Late Kaya Goal Stuns Ceres
Miguel Tanton left it late for Kaya FC to pick up a crucial 1–nil win over defending champions Ceres-La Salle FC last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Kaya midfielder, who came on as a first half sub, struck in the first minute of added time to pick up the three points in a match that had to be played in near darkness after the 80th minute.
The loss puts Ceres in a dangerous position as Loyola Meralco Sparks and JP Voltes have been given motivation in the chase for second place.
The Bacolod side started strong and came close to scoring in the eighth minute. Bienvenido Marañon laid the ball to Manny Ott but the shot was straight to Matthew Acton.
Ceres were dumbfounded in the 13th minute when they went a man down. Defender Valentine Kama was given a straight red card for a lunge on Jovin Bedic away from the ball.
Junior Muñoz again came close for his side in the 32nd minute. Jason Sabio’s clearance went to the path of Muñoz but his effort went over Eduard Sacapaño.
Kaya also went a man down five minutes before the break as Shirmar Felongco was given his marching orders after Marañon went down near the touchline. The first half ended at 0–0.
The second half saw Ceres with more intent, making several more attempts on goal. Adrian Gallardo had a chance in the 48th minute off Carli De Murga’s cross but the header went over. Ott had another chance in the 52nd minute but was denied by Acton. 
Substitute Robert Lopez-Mendy almost made it 1–0 for Kaya in the 70th minute. The forward had only Sacapaño to beat but the Ceres stopper managed to tip the ball over the bar.
Stephan Schrock had his chance denied by the post in the 83rd minute and Marañon sent his chance wide two minutes later to set up a thrilling finish.
With time running out and darkness settling over the stadium affecting the players, Tanton loomed large and finally won it for Kaya. The midfielder was sent free by an Adam Reed ball in the box and sent a shot that beat Sacapaño to give Kaya the full three points. Tanton was sent off after the goal for removing his jersey, but it did not matter to the Kaya player after he reinvigorated the team with the late winner.
View match photos here.
This postmatch article was originally posted on football.com.ph. You may read the full report and other Philippine football news and features here.
[standings league_id=2 template=compact logo=true]
