Stallion Ends Slump with Win Over Kaya

Stallion FC finally ended their two-game skid in the League with a 1-0 win over a determined Kaya FC last Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

It was the first win for Stallion in the League. The Ilonggo side faltered in their first two games, yielding to Global and Loyola Meralco.

On the other hand, it was a first loss for Kaya in the League. Kaya were coming off a 0-0 draw against New Radiant in the Maldives last Tuesday, for their last AFC Cup group match.

“We’re lucky to win,” said a relieved Stallion Coach Ernie Nierras. “Kaya played very well, their AFC Cup games really helped them. If they were sharp in the beginning it would have been a different story.”

Ruben Doctora Jr. scored the game’s only goal in the 25th minute. The Stallion captain intercepted the ball in the Kaya half and slotted it in to the bottom corner.

Behind by a goal, Kaya tried to respond ten minutes later. Louis Clark sent an inviting cross for Robert Lopez-Mendy. The Senegalese, who only needed to flick the ball past Roland Sadia, handled the ball inside the box to concede a foul. Stallion led at the half, 1–0.

Kaya continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. Lopez-Mendy had another chance in the 48th minute with a header but was foiled by Sadia.

Stallion’s defense proved to be a thorn for Kaya’s attack as the center back pairing of David Basa and the young Joshua Grommen kept the LBC-backed squad at bay.

“(Joshua) Grommen is really young, he’s part of the Under-19s,” said Nierras on his young defender. “(The win against Kaya) was a good game for him to mature.”

Kaya had a chance to draw level at the death. Aly Borromeo sent a header that smashed off the cross bar. Lopez-Mendy recovered the ball but he blasted his rebound over.

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.

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