Two of this year’s title favorites played out one of the best matches yet this season.
Defending titlists Kaya-Iloilo and current Filipino champions United City shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara, Monday evening at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
United City gained the lead thanks to Manny Ott’s strike in the 35th minute. Goalkeeper Zach Banzon failed to properly control Simone Rota’s backpass, which then allowed Ott to receive the ball in a dangerous area and put the ball at the back of the net.
Kaya, though, found a way back into the match thanks to the individual brilliance of Daizo Horikoshi. Receiving the ball from the left flank, Horikoshi cut inside with his right foot and finished superbly past goalie Matt Silva to level the ballgame at the 56th minute.
The outcome means that both sides sit at the top two positions of the elimination round standings. United City secured 1st place with 4 points and a superior goal difference of +4 while Kaya is at 2nd place with 4 points and a goal difference of +1.
United City resumes its campaign against Stallion Laguna this Thursday, March 31, 2022, with kick-off at 7:15 PM. On the other hand, Kaya will next take on Mendiola 1991 on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 5:00 PM/
Kaya-Iloilo XI: Banzon (GK), Bedic ©, Amita, Diano, Melliza, Fujii, Mitchell, Horikoshi, Arboleda, Rota, Lopez Mendy.
United City XI: Silva (GK), Ebarle, Juraboev, Ott ©, Minegeshi, Ouano, Dizon, Jarvis, Robertson, Sendra, Custodio.
