Marwin Angeles produced a hat-trick performance as two-time cup champions Kaya FC-Iloilo came with guns blazing after amassing 11 unanswered goals in their Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 Group A clash against Garelli United Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Angeles’ hat-trick sparked a barrage of goals from Kaya beginning in the 46th, 73rd, and 78th minutes to complete his treble.
Ricardo Sendra (8’, 45’), Abou Sy (60’, 64’), and Daizo Horikoshi (67’, 80’) also scored a brace for Colum Curtis’ side, who now have scored 18 goals in their first two cup ties.
“We tried and dominate the ball, score goals, excite the fans, and defensively try to be aggressive and give the players courage to defend on 1v1 situations,” said Curtis. “I hope they’re happy with the past two results, and we hope to make the supporters happier next week.”
Arnel Amita (9’) and Jhan Melliza (14’) were Kaya’s two other goalscorers in the win.
Group C’s Adamson University forced a 1-1 draw over PFL side Mendiola FC 1991 in the first match.
Adamson almost won it after Arjay Buenaobra fired the Soaring Falcons to a shock lead in the 85th minute. However, Junior Sam slotted the penalty three minutes later to share the spoils between the two sides.
Dynamic Herb Cebu FC open their cup proceedings when they host the unbeaten University of the Philippines at 3:00 PM at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu. It will be followed up by the second Group B clash between Maharlika Manila FC and Pilipinas Dragons FC.