Newly crowned Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways champions Kaya FC-Iloilo celebrated their title triumph in style following a convincing 3-1 win over Stallion Laguna FC last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Goals from Tamon Horikoshi, Jhan Melliza, and Jarvey Gayoso ensured Kaya’s highest finish in the league with 55 points on 18 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses.
“I’m so happy with the championship,” said Hoshide. “I really appreciated the support from everyone, the fans, supporters we hope they enjoyed this title celebrations like we did.”
Horikoshi broke the deadlock in the 35th minute of the match. The play between brother Daizo Horikoshi, Melliza, and Fitch Arboleda in the left flank with the Arboleda bursting towards the space before placing the cross to the path of Tamon for the opener.
However, Stallion bounced back in the opening 13 minutes of the second half to draw level. Juan Galeana Trujillo’s corner found the towering Abraham Placito in the box to slot it in past Zach Banzon.
Kaya would soon retake the lead in the 65th minute from Melliza’s finish. Nobiraki placed a pass for Jovin Bedic, who sent Melliza free past the defense before slotting it past Patrick Deyto.
Gayoso rounded things up with the final goal for Kaya in the 85th minute. The forward linked up with Milad Behgandom, who sent the weighted ball back to Gayoso for the finish.
With 15 goals to his name and another Man of the Match performance against Stallion, Daizo Horikoshi was named the league’s top scorer and Golden Ball awardee while Banzon was adjudged as the Golden Glove awardee as the league’s best goalkeeper.
“I’m really happy because we really wanted the championship and create history,” said Horikoshi. “This championship win is for my teammates.”