By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Kaya Iloilo began its title defense in the PFL on a high note after spoiling United City's return to the league with a 2-0 win on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Despite the result somehow anticipated by many due to the circumstances both clubs were in, United City managed to give Kaya Iloilo a tough time in their first match back since begging off from the second half of the previous season due to financial concerns.
Eric Esso put Kaya Iloilo up just four minutes into the match after converting the Robert Lopez Mendy feed.
However, United City put up a gallant fight the rest of the way to at least contain Kaya Iloilo.
Matt Silva even thought he kept Jhan-Jhan Melliza's goal from entering his goalmouth in the 81st minute, but the referee ruled that the ball already entered the line before Silva secured the save, giving Melliza the point and his club the 2-0 lead.
Kaya Iloilo joins Mendiola, Stallion Laguna, Dynamic Herb Cebu, Maharlika Taguig, and Manila Digger as opening night winners, but the goal difference put Kaya Iloilo in fourth place at the moment.
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