MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo bounced back with a 7-0 beating of Mendiola 1991 Football Club to surge ahead anew in the 2022 Philippines Football League over the weekend at the City of Imus Grandstand in Cavite.
Robert Lopez-Mendy connected two goals, while Audie Menzi, Daizo Horikoshi, Eric Giganto, Ryo Fujii and Ilonggo Jhan Melliza had a conversion each as the Ilonggos bounced back from a loss to Dynamic Herb-Cebu a week ago.
Lopez-Mendy opened the scoring for Kaya-Iloilo with his second minute conversion before Menzi and Horikoshi scored back-to-back in the 21st and 29th minute for a 3-0 first half lead.
The Iloilo City-based booters continued their aggression in the second half with Giganto knocking down a goal in the 55th minute while Lopez-Mendy secured his brace with a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Fujii upped Kaya-Iloilo’s advantage to 6-0 after eluding the Mendiola defense for a connection at the 67th minute before Melliza wrapped up the goal spree in the 84th minute.
With the lopsided victory, Kaya-Iloilo returned to the top spot with 21 points on the back of seven wins, two losses, while Mendiola remained in sixth place with three points behind one win and nine defeats.
Dynamic Herb-Cebu, meanwhile, was relegated to second place in the standings despite also having 21 points after being forced to a 3-3 draw by defending champions United City Football Club, which is at third with 20 points.
Ricardo Sendra surged United City FC to a 2-0 start with his back-to-back goals at the 3rd and 7th minute. Dynamic Herb-Cebu quickly countered with shots by Marius Kone and JB Borlongan for a 2-2 halftime count.
Dynamic Herb-Cebu surged to a 3-2 edge after Mert Altinoz scored while United City goalie Anthony Pinthus was down injured. As a sign of fair play, the Cebuanos allowed United City’s Mark Hartmann to score uncontested as the match ended in a draw.
Azkals Developmental Team and Maharlika Manila Football Club ended their match at 1-1 draw following an exchange of goals by Maharlika’s Spencer Galaza and Azkals’ Jacob Maniti./PN
