Stallion forces draw against Kaya in PFL

DAN MARNIL VILLARICO struck the equalizer as Stallion Laguna FC forced Kaya FC- Makati to a 1- 1 draw in the Philippines Football League ( PFL) on Sunday at the Biñan Football Stadium.

Fresh signing Villarico scored off a rebound to negate the opening goal by Jordan Mintah as Stallion Laguna and Kaya Makati shared the spoils in their third encounter.

With their fifth draw in 15 matches, the Stallions improved their total to 14 points and strengthened their hold of No. 6.

Kaya, on the other hand, failed to book a record six-game winning streak though it remained atop the table with 27 points and a five-goal advantage in goal difference over second-running FC Meralco Manila.

Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy and Swiss winger Gabriele Mascazzini came up with scoring chances for Kaya and Stallion, respec- tively, but the two were not able to convert as the first half ended scoreless.

The visitors got into the scoreboard first with Mintah heading home a welltaken cross by Janrick Soriano from the right flank in the 50th minute.

After breaking free in a counter-attack four minutes later, Jhan Melliza launched a shot that was foiled by goalkeeper Ref Cuaresma but Villarico was there to tap-in off the rebound and level for the home side.

With the two clubs on a standoff, tension began to rise as Stallion’s Ruben Doctora and Kaya’s Jovin Bedic figured in a heated confrontation.

The Makati-based booters went on to create more game-winning chances but failed to find the go-ahead goal.

“I think my players played well. It’s just that we couldn’t finish despite the many chances that we got. That’s one aspect of our game we need to work on,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.