MANILA – Kaya-Iloilo got the last laugh over United City in the latter's formal coronation as the Philippines Football League (PFL) champion with a 2-1 win on Monday night at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona.
With United City opting to give some of its key players including starting keeper Anthony Pinthus the night off, Kenshiro Daniels found an opening up front and converted an Eric Giganto cross to beat secondary netminder Jun Badelic in the 15th minute for Kaya Iloilo's first goal.
Carlyle Mitchell then soared for a 38th minute header off a corner for Kaya Iloilo's 2-0 lead.
Manny Ott tried to make it a match for United City after scoring in the 83rd minute, but Mike Casas pulled off huge saves down the stretch to preserve Kaya Iloilo's win.
With the win, Kaya Iloilo, which will play in next year's AFC Champions League qualifiers, locked in the second spot with 11 points.
While United City was formally crowned the PFL champ, the club suffered its first loss since it dropped a 3-0 decision against Davao Aguilas on Aug. 8, 2018, when it was still known as Ceres Negros.
On the other hand, Mendiola barged into the win column with a 2-0 decision over Maharlika Manila.
Jon Nebreja scored the opener in the 25th minute after rebounding on Aaron Altiche's initial attempt that hit the crossbar.
Despite getting the better attacking rate, Mendiola could not put Maharlika Manila away immediately after Nebreja's goal.
Ash Flores finally sealed the win for Mendiola with a 90th-minute goal.
The win put Mendiola in fourth place with four points, dropping Maharlika Manila momentarily to fifth place with three points to finish the season.
However, Stallion Laguna has a chance to steal fourth place away from Mendiola on goal difference if they beat them on Thursday night by four goals or more.
The Azkals Development Team will actually finish the season in third place, but because of its guest team status, the standby team status for the AFC Cup will be given to the fourth placer.
The fourth-placed team will make the AFC Cup if Kaya Iloilo survives the Champions League qualifying and makes the group stages. (PNA)
