A Tricky Trip to the North

“Their side is very physical, very workmanlike,” explained Chris Greatwich. “So if we don’t go there with the right attitude, and prepared for a physical confrontation, then it’s going to be a difficult afternoon.”

Kaya Makati travels to Ilocos Sur to face Ilocos United on Sunday, looking to snap a six-game winless streak in the Philippines Football League.

Form guide
Ilocos United have yet to win their first game in the PFL. They’ve lost four of their last five, but they’ve also managed an impressive 2-2 draw against JPV Marikina in that stretch. The losses to Meralco Manila (1-0) and Global Cebu (2-1) in that period highlight the fact that overcoming the Northmen isn’t as straightforward as their record might suggest.

Previous Encounters
“Ilocos is a difficult place to go. I think the score line flattered us a little bit, the 4-2 score line from last time. They are an extremely dogged and determined side. Even in the last game we played them, where we won 2-1 at home, it was a late goal from a set piece that won us the game,”said Greatwich

• May 31: Ilocos United 2-4 Kaya Makati, Quirino Stadium
  In our last visit to Ilocos, Jordan Mintah put on a show. The Ghanaian forward was instrumental in all four goals, scoring one, assisting two, and earning the penalty that led to the opener.
• July 19: Kaya Makati 5-2 Ilocos United, University of Makati
  Jordan Mintah scored a hat-trick in front of the home fans, in what was another masterful performance from the forward. Robert Lopez Mendy and Eric Giganto were the other goal scorers, as Kaya ran riot against the visitors.
• July 23: Kaya Makati 2-1 Ilocos United, University of Makati
  The second of back-to-back meetings against Ilocos United was a much tighter contest. Lopez Mendy opened the scoring in brilliant fashion, but the visitors responded from the penalty spot 30 minutes later. Mintah settled the result with a late goal from a corner kick.

Danger Men
Chima Uzoka, with four goals so far this season, is the man to stop. The young forward scored twice against us back in May, and is one of Ilocos United’s key weapons alongside Graham Caygill.

“In every game, if we play to our capacity, then I expect us to get three points. And that’s the same irrespective of the opponent that’s put in front of us,” Greatwich concluded.