KAYA Iloilo tightened its hold on the second spot of the 2018 Philippines Football League after a 4-2 victory over JPV Marikina on Wednesday at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City.
Robert Lopez Mendy scored a hat trick to lead the way for Kaya, which now has 29 points on nine wins, two draws and three losses.
Kaya gained the early advantage after an own goal violation by JPV in the second minute. The lead doubled in the sixth minute on a long shot by Lopez Mendy.
The Ilonggo raised the lead further to three in the 18th minute with a shot from the edge of the box on an assist by Jovin Bedic. JPV nearly pulled one back before the break but their shot hit the crossbar.
JPV finally scored one early in the second half with J Baguioro heading a missed shot by his teammates. Kaya had multiple chances to raise the lead but Lopez Mendy and Antonio Ugarte misfired.
Kaya increased the lead 4-1 in the 72nd minute as Lopez Mendy tapped back a missed attempt by Chy Villasenor. JPV had the last say in the match on a goal by Keigo Moriyasu.
āIt is nice that we were able to defend our home turf. We have that unbeaten record here in the Iloilo Sports Complex and we were also able to get the 3 points,ā said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.
The defeat snapped JPVās two-game run, which included a 2-0 upset over defending champion Ceres Negros. The team remained on fifth place with 13 points on four wins, one draw and 11 losses./PN
