KAYA FC Iloilo capitalized to its advantage the first half as Ceres Negros FC fielded its second stringers and notched its first win over the defending Philippines Football League champions on Saturday, May 12, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
Robert Lopez Mendy opened Kaya's scoring in the 10th minute beating Ceres keeper Louie Michael Casas at the mouth of the goal followed by Alfred Osei's shot in the 40th minute for a 2-0 lead at the half.
Ceres FC has the chance to equalize but Bienvenido Marañon's penalty attempt after Takumi Uesato was brought down in the box, was denied by "Man of the Match" and Kaya's custodian Ace Villanueva.
Stephan Schrock entered the second half for Marañon and Super Herrera vice Carli de Murga and the Busmen got several scoring chances with solid defense.
Kaya's defender Camelo Tacusalme was sent out of the pitch for his second yellow card cutting the Iloilo side to 10-men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ceres FC failed to notch a goal in a physical second half.
In the post-match press conference, Ceres FC Assistant Coach Ian Treyes admitted that Kaya fought very hard.
"They gave 200% just to win this game. It is what we expected," he said.
"As you noticed, we have our focus on our next game in Yangon. So, we rested some of our players for our upcoming match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup," he added.
"We thanked all our fans and supporters who have been behind us in this campaign. We promise to get back strong in our next games," he stressed.
Kaya FC mentor Noel Marcaida said the heartbreak in Panaad is over.
"I said before the game it would take a collective team effort, and we got it exactly. We took advantage of them in that first half. And everyone worked so hard, especially after we went down to 10 men."
"But, we would not let this victory overwhelm us. We still play Ceres three more times this season, and we will play them in our home in Iloilo. They want to get back at us. We will be ready," he said.
Keeper Villanueva said that despite that huge save, he tried to stay calm and composed throughout the match. "The win was really a collective team effort," he added. (HGD)