Kaya FC-Iloilo and Stallion Laguna FC made emphatic statements on opening weekend of the 2025 PFF Women’s League, asserting title ambitions with commanding wins at the Mall of Asia football pitch last March 22.
Kaya cruised to a 7-0 rout over the University of Santo Tomas behind a hat-trick from Mexican striker Julissa Cisneros, who opened scoring in the eighth minute.
“Given that they’re a university team, I expected a lot of athleticism, which is what we got,” Cisneros said.
National team captain Hali Long quickly doubled the lead two minutes later, and Kaya never looked back.
Cisneros added goals in the 47th and 68th minutes, rounding out a three-goal performance.
“They didn’t let down even for a second,” she said of UST. “Even though the score doesn’t necessarily reflect that, I think that they tried the whole 90 minutes plus.”
Kaya’s onslaught continued with Julia Humphreys scoring in the 40th and 79th minutes, Janly Fontanillas in the 43rd, and former Women’s Cup MVP Dionesa Tolentin in the 64th.
On the same day, Stallion Laguna FC blanked the University of the Philippines, 2-0, to keep pace at the top of the six-team table.
Siera Cadstles broke through in the eighth minute, while Kala McDaniel added another before halftime.
Stallion’s backline, led by right fullback Rhea Chan, held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
“I think we came out strong,” Chan said. “They gave us a bit of a hard time, especially on the defensive end. They did a great job taking the game to us and making it difficult overall.”
PFF Women’s League 2025 tournament commissioner Miguel Gutierrez emphasized the league’s push for sustainability and player development.
“Our priority now is ensuring we have consistent and sustainable teams,” he said.
“We want all the players—both from UAAP and after-school programs—to be exposed in a very well-competitive environment,” Gutierrez added.
PFF president John Gutierrez stressed the importance of match experience over traditional training.
“Even strength and conditioning cannot depend on just going to the gym,” he said. “It’s actually the number of games that will make our players known… and ready for national duties.”
Kaya captain Hali Long, a mainstay of the national squad, said the league’s return offers more than just a title defense.
“They push me to become a better player, a better defender,” Long said of her teammates. “I love playing football here. I’m still growing as a player and as a person.”
Stallion players and U.S.-born sisters Olivia and Chandler McDaniel also shared their excitement over the level of play and the league’s potential.
“I’ve played in Austria, Costa Rica, and honestly this is the most fun I’ve ever had with soccer again,” said Chandler McDaniel.
“I’m excited to see the college teams… it’s pretty competitive. We want to help grow the league and help the girls if they want to be better,” she added.
Olivia McDaniel said the environment is both developmental and enjoyable.
“Just being here in the Philippines and getting to play with girls we know, girls new to the league, and girls trying to get on the national team—it’s such a good environment,” she said.
“It’s still competitive but it’s fun,” she added.
The league resumes Saturday with Kaya facing league newcomer Capital1 Solar Strikers at 7 p.m. at the same venue.
