Daizo Horikoshi proved to be the match winner yet again as his goal allowed Kaya-Iloilo to prevail 1-0 over Stallion Laguna in the semifinals of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara, Tuesday night, at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
The outcome allows Yu Hoshide’s men to move into the finals and retain their title on Sunday against the winner of the United City-Dynamic Herb Cebu fixture, which shall be played later tonight.
“I really wanted to score and I really wanted to help our team,” said Horikoshi. “This situation is very difficult and tough for us but we believed that we could win – that’s why we won.”
The 25-year-old winger took advantage of Stallion Laguna’s failure to clear its lines and finished from close range to score past Stallion Laguna goalkeeper Kenn James at the 86th minute.
“I’m feeling good but not only me. Each player is really good and they passed to me a great ball that’s why I could get the goal,” added Horikoshi.
Stallion Laguna, which is yet to win a game this season, looks to seal another third-place finish against the loser between United City and Dynamic Herb Cebu on Sunday as well.
Kaya-Iloilo XI: Banzon (GK), Curran, Diano, Rota, Menzi, Fujii, Arthur, Melliza, Gayoso, Horikoshi, Lopez Mendy.
Stallion Laguna XI: James (GK), De Mesa, Nierras, Silva, Sy, McDaniel, Limbo, Belgira, Pickering, Alquiros, Noguiera.
