By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kaya FC-Iloilo wasn’t able to capitalize on their attacks and ended another match in a draw, 0-0, against a resilient Mendiola FC 1991.
The scoreless draw was not only a letdown for Kaya, but also negatively affected their chances of taking the title.
Suffering two-straight draws in the 2020 season dropped Kaya FC into second place with United City FC taking over the top spot and are in position to capture the championship with a victory over Stallion Laguna FC.
The same offensive scheme was deployed for the booters of Iloilo as they came in hoping to score tons of goals with their aggressiveness going into the opposite side’s goal.
However, Mendiola goalkeeper Kenry Balobo delivered the performance of a lifetime after deflecting and saving several Kaya attempts that could have put them in a dominating position in the score tally.
Ilonggo captain Jovin Bedic looked to be a man on a mission after firing a couple of clean attempts but the terrific saves by Balobo spoiled his efforts.
“We managed to control their transition attack. We went back to five at the back so that we can manage those switch plays and then just be ready for the transition,” said Mendiola head coach Dan Padernal.
The Iloilo-based squad will still have one remaining game and it will be one to watch as they are set to face their rivals, the United City FC (formerly Ceres-Negros).
