By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kaya FC-Iloilo proved experience will still prevail as they closed the show against the younger Azkals Development Team (ADT), 2-0, in their opening match of the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara.
The champions started their title defense with solid goals contributed by Daizo Horikoshi and mainstay Simone Rota, all in the final 45 minutes of the highly-anticipated clash.
ADT started the game with good defensive sets and high energy, thwarting Iloilo’s attempts of an early conversion.
The talented pool of youngsters looked to go toe-to-toe against the veteran squad from Iloilo but in the second half, a total change in pace and ball possession saw Kaya take over the game.
First blood was drawn by Horikoshi as he cashed in a short stab off a pretty assist cross from the left side of the pitch.
The lead would eventually double 16 minutes later when the veteran Rota cruised past the ADT back-line defense and found the goal opening.
With the win, Iloilo immediately put themselves in the no. 1 spot of Group B with three points while the ADT team is looking to bounce back and deliver a win to avoid early elimination.
