Rizal Memorial Stadium — Kaya FC-Iloilo battled their way to a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Aguilas-UMak FC, courtesy of a sublime header from Mike Ott. After going winless against the prior iteration of this side in both meetings last season, the men in black and yellow finally got this particular eagle off their back—starting the 2025/26 PFL season with back-to-back wins.
The first half was a physical, defensive affair, though Kaya carved out the better chances. Early on, Audie Menzi tested the opposing keeper with a looping effort from the edge of the box. Soon after, a long ball from Kaishu Yamazaki found Shuto Komaki up the left wing, whose cutback found Eric Esso in the penalty area—only for the midfielder’s first touch to let him down. Komaki later picked out Kenshiro Daniels with another cutback, and the returning forward fired a strong strike that was headed clear by a defender. Despite Kaya’s pressure on goal, the real battle was fought in midfield where both sides wrestled for control. Attacks were cut off prematurely on either end, leaving both goalkeepers with little to do as the half ended scoreless.
The breakthrough arrived in the 51st minute, born from a successful press following an Aguilas throw-in. The ball was switched to fullback Mar Diano, who advanced up the right flank and whipped in a wicked first-time cross. Mike Ott attacked the space between defenders, rose unmarked near the penalty spot, and sent a perfect looping header beyond the outstretched keeper to break the deadlock. (1-0)
Kaya sought a second goal in the latter stages of the match. Daniels nearly delivered with another pair of efforts that flew just off target, while Paolo Bugas came tantalizingly close when he fired a low strike that flashed across the goal mouth. Deep into stoppage time, Martini Rey nearly sealed the result on a quick counter, but sent his shot over the bar. The Aguilas had their moments as well, winning two late free kicks in dangerous areas, but were successfully rebuffed both times.
Kaya open their title defense two for two so far in the league, and now turn their focus to continental action. On Thursday, September 18th, they kick off their AFC Champions League Two campaign against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
Starting Lineup: 4-3-3
LF: Komaki ST: Daniels RF: Melliza©
CM: Ott CDM: Zambrano CM: Esso
LB: Menzi CB: Yamazaki CB: Casambre RB: Diano
GK: Cortez
Subs: Bata, Bedic, Angeles, Arboleda, Rota, Basindanan, Bugas, Rey
Coach Yu Hoshide made just three substitutions this evening:
- Paolo Bugas checked in for Shuto Komaki in the 62nd minute.
- Jovin Bedic came on for Eric Esso in the 75th.
- Lastly, Martini Rey subbed in for Jhan Melliza in the 93rd.
