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Kaya Iloilo kept their clean record in Iloilo after grounding Davao Aguilas yet again. PFL
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By Jaimer Dela Cruz
MANILA -- Staying perfect in their new home, Kaya Iloilo notched another win against Davao Aguilas after a hotly contested match that ended 2-1 at the Iloilo City Sports Complex Saturday afternoon to keep their interest at the top of the PFL table.
A close contest see the men in yellow inch three points closer to leaders Ceres Negros, who can only muster a draw away to Marikina.
Ten minutes from the opening whistle, an early scramble saw the opener for the men in white as a cross came into the box for James Younghusband who almost tapped it in to the back of the net but was met by an amazing goal-line clearance by Melo Tacusalme.
In the 20th minute, the Aguilas tried to use their momentum as Tyler Matas took a shot which was deflected towards the path of Takashi Odawara who shot it wide off the post.
After 45 minutes of play, neither side were able to break the deadlock and headed to the locker rooms just how they started the match.
Into the second half of the game, Tacusalme was on hero mode again as he deflected Matthew Hartmann tried from distance on the 48th minute of the match.
Into the second half of the game, Tacusalme was on hero mode again as he deflected Matthew Hartmann tried from distance on the 48th minute of the match.
The home side then took the lead on the 51st minute of the match courtesy of a first-time shot from Kenshiro Daniels. As the ball was deflected to his path, the 23-year old striker didn't flinch and just slotted it past his former teammate Nick O'Donnell.
The visitors almost got their equalizer as they got a free kick in a dangerous position on the 60th minute. As expected, Phil Younghusband took the free kick and almost got the ball in but was met by a fine save from Ref Cuaresma.
From then on, Noel Marcaida's wards seemed to be comfortable with the ball and held most of it during the match. Jovin Bedic tried a bicycle kick inside the box but his efforts was just met easily by O'Donnell.
Melchor Anzures' men equalized on the 73rd minute as Janrick Soriano got caught napping by Hartmann, who snatched the ball from him before crossing the ball to James Younghusband, who then headed the ball past Cuaresma.
Four minutes after the blunder, Iloilo's spirit dip one bit as they pushed for the lead once more when a corner from Miguel Tanton found Jovin Bedic inside the box. The hometown boy then looped the ball past the tall keeper which sent the Iloilo faithfuls in a frenzy.
A late equalizer almost came for the men in white as James crossed the ball to his brother Phil but was met easily by the experienced Cuaresma.
In the end, Iloilo grabbed their second win against Davao after the final whistle has been blown.
In the end, Iloilo grabbed their second win against Davao after the final whistle has been blown.
Davao now finds itself nine points away from league leaders Ceres-Negros FC, whom they will face on June 6 in Panaad.
This will then be tough test for Anzures who stepped in after Marlon Maro's departure from the club earlier this week.
This will then be tough test for Anzures who stepped in after Marlon Maro's departure from the club earlier this week.
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