MANILA -- The Philippine Football League (PFL) finally set foot in Iloilo City with Kaya F.C. Iloilo emerging as the victor in the league's first foray in the country's football hotbed, beating Davao Aguilas, 4-2, at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Robert Mendy's hat trick sealed the deal for Iloilo, which even lost Jordan Mintah to injury and with just 10 men the rest of the way.
Mintah drew first blood for Iloilo just 45 seconds into the game, but in the 18th minute, he hurt his knee and had to be taken out on a stretcher.
Mendy then took over, beginning by capitalizing on a huge blunder by Nick O'Donnell by slotting in a 40th minute goal from just outside the goal for a 2-0 count.
Davao actually got one in the 53rd minute as James Younghusband scored on a header off a corner kick.
But Mendy got the better of O'Donnell again, this time converting on a header from Miguel Tanton's free kick for the 59th minute goal and a 3-1 lead.
Tadashi Odawara kept Davao in the game with a 69th minute goal, but another Mendy goal from Tanton's free kick in the 73rd minute sealed the 4-2 edge for Iloilo.
Davao had one last chance to inch closer as Shirmar Felongco was sent off in the 80th minute, but Iloilo held on despite playing one less man.
With the win, Iloilo now moved to the top of the standings with 16 points after eight matches.
Davao remained in third with 14 points after nine games. (PNA)
