By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Kaya FC-Iloilo put on a defensive masterclass to nip the Loyola FC Victorias, 1-0, during their home turf defense in the ongoing Philippines Football League (PFL) on April 2, 2025, at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
With another victory, Kaya FC just maintained its undefeated record in the home stretch and will look to wrap up its Iloilo campaign against the Manila Digger FC on April 5, 2025.
The Ilonggo crowd instantly roared with pride after Kaya FC flaunted their defensive prowess whenever Loyola FC successfully penetrated into Iloilo’s left side near the penalty area.
Loyola FC’s speed enabled them to cruise past Kaya FC’s initial backline but the last men standing either contested the opposition’s lob pass with a deflection or a clean swipe off a tackle.
On the other hand, Kaya FC also had their dose of offensive opportunities generated by their flawless tap passing, but Loyola FC’s goalkeeper denied most of their attempts.
With nine minutes remaining before the half ended, Kaya FC finally drew first blood courtesy of a sweet header from Ernest Barfo off a cross pass from the right flank.
Barfo capped off Kaya FC’s efficient two-way performance in the first 45 minutes of action with a goal, delivering Iloilo the much-needed momentum and confidence as the second half was about to kick off.
In the next 45 minutes, Loyola FC continued to press and throw the long advanced passes, but Kaya FC already found a counter and piled up their clean swipes that set the tone for several counterattacks.
Kaya FC had multiple attempts, but Loyola was able to stand their ground and survive two clean tries from the Ilonggos.
In the final 18 minutes, the Loyola Victorias desperately went all-in by sending some fullbacks on the attack, but Kaya FC goalkeeper Freddy Cortez denied the visitors with a series of breathtaking saves.
Before grabbing the dub over Loyola FC, the Ilonggo booters first secured their debut win against the ONE Taguig FC, 2-0, last March 30, 2025.