Twelve Goal Explosion Carries Kaya FC-Iloilo Past Garelli United The defending champions’ offense hits another level, vaulting their way to the top of the PFL standings.

Kaya FC-Iloilo’s win last saturday against Don Bosco-Garelli FC matched the second-largest goal margin in Philippine Football League history—eclipsed only by Ceres Negros vs. Global Makati in 2019.

A total of twelve goals were scored, distributed among five different players with four of them netting braces. Jarvey Gayoso stood out with an impressive four-goal haul, propelling him into pole position as the team’s top scorer. 

Kaya’s prolific offense was fueled by the revamped roster’s ability to dictate the tempo throughout the game, having launched an all-out attack from the opening whistle and never once easing off. 

The first half illustrated the offseason’s influx of talent gradually integrating and building chemistry with the existing core—highlighting the team’s consistent quality despite the departure of key players.

The second half highlighted Kaya’s endurance and depth, with Iloilo repelling threats on the counter while continuing to overwhelm the opponent’s tiring backline. 

“I’m very satisfied with everything,” stated a deferential Gayoso, who took home Man of the Match honors. “I understand that you had to appoint one person, but I think the goal line reflects the overall performance and overall effort of the team.”

“They all deserve to be here and to be acknowledged, and I’m just proud of everybody for giving everything,” he concluded in the post-match interview with the ‘Who the heck are we?’ podcast.  

In just their second game together as a unit, this Kaya side delivered a strong statement regarding their title defense ambitions. The commitment shown by the players is encouraging, and focus now shifts to maintaining this trajectory and extending the early season-winning streak. 

 

Player Spotlight: 

Jarvey Gayoso 
Kaya’s speedy striker swiftly donned his shooting boots and got down to business, throwing his name in the ring for the Golden Boot. Perhaps even more notable than his on-field feats was his off-field leadership—his sharing of the spotlight demonstrating a team-first mentality as expected of an assistant captain.

The Brace Brothers  
With two goals apiece, each player showcased their strengths through their goal-scoring prowess. Kaishu Yamazaki demonstrated his poise and exceptional ball skills; Shuto Komaki and Jhan Melliza proved to be formidable threats on the wing, drawing penalties and wreaking havoc in the box; and Robert Lopez Mendy’s physical presence in front of goal remains a constant threat, while his positioning instincts remain as sharp as ever.

Jovin Bedic
Entering midway through the second half, the seasoned Kaya stalwart injected fresh energy into the match with his adept touches and ball movement. His wealth of experience suggests a promising role as a game-changing creative force off the bench, or even as a starter, in future games.