Although the Philippines Football League was already decided, Kaya FC–Iloilo entered their final match with an opportunity to end the 2020 season on a high. United City had sealed the title three days prior in emphatic fashion, and a win over the South East Asian force would be a fine way to cap off the campaign for Coach Yu Hoshide’s squad.
From the opening whistle, Kaya made their intent clear. Kenshiro Daniels, who started at the tip of the attack, looked particularly threatening early on. After stinging the gloves of the keeper from a free kick just six minutes in, he made sure his next chance was tucked away. Eric Giganto did brilliantly to beat his man on the right flank and to deliver a perfect ball for Daniels to dispatch.
As the half-time whistle drew close, Carlyle Mitchell thumped in Kenshiro’s corner to double the lead. Kaya had the champions on the ropes and were on the verge of a breaking a two-year winning drought against the franchise (dating back to Ceres Negros).
The second half saw a host of substitutions from United City, and with them a change in the game’s dynamic. Iloilo were forced into a more defensive shape as the champions started dictating possession. But despite the pressure, it wasn’t until the 82nd minute when Manny Ott found their breakthrough.
Ultimately, it would be too little, too late for United though, with Kaya holding on the to 2-1 victory to end the season, and the year of 2020 undefeated.
