By: Icko de Guzman
The battle for a top-six finish intensified last Sunday as the Philippines Football League staged matches at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and the Dynamic Herb Borromeo Sports Complex.
Defending champion Kaya-Iloilo tightened its grip on the top spot after dismantling Tuloy, 9–1, in the early kickoff in Manila.
Lucas Del Rosario opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Pathy Malumandsoko doubled the lead just before halftime.
Kaya shifted into another gear in the second half, with Mike Ott striking in the 58th and 68th minutes and Martini Rey adding goals in the 65th and 90th.
Julius Myrbakk, Shuto Komaki, and captain Jhan Melliza also found the back of the net to complete the rout.
Tuloy pulled one back in the 50th minute, as substitute Denmark Uracoy beat Patrick Deyto with a delightful finish.
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In the evening fixture, second-placed One Taguig moved to 30 points after a 3–0 win over Don Bosco Garelli United.
Skipper Daisuke Sato struck in the 12th minute, Frank Akoto doubled the advantage in the 33rd, and Patrick Reichelt capped the first-half scoring in the 43rd to keep Taguig within striking distance of Kaya with a game in hand.
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Meanwhile, Stallion Laguna and Maharlika settled for a 1–1 draw.
Charlie Beaton handed Maharlika the lead in the 38th minute, but Kevin Moukouta struck in the 88th minute to salvage a point for Stallion.
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Cebu delivered one of the weekend’s most dominant performances, blanking Valenzuela PB Mendiola, 5–0, at the Dynamic Herb Borromeo Sports Complex.
Kaito Asano netted a brace in the 45th and 59th minutes, while Kazuha Sudo (62’), Joshua Broce (77’), and Victor Cabral (90+4’) completed the scoring for the Gentle Giants.
League action resumes on Saturday, with Valenzuela PB Mendiola facing Maharlika at 4 p.m., followed by a top-of-the-table clash between Kaya-Iloilo and One Taguig at 7 p.m., both at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Cebu will also return to action, hosting Tuloy at 5 p.m. at the Dynamic Herb Borromeo Sports Complex.
