Kaya FC-Iloilo Handle Business in Manila, Extend Season Lead Iloilo’s rejuvenated run of form continues in victory over Maharlika FC.

The more you give, the more you get. The team put in the work and the result speaks for itself. Kaya FC-Iloilo’s return to the Rizal Memorial Stadium saw five goals scored by five different goalscorers, securing their first back-to-back wins of 2023. 

When the opening whistle blew, it was actually Maharlika who set the pace in the early goings. Kaya needed some time to fully settle into the game, much to head coach Yu Hoshide’s chagrin. 

“I was not happy in the first half that we had a slow start again. We had a slow start in the last three games in fact,” Coach stated recalling the matches against Cebu and Mendiola. 

“But in the second half, the players gave us 100% energy. Overall, we got three points and a clean sheet; and we’re happy with that,” Hoshide freely admitted. 

Once the boys in yellow got their engines revved, it was beautiful to watch. Skillful possession-based football up and down the pitch, be it attacking both flanks or up the middle—Iloilo’s collection of playmakers had the freedom to let their creative talents shine.

The PFL’s goals and assists leader Daizo Horikoshi added another one of each to his tally, scoring the opener in the 16th minute and setting up Eric Giganto’s wicked volley in the 68th. However, he too thought he could’ve done more in this match. 

“I’m happy to help the team with an assist and a goal, but in this game maybe I could have gotten more,” Daizo noted. “Our defenders were really good today and gave us a clean sheet, so I want to improve even more in the future.” 

Modesty aside, the Horikoshi family enjoyed a very successful afternoon on the whole. His brother Tamon also found his way onto the scoresheet, sending Jarvey Gayoso’s low cross into the back of the net in the 82nd minute—bringing a great deal of joy to him and their family back home. 

“Thank you for cheering, always!” the speedster said in a message to the Iloilo fans. “I want to be the champion. I want us to be champions this year, so please continue to support us!

Up next, another away fixture for Kaya FC-Iloilo who venture to Biñan to face Stallion Laguna FC on March 11. 

 

Player Spotlight: 

Horikoshi is HIM 
The Kanagawa Speedster’s purple patch of form showed no signs of dropping off anytime soon. A terror for defenses up the left flank, his ability to both distribute and go for it himself was put on full display—earning him Man of the Match honors.

Midfield Maestros
It was difficult to pick a single midfielder to highlight, so we’re giving flowers to them all. Not only did Nobiraki spray accurate passes all over the pitch from his deep central position, but he once again found success upfield with a scrappy goal in the 44th minute.

Amita and Melliza’s short passing game sliced through the opposition, finding and attacking gaps when they appeared. This stressed the backline so much that Jhanjhan earned a trip to the penalty spot in the 49th minute.

The quality barely dipped when the substitutes came in, if at all. Jovin Bedic, in particular, could have added to the goal tally late in the game but was cruelly turned away by the crossbar. 

Milad Behgandom
The Iranian forward delivered everything short of a goal for himself. Be it dropping down, muscling his way up top, or drifting to the wings; his movement occupied the Maharlika defense—creating space for the others to attack freely.