April 27, 2024
Newcomer One Taguig FC held defending champion Kaya FC Iloilo to a goalless draw last Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Even with Kaya firing more shots on target and owning most of the possession, Taguig held its ground to gain a share of the points against a Kaya side that came into the match with three straight wins.
Kaya tested Quincy Kammeraad several times at the Taguig goal, but the Filipino international was up to the task, keeping a clean sheet for the third straight match.
Meanwhile, Taguig posed a threat on the counter attack with Patrick Grogg and Tsukasa Shimomura looking dangerous on the flanks.
Still, it was Kaya that had most of the opportunities that included a couple of penalty shouts in the second half.
Referee Krismark Nañola initially pointed to the spot when Kaizu Yamazaki went down in the area on the challenge by Matthew Custodio but the decision was rescinded for a goal kick.
Late in regulation, Kammeraad looked to have taken down substitute Robert Lopez Mendy as he was trying to get on the end of a through ball, but Nañola once again deemed there was not enough contact for a penalty.
Veteran Stephan Schrock, returning from a two game absence due to injury, also had a fine game at midfield for Taguig, pulling the strings alongside Kevin Ingreso.
One Taguig FC Starts: Kammeraad, Custodio, Gallantes, Dutosme, Ali, Ingreso, Shröck, Hirashi, Grogg, Usman, Shimomura
Kaya-Iloilo FC Starters: Birrou Essafi, Saito, Diano, Arboleda, Menzi, Komaki, Park, Esso, Yamazaki, Melliza, Gayoso