaya bounced back, 4-1, in their final match at the University of Makati just a week later, before taking the series lead with a 4-2 victory at the Iloilo Sports Complex on July 4. Stallion then restored parity later in the month, with a 2-0 triumph in Biñan.

“Stallion have proved a difficult team to play at their home field this season for a number of different reasons. One, they’re an extremely aggressive side and defensively very organized. Coach Ernie Nierras has them very well drilled. Biñan as a field, is a difficult venue to visit—it’s often windy, the field open—and that often doesn’t lend itself to free flowing football. Hopefully conditions on Sunday will allow a good football game to be played. As we’ve proved in two of the home games this season, when we are fully focused and we apply ourselves in the right way, we’ve managed quite convincing victories over them. There’s no room for complacency. We have to win the game tomorrow and win the series, and that’s the objective for tomorrow’s game,” said Greatwich.

Both teams enter the contest in hot form. Since losing in Iloilo, Stallion has racked up five wins and a draw. Meanwhile, Kaya has won its last three outings in convincing fashion.

“The key to tomorrow’s game is simply playing the way we have done in the last three games. I think if we’re able to implement our passing game well, if we’re able to press with aggressiveness and win the ball in dangerous areas, then we have an excellent opportunity to win the game,” said Greatwich. “Stallion will feel they have the upper hand on that field and that they’re in incredibly good form themselves—six games unbeaten. It’s not going to be an easy game by any means. But I believe if we can perform the way we have done in the last few games—defensively we’ve been extremely resolute, we’ve scored some fantastic goals—then I’m hoping a victory on Sunday will give us the series win and ultimately secure that second place finish in the PFL.”

The match will be streamed live over PFLTV.ph.