By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kaya FC-Iloilo did not disappoint their football fans during their much-awaited homecoming after defending their own pitch at the Iloilo Sports Complex against rival squad United City FC, 2-1, in the ongoing Philippines Football League (PFL) on November 12, 2022.
After two years, Kaya FC finally went home in Iloilo and was overwhelmed by the cheers of almost 1,200 fans in attendance wearing the yellow and black while screaming, “Una Una, Kaya Kaya!”
It was an action-packed 90-minute duel between two of the most storied franchises in the history of the PFL.
Kaya FC kicked off the first half with a lot of intensity that helped them pile up their goal attempts courtesy of the creative and fast Arnel Amita.
Amita’s quick series of escape move dribbles drew loud cheers from the Ilonggos and was the main reason for Kaya’s three quick penetrations inside United City’s penalty box.
Iloilo finally drew first blood in the 34th minute as Amita pulled off a jaw-dropping coast-to-coast sequence that turned into a conversion.
However, disaster struck Iloilo just when the first half was about to close. United City forward Kenshiro Daniels went for a straight kick but it, unfortunately, hit Audie Menzie’s arm which resulted in a penalty kick.
Daniels then sent the ball easily to Kaya FC’s goalpost and steered United City to a momentum-clinching finish in the first 45 minutes of action.
The nip-and-tuck affair didn’t end as Kaya FC and United City continued to trade offensive executions but it was Iloilo that found success in the 78th minute after youngster Jarvey Gayoso sent the game-sealing goal.
Gayoso’s goal made the whole Iloilo Sports Complex explode including their team bench that embraced the former Ateneo de Manila superstar with hugs seconds after the sequence.
Kaya FC looked to secure the win with only three minutes left in the game but the rivals were able to provide some scary moments for the Ilonggos as the former Ceres-Negros FC booters poured in the attack and were able to come up with clean attempts.
The whole Iloilo Sports Complex looked stunned after United City was able to cash in an attempt in the extension period but the goal was waived off after the designated official called a foul.
With the win, Kaya FC is still the PFL’s top team with 30 points built from 10 wins and two losses while United City remained in the 2nd spot with 24 points.
