MANILA – Defending champion Kaya-Iloilo FC unleashed a ruthless attacking display to tighten its grip on the top spot in the Philippines Football League (PFL), demolishing Tuloy FC, 9–1, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and sending a strong warning to the rest of the league as the race for the top six intensifies.
Lucas Del Rosario ignited the onslaught in the 17th minute before Pathy Malumandsoko doubled the advantage just before halftime, giving Kaya-Iloilo full control heading into the break.
The floodgates fully opened in the second half as Mike Ott struck twice in the 58th and 68th minutes, while Martini Rey delivered a brace of his own in the 65th and 90th minutes. Julius Myrbakk, Shuto Komaki, and team captain Jhan Melliza each found the back of the net to complete the nine-goal spectacle.
Tuloy managed to avoid a shutout when substitute Denmark Uracoy scored in the 50th minute, beating Kaya goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, but the lone goal did little to slow the Iloilo side’s relentless charge.
The emphatic victory further solidified Kaya-Iloilo’s hold on first place, underscoring its championship pedigree and offensive depth as the league enters a crucial stretch.
In another match, One Taguig FC kept the pressure on the leaders with a convincing 3–0 win over Don Bosco Garelli United.
Team captain Daisuke Sato opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Frank Akoto followed with a goal in the 33rd minute, and Patrick Reichelt capped the first-half surge in the 43rd minute as One Taguig climbed to 30 points, remaining within striking distance of Kaya-Iloilo with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Stallion Laguna FC salvaged a dramatic 1–1 draw against Maharlika Manila FC.
Charlie Beaton put Maharlika ahead in the 38th minute, but Kevin Moukouta struck in the 88th minute to rescue a point for Stallion and deny Maharlika a crucial victory.
Dynamic Herb Cebu FC also delivered a statement performance, blanking Valenzuela PB Mendiola FC, 5–0, at the Dynamic Herb Borromeo Sports Complex.
Kaito Asano powered Cebu with a brace in the 45th and 59th minutes, Kazuha Sudo added another in the 62nd minute, Joshua Broce extended the lead in the 77th minute, and Victor Cabral sealed the rout with a stoppage-time strike in the 90+4th minute./PN
