Kaya blanks Marikina in PFL

WAXING hot in the first half, Kaya FC- Iloilo hacked out a

3- 0 drubbing of JPV Marikina FC to tighten its grip of the second spot in the 2018 Philippines Football League ( PFL) on Sunday at the PFF National Training Center Artificial Turf Pitch in Carmona, Cavite.

The Lions buried all their goals in the opening 45 minutes as they improved to 36 points in 20 matches, pulling four markers away from the chasing Davao Aguilas FC. Kaya Iloilo also snapped a two- game losing slide following back- to- back setbacks to champion Ceres Negros FC and Stallion Laguna FC.

“Coming from two defeats and a long break, it was a very positive result. We really needed this win,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.

Marcaida praised his men as well for keeping a solid hold at the No. 2 spot, which could turn into a runner- up finish that could pave their way back to the AFC Cup.

“The desire of the players was what impressed me the most. They really wanted to win the game so we can stay on track in securing the second spot,” he said.

It was a dream start for the Ilonggos who were raring to get back on the winning track.

Miguel Tanton sparked the scoring spree as the veteran midfielder hit a free kick before Antonio Ugarte’s shot bounced off Alfred Osei and into the net for a 2- 0 lead just 10 minutes into the game.

Kaya continued to mount the pressure and reaped the reward when Connor Tacagni earned a penalty kick shortly before the halftime whistle.

Robert Lopez Mendy duly converted the shot from the spot and the Lions went on to roar to an emphatic bounce-back win.

JPV Marikina saw its winning streak snapped after suffering its 14th defeat.

The Voltes, who notched two straight lopsided wins over struggling Global Cebu FC, remained at No. 5 with 20 points in 22 games.