Stallion-Laguna FC completed a successful turnaround in the second half last Tuesday, fashioning a hard earned 1-all draw against Kaya Iloilo for its first point of the season in the Philippines Football League at the PFF national training center in Carmona, Cavite.
Completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes, Stallion-Laguna stormed back in the second half as Argentine midfielder Ricardo Sendra fed teammate Janjan Meliza, who struck from 10 yards for the equalizer in the 80th minute.
The goal cancelled the initial strike of Kaya-Iloilo FC forward Joven Bedic, who beat Hayeson Pepito from close range just 10 minutes into the match after fine work from Kenshiro Daniels.
The game marked the return on the Stallion-Laguna bench of coach Ernie Nierras, who saw it that his charges would stay alive after dropping a 1-2 decision to Manila Maharlika FC last weekend in the event also backed by the Games and Amusements Board.
It was the first draw for Kaya-Iloilo following two straight wins to relegate them into second spot with seven points in the shortened, single-round tournament.
“Stallion-Laguna worked harder in the second half, especially on their counterattacks,” rued Japanese Kaya-Iloilo coach Yu Hoshide of the lethargic response of his squad in the second half. “It was our turn to be outplayed.”
Stallion-Laguna assistant coach Richard Leyla bared it was the pressing of his squad and the entry of fresh legs, especially Sendra, in the second period that changed the complexion of the game.
“We began play it higher in the second half plus our relievers picked up the tempo for us,” said Leyble.
Melliza felt that Nierras’ presence on the sidelines made a difference.
“Mas nabuhayan kami ng loob. Mayroon na naman nagagalit sa amin,” said the former Far Eastern U star.