Kaya FC-Iloilo dumps Mendiola, punches ticket to Copa semis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Kaya FC-Iloilo showed why they are the defending champions of the Copa Paulino Alcantara Cup after crushing the Mendiola 1991 FC, 6-0, securing a semifinals spot after a 2-0 start.

It was all Iloilo from the get-go as the veteran team just exposed Mendiola in both offense and defense for the whole stretch of the game.

Ilonggo Jovin Bedic proved to be the spark for Kaya FC as the mainstay scored a brace, all in the first half of the clash.

Kaya FC’s team captain first found the back of the net after a Mendiola miscommunication then earned his brace in the 35th minute after receiving the sweet assist from Daizo Horikoshi.

Mendiola had no answer to Iloilo’s overwhelming offensive artillery as they continued to pour in four more goals.

Kenshiro Daniels joined the Kaya goal party when he converted on a short stab during the 63rd minute of the game.

Newly acquired Carlyle Mitchell then put the cherry on top of the match after sending in the sixth goal for Kaya FC.

“The players did well. Game by game, we’re getting even better. So in the next game, we look to still do better,” said head coach Yu Hoshide.