FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati square off for third

Joaco Canas trying to fend off Dennis Villanueva during the second leg of their Finals Series matchup against Global Cebu.

FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati renew their rivalry for one more match before the Philippines Football League concludes its inaugural season, as both teams duke it out tonight for the Finals Series third place game at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Kickoff is slated at 9pm, due to schedule availability with the NCAA currently holding its football matches there.

Both sides have had about a week to regroup, after their disappointing losses to their respective opponents in the Finals Series semifinals.

In spite of playing both of its matches at its home stadium, the top-seeded Sparks lost to fourth seed Global Cebu FC, 3-2 on aggregate. As for Kaya, they fell to second-ranked Ceres-Negros FC 3-1.

Both sides are looking to close out their respective seasons on a positive note and a third place finish that could potentially net them an AFC Cup berth should the PFL champion manage to navigate the treacherous route to the AFC Champions League Group Stage early next year. Sparks skipper Simon Greatwich prefers that the team not finish in fourth after all the hard work they put in since January.

Sparks head coach Aris Caslib chose to highlight the commitment the team has to club and its fans to play its best.

Streaming for the match is available below, but tickets are available at the gate.



Meanwhile, the first-ever Philippines Football League champions will be crowned tomorrow night at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod, as Ceres-Negros FC and Global Cebu FC continue their own rivalry.