Kaya FC-Iloilo claims PFF Women’s League title

c/o the Philippine Football Federation

Kaya FC-Iloilo became the first club team to win the PFF Women's League sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines on Saturday night, pulling off a 1-0 victory over Manila Digger FC at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The lone goal of the match came in the 86th minute, as Sheen Nicole Ramores scored the game-winner after Sara Castañeda created the opportunity for Ramores with the former DLSU maestro's attempt initially denied by the back line.

Sara found the UST alumna unmarked in the box, with Nicole sending a low strike past Ayishatu Simpson.

The match changed after Hannah Pachejo was sent off after being booked twice in a span of three minutes, with the second yellow card being issued in the 26th minute.

In spite of the personnel disadvantage, Manila Digger managed to hold firm with a scoreless first half.

Kaya FC earned a penalty after Camille Rodriguez was fouled inside the area, but the Ateneo alumna was denied by Simpson in the 54th minute.

It is another title in a stellar year for head coach Let Dimzon, who also helmed Far Eastern University as they reclaimed the women's football title earlier this year in the UAAP Season 85 tournament.

She shared with the media afterwards, "I’m happy for Kaya, it’s another historic achievement for the club. We’re the first club to win the PFF Women’s League and it is a huge honor for us to get this title."

Shelah Cadag, who was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player, adds, "All our hard work and sacrifice paid off with this win. We did our best and we thank everyone who supported us. It was a good game because we fought hard until the end."

Cadag was unable to add onto her tally of twelve goals on Saturday night, but she did put the Manila Digger defense to the test with her scoring opportunities.

Dimzon also remains hopeful as well that the league will resume with additional stakeholders making investments in the sport.

Coca-Cola Philippines president Tony del Rosario was among those who were present for the occasion, highlighting the commitment the brand has for the sport. During the run of the Philippines in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, it was made public that Coca-Cola highlighted such commitment to women's football in the country by taking up sponsorship of the PFF Women's League.

Other notable executives present for the final are Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, as well as newly-minted General Secretary Mikhail Torre, Philippine Women's National Team manager Jeff Cheng, and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Lady Tamaraws pulled off a repeat against the defending champions De La Salle University. Having dethroned them last May for the UAAP title and completing the treble for the Morayta-based institution, they also pulled off a 2-1 triumph in the third place game.

Dionesa Tolentin scored the game-winner in the 53rd minute, a few minutes after Angelica Teves scored the equalizer early in the second half. Carmela Altiche had scored the opening goal of the match.

Teves would finish as the co-Golden Boot winners with Isabella Bandoja of Tuloy FC as both players netted nineteen goals this season, with Simpson not coming home empty handed by being named as the Golden Glove awardee.

Named as the best of their respective positions are defender Jonela Albiño of FEU and midfielder Charisa Lemoran of Kaya.

Capping off the list of winners is Nomads FC with their Fair Play Award.

Kaya FC retains AIA 7s Football League Women's Division 1 crown

Division 1 champions

Kaya FC successfully defended its AIA 7s Football Women's Division I title this past Sunday, November 20, at the McKinley Hill Stadium, defeating Nomads Braves, 1-0.

The lone goal of the match came in the 44th minute, as Dionesa Tolentin's cross found Shelah Cadag, with the former UST standout sending it towards the top left corner.

It was then up to the league's best defense to hold on to a clean sheet, as they shut down any offensive opportunity from the Braves, who had beaten them in their last two meeting coming into this one.

Head coach Let Dimzon shared post-match, "It was a great showcase for the young Nomads Braves, but this was our best performance all tournament long. We strive to improve with every game so we can play great football with a premium on passing and classy finishing."

With this in the bag, the team now is focused on securing the PFF Women's Cup, which is currently ongoing.

In Division 2, Azzurri SC-Diliman claimed the title with a 2-1 victory over Manila Digger.

Kaya, Nomads set for 7s Women's title

Kaya FC

The best women's team in seven-a-side football will be decided this Sunday, as Kaya FC and Nomads Braves will face off at 6pm on Sunday at the McKinley-Hill Stadium.

The former finished with six wins in seven matches, tied with Azzurri Verde atop the eliminations, although the powerhouse owned a superior goal difference.

The latter ended up at third in the eliminations at 5-2, a game behind the co-leaders. They also managed to be the lone team to defeat Kaya in that phase.

Kaya steamrolled through their portion of the postseason after 13-0 shellacking of Maharlika Manila, followed by a 3-1 win over Manila Nomads.

The Braves' portion of the bracket saw them knock out Azzurri SC-C on aggregate, 5-2. They then upset Azzurri Verde, 1-0, get a crack at denying Kaya FC consecutive titles in the league backed by AIA.

Also at 6pm is the Div 2 Women's Division final between Manila Digger and Azzurri Diliman.

Continental pathways set for United City, Kaya FC

AFC Champions League East Zone

The paths of the two Filipino sides in the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup are set, with the confirmation of the draw results for both competition on Monday.

United City FC is already assured of a Group Stage berth, having been slotted into Group G with respective league champions BG Pathum United of Thailand and Melbourne City of Australia. Completing the quartet is Korean FA Cup winners Jeongnam Dragons.

Upon learning the results, Eric Gottschalk shares, "We have a very balanced but competitive group & avoiding a team from China & Japan is definitely not a bad draw. I’m personally looking forward to the match-up with Thailand as this is the competitive level what we are always measuring ourselves against."

AFC Cup ASEAN Zone

As for Kaya FC, they will have to earn their way into the Group Stage, as they will face a yet-to-be-determined Australian side on March 8. A victory will earn them a shot a week later against Chinese side Changchun Yatai, provided the CSL team secures its clearance from the AFC. Win that one, and they secure a spot in Group H alongside two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai, J-League side Yokohama F. Marinos, and Vientamese champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC.

A loss in either match eliminates them from AFC Champions League action, but the team is already assured of a berth in the Group Stage portion of the AFC Cup.

The ASEAN Zone pathway for Kaya puts them in Group G, alongside Bali United of Indonesia and Kedah Darul Aman FC of Malaysia. Completing the group will be either Visakha FC of Cambodia and Young Elephants FC of Laos, who will face off in April to determine that spot.

Kaya FC sets up women's team

Kaya FC is setting up a women's team

Off the backdrop of the recently concluded FIFA Women's World Cup, and with the Philippines' work in the recent Olympic Qualifiers moving them up their best-ever ranking, women's football is on the up and up.

And with this wave of awareness and recognition, Kaya Futbol Club is about to ride it.

The team officially announced its intent to establish its senior women's team, making the first step by tapping current Senior Women's National Team head coach Marnelli Dimzon as its first head coach.

As a player, she won three titles with Far Eastern University, and spent a decade playing midfield for the national team. Moving into coaching, she led FEU to four UAAP titles, while also taking the help of the U-14 Girls to a runner-up finish in AFF regional play. In taking the helm of the national team, she shepherded the team in being a whisker away from FIFA Women's World Cup qualification, as well as getting the team into the second round of Qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Compared to its Men's and Youth sides, both of which have been able to participate in competitions here and abroad, they will be starting from the ground up with its women's team.

General Manager Paul Tolentino shares, "Because we are late in entering this segment of football, we needed to show our serious intentions to this endeavor. It’s important to make clear that we’re committed to making this as successful as possible."

He adds, "Watching the Women’s World Cup made me ask, ‘What were we doing not providing an avenue for women’s football?’  It became glaringly obvious that a club of Kaya’s caliber, which competes continentally as well as domestically, should be involved in bringing our structure and passion to this area of the game. We needed to get our act together and get this off the ground immediately."

Tapping Dimzon, the club believes, reflects their intentions. Tolentino says, "Her being a successful national team player, and now coach, is an exciting prospect for us."

Aside from naming Dimzon as their head coach, Kaya FC has also set up its initial date for tryouts, scheduling it on Thursday night, July 25, at the BGC Turf between 6-8pm.

With a coach now under their belt, the search now is for the players, one that Tolentino believes should "embody the club culture," and could compete in the available leagues.

With the PFF Women's League already set to start soon, Tolentino is potentially eyeing competing in the likes of the 7s Football League to get themselves ready.

Field set for opening Philippine Premier League season

The Philippine Premier League. Set to open March 30.

Seven teams made the cut for the launch of the inaugural Philippine Premier League season, the league announced on Friday afternoon.

Four clubs from the Philippines Football League will make the transition to the PPL, led by defending league champions Ceres-Negros FC and inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara champions Kaya FC-Iloilo. Stallion Laguna FC and United Makati FC will make the move, with the latter rebranding itself from Global Cebu FC.

The other three clubs that will complete the cast are familiar names to many a hardcore Filipino football fan, as they all were part of the United Football League earlier this decade, led by one of its former league champions Philippine Air Force.

The Airmen's representatives were among those present when the launch of the league was conducted earlier this year, led by former Philippine international Ian Araneta, who will take on a coaching role in this go around.

GAU was the most notable club that passed on the opportunity to join the PFL during its existence, spending the time after the UFL instead at the WFL Elite.

The final team that made the cut is Mendiola FC, whose last iteration saw them in UFL's Division II, but has a hallowed tradition based on their bloodline connection with traditional collegiate football powerhouse San Beda.

All seven teams will also take part in the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which the PPL will retain as its cup competition.

The league also revealed today that the schedule for the inaugural season will be released on March 15, kicking off its campaign with a 4pm and 7pm doubleheader on March 30 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The latter portion of the doubleheader will be shown LIVE on 5Plus and streamed online through the media outfit's social media portals.

The PPL also exhorted its fans to help keep the spirit of football alive in the country by inviting them to come and support the teams.

Bacolod to host Kaya FC in AFC Cup

Kaya FC-Iloilo earlier this month announced that Pana-ad Park and Stadium in the City of Bacolod will be hosting their home matches in the 2019 AFC Cup.

The full statement is as follows:

Kaya FC–Iloilo would like to announce that the venue for our upcoming home games in the 2019 AFC Cup will be held in Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

The club wanted nothing more than to bring AFC Cup football to the Iloilo Sports Complex (ISC), but despite exhausting all efforts to prepare the venue, ISC remains short of the stadium standards required to host an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) contest. Currently, the only available AFC-approved stadium in the Philippines is Panaad Stadium, and the Negros Occidental government, along with Ceres Negros, have been gracious in welcoming us.

Kaya FC–Iloilo would like to express our gratitude to the Provincial Government of Iloilo for their unwavering support over the first year of our flourishing partnership, and for all the efforts in upgrading the Iloilo Sports Complex. We remain committed to developing football in the region, and we are hopeful that soon we will be able to give Iloilo a firsthand experience of the excitement of hosting AFC matches.

The team still intends to train in Iloilo in the lead up to our AFC Cup games, and the club would like to invite all our supporters to make the short trip with us from Iloilo to Bacolod. Your voice and encouragement would be a massive help in our return to the Asian stage.

Kaya FC's Group Stage matches for the AFC Cup are as follows on the tweet below:

To bring Iloilo to the Asian stage is what we worked so hard for all last season! In two weeks, that dream will become reality 💛🖤#KayaIloilo pic.twitter.com/AtQgtgPNBr

— Kaya Futbol Club (@KayaFC) February 12, 2019

Stay tuned with regards to the televised schedule for these matches.

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.

Ceres fends off Kaya in PFL Finals Series

Manny Ott and Fernando Rodriguez consoling Masanari Omura

Ceres-Negros FC secured a spot in the Philippines Football League Finals Series on Saturday night, defeating Kaya FC-Makati, 2-1 to take the two-legged Finals Series matchup, 3-2 on aggregate.

Bienvenido Maranon put the Busmen ahead after thirty minutes, but Woody Ugarte would equalize three minutes before halftime to keep the visitors' hopes of advancing alive. Ceres though would claim the victory spoils thanks to a lob from Iain Ramsay with seventeen minutes remaining in the second half to take the win that night.

Reflecting the intensity that is prevalent with this match as of late, the hosts had the first crack at scoring, with former Kaya frontman OJ Porteria sent his attempt over the bar. The visitors would have their own scoring chance, but Jordan Mintah just sent it wide of the post. Minutes later, Robert Lopez Mendy's header of a Kaya corner went over the bar.

Maranon would eventually break through for Ceres, becoming the eventual recipient of the interplay between Omid Nazari and Arnie Pasinabo. He would then power through a header into the net to score the opening goal of the match, and double the aggregate lead.

Kaya would manage to find a sliver of hope, as Ugarte would take advantage of Roland Mueller parrying a Miguel Tanton free kick straight towards him to equalize things and bring back the aggregate advantage back down to a goal heading into the halftime break.

The visitors seemed buoyed by the Ugarte goal, as they tried to find another one to wrest the advantage away from the Busmen. They would have a couple of really good chances, with Jovin Bedic finding Mintah for him to head it just wide of the post, moments after Bedic failed to convert on his own opportunity.

Ramsay would then issue the dagger with that lob over Ref Cuaresma to give the game to Ceres.

Afterwards, Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida was pleased with how the team performed, noting their toughness and never giving up until the last minute.

With the win, Ceres-Negros is set to play in the final on December 16 against Global Cebu FC, after they dispatched league topnotchers FC Meralco Manila, 3-2 on aggregate.

As for Kaya, they will match-up against the Sparks that weekend in the third place game.

Kaya Makati Stunned by Late Ceres Negros Winner

Kaya FC-Makati walking off UMak

The drama on December 3 was not just limited to the basketball court.

Stephan Schroeck roped in a goal in injury time, snatching a 1-0 victory for Ceres-Negros FC against Kaya FC-Makati at the University of Makati Stadium in the first leg of their Philippines Football League Finals Series matchup.

The former Philippines international kept the ball away from Marvin Angeles, then cut on the inside against Janrick Soriano, then turned the corner on Alfred Osei, then beat out the defense to poke the ball past Ref Cuaresma three minutes into second half stoppage time.

After the match, Schroeck shared that he could not really remember how it happened, but he does know that he just "got the ball and took it." He added that he was "happy to give the team the winner, because they deserve it under such [difficult] circumstances.

The first half saw limited scoring opportunities, with the best chance coming from Robert Lopez Mendy, as Roland Mueller denied the attacker a goal on a clearcut one-on-one scoring situation.

The Busmen were not without chances in the first half, as well. An Omid Nazari attempt went narrowly wide, while Iain Ramsay's volley forced a Cuaresma save.

The second half saw really good unconverted scoring chances bookending things. Moments after kickoff resumed, a Carlie de Murga free kick hit the far post and the crossbar, with the subsequent rebound leading to a de Murga header that Cuaresma would deflect into a corner. And just before Schroeck's heroics, Lopez Mendy evaded a shaky situation at the end line, slicing through a couple of defenders, someone getting off an attempt that rocketed towards the crossbar that just won't go past the line.

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida could only share his frustration after the match, noting that "For the whole 90 minutes, I don't think we allowed them to settle for even a short amount of time. The energy was there. The aggressiveness was there. The willingness to really take this game away from Ceres, it was all there. I don't know what else we need to do. We created lots of chances. But it's just we didn't get the result.

Schroeck admits that Kaya will do everything to win the second leg, but adds that "You can be sure we'll be ready to do everything to win as well."

Kaya FC-Makati ready for Finals Series vs Ceres-Negros FC

Kaya FC vs Ceres-Negros FC

The other half of the Philippines Football League Finals Series is set to commence later this afternoon, as Kaya FC hosts Ceres-Negros FC at the University of Makati.

Although the Busmen own the advantage against Kaya in head-to-head play with three victories and a draw, head coach Noel Marcaida is grateful for this matchup.

"We thank Ceres for the opportunity they've given us. Playing against them in the semifinals, that gives us a chance to redeem ourselves," he said. "We're the club that finished the season early so we've had two weeks preparation going into the Finals Series, and we've taken advantage of that."

Team skipper Masanari Omura echoed the same sentiments, "I'm so excited to play against Ceres in the semifinals. Also, it's our last game at UMak, so we have to show the fans what Kaya is about," said the Japanese center back. "They are a strong team, a strong side. But we're okay playing with them. We know how to play also."

Marcaida also shares the team's readiness for this match, "The spirit of every individual in the team has been very impressive. With how the players have been performing in training, I think we were able to see the rotation in place of the players out suspended for Sunday's game," he said. "We're always up for the challenge. As long as we work together everyone will achieve more." He adds, "It's always nice to enter the Finals Series with the underdog card. We have nothing to lose. We just need to go out and play our best game of the season," he said. "The players whose hunger to win the title [is greater] will get the positive result."

Tickets are available via SM Tickets, and at the gate. Streaming also available below if one can't go to the game.



The second leg of this matchup takes place at Pana-ad Park and Stadium next week.

Undermanned Kaya FC-Makati succumbs to Davao Aguilas

Davao Aguilas FC’s Angel Guirado got two goals for the team and was named Man of The Match.

The Davao Aguilas took advantage of an undermanned Kaya FC-Makati side to take a 3-1 victory at the University of Makati on Saturday night.

The hosts were limited to fielding a 14-man squad due to suspensions and injuries, a lineup that included debut starts for the likes of Jayson Panhay and Chy Villasenor. They managed to hold things firm early on with the Angeles twins and Woody Ugarte manning the midfield, mitigating whatever they missed from those forced to sit this game out.

The visitors managed to break through in the 26th minute against the run of play, with Enzo Cheng finding Angel Guirado, who heads it past the line to score the opening goal of the match.

Kaya did manage to restore control after allowing the goal, and even had chances to equalize, including an attempt from Panhay that was saved by Nick O'Donnell. However, the half ended with Davao holding a 1-0 advantage.

The second half saw Kaya find their equalizer, as Alfrei Osei took advantage of a free kick situation by scoring the tying goal on a volley in the 58th minute. Unfortunately, it did not take long for Davao to re-establish the lead, as Harry Sawyer took advantage of Janrick Soriano misjudging a diagonal ball headed to the left flank in the 65th minute.

Guirado would net his second goal in the 74th minute off a similar left flank counter to cap off the scoring for the evening.

The victory is Davao's third for the season, and the first one that did not come against fellow newcomer Ilocos United. They still have three more matches remaining on their schedule, all of them against JPV Marikina FC.

Kaya concludes its season with 47 points, its seeding in the Finals Series hangs on Global Cebu FC's remaining schedule.

In the other match scheduled on Saturday at the Elpidio Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, hosts Ilocos United managed to hold aspiring top notchers Ceres-Negros FC to a 1-1 draw. Arnie Pasinabo's 77th minute goal neutralizes Adam Mitter's 35th minute strike. They face other once again on Tuesday night.

The Angeles Twins walking off the University of Makati Football Field

Post-game thoughts:

Davao Aguilas head coach Marlon Maro: “I’m happy and satisfied because we lost to Kaya on our home turf, and now we’ve beaten them as well on their home turf, and it’s because the players really wanted to win tonight. For me, the delivery of crosses was the main reason why we scored lots of goals. We were able to take advantage of our height. What’s positive tonight is that the players responded well to the plan.”

Davao Aguilas forward Angel Guirado: “For me it’s the team that’s most important. When the team works good, the team wins. I’m very happy because I scored, but most important is that the team has three points more and looking forward to also preparing for next season. This is good for the confidence of the team.”

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida: “It’s a tough loss. If you’re looking at the 90 minutes, I couldn’t see that the Aguilas were really on top. When you go back to the first half, we were really playing well. We were combining, but we just couldn’t find that continuity of attack in the final third. In the second half, we played well in the first 15 minutes and were able to score a goal. But after that, there were moments where we allowed the Aguilas to play their game, which led to the two goals.”

Marcaida: “But for me, I give credit to the players who got their chance today, especially Chy (Villaseñor), who really played well.”

Marcaida: “We just need to move on. Anyway, the first objective at the start of the season was to be part of the final four, and we’ve been successful in getting that objective. The regular season is over and the Finals Series is a different story. We have two weeks to prepare for that. We go back to the pitch, work hard, and prepare for the first leg.”

Kaya FC-Makati seeks Finals Series momentum

Kaya FC-Makati vs Davao Aguilas FC

Philippines Football League action resumes tonight with a couple of simultaneous matches with Kaya FC-Makati hosting Davao Aguilas FC and Ilocos United FC hosting Ceres-Negros FC. Kickoff time for both matches is slated at 7pm.

Coming off a prolonged break, Kaya FC-Makati will finally conclude its PFL eliminations campaign against the Davao Aguilas at home in the University of Makati. They would have a chance to solidify its hold on third place with a victory against the visitors, with proverbial chasers Global Cebu FC just three points behind and a game in hand.

However, they will have to do it with a massively depleted roster. The PFL recently handed out suspensions, with Kaya bearing the brunt of the damage, as it involves three players: Jordan Mintah, Jalsor Soriano, and Adam Reed, who received the most punitive sentence. In addition, because of what happened in their narrow 1-0 loss to FC Meralco Manila, Jovin Bedic and Miguel Tanton are also suspended for this match.

Aside from them, Kenshiro Daniels is also sitting out today's match due to injury.

Noel Marcaida shared during the pre-match press conference that they will be fielding a 14-man squad against Davao, as a result of all these players being unavailable. He did say that this provides an opportunity for players who have yet to make their mark this season, including Chy Villasenor, who will be making his debut later tonight. The former FEU defender will stepping into Jalsor's role at the back, and he himself is looking forward to the challenge of having to deal with a Davao attack that includes those who have represented the country in international competition.

As for the Davao Aguilas, the theme for their remaining matches is all about next season. Matthew Hartmann shares that the team has been training and preparing well for their matchup, hoping that a strong finish to this season would eventually yield a strong start to the next one.

Tickets are available either through SM Tickets or at the gate. Field Side passes cost PhP 20, while Grandstand tickets cost PhP 350. One can also check the game out through this stream below.



In addition to this one, Ceres heads up north for the first of two matches against Ilocos. The Busmen are just two points behind FC Meralco Manila atop the standings, with two games in hand.

The streaming link for that matchup can be seen below.

Kaya FC and FC Meralco Manila duel for PFL leadership

Curt Dizon of FC Meralco Manila evades Kaya's Kenshiro Daniels

With the Philippines Football League's inaugural season getting closer to its conclusion, FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati are headed for a collision course in the premier matchup on Saturday night.

The Sparks are fresh from a walkover victory over Ilocos United, as the PFL sanctioned the latter for non-compliance of the Franchise Agreement. Although they secured the three points that officially formalized their entry into the Finals Series, that was only their second victory in their last six matches, reflecting an uneven form that has eaten away at their strong start to the season.

In contrast, Kaya is fresh from a 2-0 victory against Davao Aguilas FC at the Davao del Sur Sports Complex this past Wednesday, their fifth in the last six matches, and in the process became the second team in the Finals Series. One of those five wins was against these same Sparks, a 2-1 victory at the University of Makati that featured a late winner from Eric Giganto.

As a result, Kaya are now just one point behind the lead with 47 points, although they have played a couple more matches than FC Meralco Manila.

Kickoff for this matchup is at 7pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with tickets available at the gate for PhP 20 in bleachers, PhP 50 in grandstand, and PhP 200 in VIP.

Those who are cannot be at Rizal Memorial can check out this streaming link below:



Here are some quips that came from the pre-match press conference:

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida:

• This is a chance for us to regain the top spot.
• We have had a tough schedule. Three games in eight days. But we are happy to play Davao, because they play similar to Meralco. This gives us a chance to adjust. 
• Our players will have time to recover before our last regular season game on November 18.
• We need to challenge the back three of Meralco. You really have to make good runs to confuse the back line.

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib:

• Our advantage is we will be fresh. But we have to capitalize on our rest and stop their transition.
• We have to stop their side players and mid players. A high percentage of their balls go to the right so we have to address that. We also have to address set pieces and balls from right to left.

FC Meralco striker Connor Tacagni:

• We are looking forward to playing it.
• Over the last two games Kaya have gotten good results. If we stay focused we will get the 3 points.

Kaya FC - Makati defender Kenshiro Daniels:

• It's a derby and we are up for it.
• The travel has been difficult but the team looks fit. We need to prepare for this like any other game and work hard.

Kaya FC - Makati seeks a midweek PFL win vs Davao

Kaya FC-Makati vs Davao Aguilas FC

Kaya FC-Makati seeks to continue building its momentum towards the Finals Series as it travels to Tagum to face the Davao Aguilas FC this afternoon.

Although the visitors have soundly beaten Davao in their previous meetings, this is the first time they will be meeting them since the hosts decided to not only retrofit the squad with new signings, but also swapped coaches.

Head coach Noel Marcaida said so himself, "We'll be facing a completely new Davao Aguilas team. They have very experienced players, and they are under a very experienced coach in Marlon Maro." He also is wary about this matchup, considering the team is in a stretch of three games in eight days, but acknowledges that the team is 100 percent mentally ready.

Maro sees this as an exciting match, especially since Davao is facing a team currently second on the table and competing for the title.

Even though they have virtually clinched a spot in Finals Series, Alfred Osei remains highly motivated, as he says, "We are trying to be at the top as much as we can, add more points, and finish where we want to be... That is the first, second, or third position.." He adds, "We try to win every game... We want to finish as high up as we can."

Osei is also hoping for a good crowd at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex, highlighting that it is a beautiful place to play football.

Kaya FC-Makati at cusp of PFL postseason berth

The Kaya FC Starting XI in their win over Global Cebu

Kaya FC - Makati is at the cusp of formalizing a berth in the Philippines Football League's Finals Series, as they successfully fended off Global Cebu FC, 2-0, at the University of Makati this past weekend.

The hosts managed to put in a goal in each half against their opposition, with Jordan Mintah breaking the deadlock eight minutes in, off a feed from Robert Lopez Mendy and outmuscling Dennis Villanueva in the process. This is the fifth straight game he has been on the scoresheet, with seventeen goals already this season. He shared afterwards that he had been dealing with an injured foot that would keep him from training in the runup to this match. Jordan adds that he was very grateful for the support from his teammates.

They would then double the lead with substitute Eric Giganto fifteen minutes from time. Off a counter, the FEU alumnus received the ball from Miguel Tanton and then dribbled past Patrick Deyto, before slotting the ball onto an empty net for his fifth goal of the season.

After the match, head coach Noel Marcaida was "very happy" with the result, expressing satisfaction that they "were able to get maximum points against Global." He also noted that the match seemed to not that explosive as he would have thought, adds, "For me, it was a very unusual atmosphere. Kaya Makati versus Global is the type of game where the intensity should be very high... I think we started the first 10 minutes with high intensity. During that period we got the goal. Then the intensity went down. It wasn't the best game we've had, but in the end it was comfortable."

When asked about the Giganto substitution, Marcaida replies, "We wanted to change the intensity of the game." He also remarked, "Eric is such a quality player. He's a very influential sub. Every time he comes in, he really makes sure to do something for the team."

As for his Global Cebu counterpart, Akbar Nawas rued the difficulty of playing at the natural grass surface at the University of Makati. He says, "I think if we put away the chances that we had in the first and second half it would've been a different game.. But anyway, it's as good as it gets on this kind of pitch. The pitch was difficult to play on... With a better pitch, you never know what kind of result we could've put up."

Kaya, Global set to tangle in PFL Top 4 encounter

Kaya vs Global

The race for the Finals Series gets even more intense this afternoon in the Philippines Football League, as Kaya FC-Makati and Global Cebu FC tangle at the University of Makati at 4pm.

Both sides acknowledge the magnitude of the affair. Global head coach Akbar Nawas says, "At this stage of the season, especially for the clubs looking for the top four for the playoffs, every game is important. So I guess it's a must-win for both sides. But having said that, we still need to go out there and play our best and see if the result goes our way." His Kaya counterpart, Noel Marcaida, agrees. "It's going to be massive. Both teams know the importance of Saturday's game. Coming from the Ceres match, there's a bit of disappointment, but looking forward, we're looking to get the three points against Global."

Robert Lopez Mendy simplified things when he was asked about how things would play out in the Finals Series. "Only one thing comes to my mind, and that's playing in the AFC [Cup], no matter what. So to do that we need to win all our games," he said.

Separated by four points, both teams are coming off contrasting results. The hosts are fresh from a narrow 3-2 defeat to Ceres-Negros FC at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, while the visitors ended their mini-slump in league play with a 2-1 win against JPV Marikina FC at the CCSC. A win by either side would boost their postseason aspirations, especially since both teams have battled to draws in their previous two meetings.

Marcaida shares, "We're very positive going into Saturday's game. In the previous two games that we played Global, I think we can say that we were dominant, especially the one where we played on their home turf in Cebu. I think that was one of the best games we've played. We were just unlucky not to get that chance in front of goal. But looking forward we'll make sure that if we create chances, we'll make sure that we convert."

Tickets are currently available at the gate or via SM Tickets, but Kaya FC-Makati announced through social media that the first 140 fans at the Grandstand entrance and the first 50 fans at the field side entrance will get free admission.

Proceeds from today's match will be sent to the iCanServe Foundation as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.

In addition, streaming is also available below.

Rodriguez rescues Ceres against Kaya

Ceres-Negros FC managed to come out winners in their matchup against Kaya FC-Makati, 3-2, at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod on Saturday night.

Fernando Rodriguez scored the game-winner four minutes into added time for the Busmen, snatching a potential draw away for the visitors and securing all three points for the hosts, as they continue their chase towards the top of the standings.

The match started out with guns blazing, as it took only three minutes for the first goal, with Robert Lopez Mendy sending a low cross towards Jordan Mintah, who easily taps it in for Kaya.

Ceres needed just six minutes to find an equalizer, as a Bienvenido Maranon header got past Ref Cuaresma to level things up. But six minutes later, Ceres would take the lead, as Rodriguez smashed in his first goal.

With the potential that both teams may just see each other in the Finals Series, there was an added magnitude of intensity, as tempers flared up between both teams.

Kaya would have chances to tie things up before the first half ended, but the break came with Ceres ahead, 2-1.

The visitors manage to find the equalizer not long after the restart. 11 minutes in, Alfred Osei takes advantage of Roland Mueller not being able to get a proper save during a scramble inside the Ceres area, making it 2-2. This prompted a ten-minute break due to protestations from the Ceres bench, who felt that the former Philippine international was struck in the head during the build-up. Officials would then banish head coach Risto Vidakovic to the stands in the aftermath.

Complicating matters for the Busmen was that Jeff Christiaens was sent off for his second booking in the 78th minute. But even with the personnel disadvantage, Ceres managed to have chances to secure a win, including winning a penalty after Osei committed a foul inside the area. Unfortuantely, Cuaresma saved the spot kick to preserve the score, setting up the drama late for the game-winner.

Kaya did have one final chance to score, but Mintah's point blank attempt was saved by Mueller.

The win cuts Ceres' deficit against Kaya in half, with seven games in hand, and just seven points behind pace-setting FC Meralco Manila with five games in hand.

Post-game Notes:

Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida: "It was really a wild game. We came here to get the three points. We're disappointed. But for me, the important thing is, my players really did well. I said before the game, we needed to start strong and finish strong, and we did that. You can see how the game played out. They really tried their best. They were creating lots of chances. We're looking forward to our next game. You never know, we may have a chance again to play each other. It's not the end of the world. We still have four more games [left in the regular season]."

Ceres assistant Pepe Lozada: "First of all, we are very proud of our players because we played - especially today, but the whole season as well - against 11 players, plus the referees. This is no good for Philippine football. If the Federation don't fix this problem, it's impossible to improve football in the Philippines."

Kaya FC-Makati seeks to extend PFL winning streak

Ian Treyes, Martin Steuble, Jalsor Soriano, Noel Marcaida

In an appealing potential postseason matchup tonight, Kaya FC-Makati travels to Bacolod to face Ceres-Negros FC at Pana-ad Park and Stadium.

Kickoff is pegged at 7pm for this Philippines Football League fixture.

Both sides are still seeking to move up the table, with the visitors just three points behind pace-setting FC Meralco Manila at 41 points, while the hosts are six points further back at 35 points.

Kaya is currently on a three-match winning streak, with the latest being a dramatic 2-1 win over the Sparks at the University of Makati. But the matchup against the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Champions will not be easy, as they have not yet beaten the Busmen in their three meetings this season.

Ceres will be missing some key players due to injury, but according to skipper Martin Steuble, the team will come up with a solution. He adds, "I think with the depth of our squad, we are able to find replacements. With a few adjustments, we'll be able to beat a strong opponent in Kaya..."

Streaming link for the match can be viewed below



Notes: Among the walking wounded for Ceres: Manny Ott (MCL in knee), Luke Woodland, and even Steuble.

Notable Noel Marcaida soundbites:

"It's always difficult to play Ceres, especially on their home turf. But we came here with the objective to get the three points in tomorrow's game."

"After that game against Meralco we had a good and well spent break. When we got back to training, the morale of the team was high, and the intensity of the training was high. I can see that the players are very motivated, and everyone is looking forward to playing Ceres."

"The Kaya mentality is we always move on."

"Although we lost our previous two games against them, the way I see it, they weren't lopsided games. We created lots of chances. The breaks went to Ceres. So I think in tomorrow's game, if we get the same chances, and we convert them, we'll get a positive result."

Kaya FC-Makati and FC Meralco Manila set for end of September PFL clash

Tyler Matas tangles for possession with Kaya's Jordan Mintah in the team's meeting last August.

The final set of Philippines Football League matches before the international break are set to take place this Saturday, with the most prominent matchup of the three fixtures being a top-of-the-table clash between Kaya FC-Makati and FC Meralco Manila at the University of Makati Football Stadium. Kickoff is slated at 4pm.

The Sparks have won the past couple of meetings, although the more recent encounter had a controversial nature to it, thanks to a nullified equalizer due to Jordan Mintah being offside late. Nevertheless, expect this matchup to be intense, considering the rivalry of the two sides.

Both sides are fresh from wins last week, with FC Meralco Manila denying Davao Aguilas FC a positive homecoming for the Younghusband brothers with a 2-0 result, while Kaya FC-Makati snapped Stallion Laguna FC's four-game winning streak with an impressive 4-0 victory. The hosts are seeking to snap a seven-match unbeaten run by the visitors in the PFL, while also reducing the gap between them in half with the victory.

Aris Caslib, Tyler Matas, Woody Ugarte, Noel Marcaida

At the post-match press conference, Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida highlighted the very high intensity during training in the run-up for this match. He also praised the Sparks, "Looking forward to the game, I think Meralco has been very consistent. It shows in their results from the previous seven matches, they’re undefeated. Coach Aris has been able to establish a defensive structure for Meralco. For tomorrow’s game, it’s a test of consistency for both clubs." He adds that one important factor in this match maintaining the high intensity all throughout the game.

His counterpart, Aris Caslib, credited the team's togetherness for their current unbeaten run, adding, "I think it’s teamwork. It’s having great ambition, and working together."

Tickets are available at the gate (PhP 20 field side, PhP 350 grandstand) as well as through SM Tickets. If unable to attend in person, one can also check out the streaming below:



NOTES:

Mintah as since emerged as one of the the league's top scorers on 14 goals, and he will test the Meralco defense. Caslib also noted the need to cut off the supply of balls headed towards Mintah as a key factor in this match.

Miguel Tanton, who scored an incredible 40-yard goal last weekend in Makati's 4-0 win over Stallion, will also command respect from the Sparks, after seeing action for the first time recently. Marcaida has gone on to say that Tanton will play later today.

Woody Ugarte on the rivalry between the two teams: "These are the games that everyone enjoys the most. Derby matches are always the best. There's something about Kaya and Meralco games - there's always going to be something interesting."

Tyler Matas on what is needed for the victory: "Both teams go out with good intensity. Kaya, what I've noticed, is that they don't like to lose to us, so we're going to give it all we've got." He adds, "We just have to be organized, which is what we do, and find a way to win."

Milan Nikolic will be suspended for this match, but Simon Greatwich makes his return from suspension last week.