In the ongoing 2022 Philippines Football League (PFL), United City FC, formerly known as Ceres Negros-FC, achieved a notable 2-0 victory over Kaya FC-Iloilo, resulting in their first loss of the season. This outcome not only marked the downfall of the top team in the league but also brought an end to Kaya FC’s impressive five-game winning streak, which had been their best start in franchise history.
Anticipation surrounded the match as it was expected to be a highly physical clash between the two well-known football franchises. The first half concluded with a scoreless draw, as both clubs had opportunities to score but faced strong defensive strategies that prevented any goals from being scored, despite several clear chances in the last 15 minutes of the half.
Twelve minutes into the second half, former Far Eastern University-Diliman standout Pocholo Bugas secured the first goal of the match for United City. Bugas found the back of the net after receiving a precise through-ball assist from Amirbek Juraboev, breaking the deadlock and granting United City the lead.
United City further solidified their lead in the 86th minute after a sequence of unfortunate events for the Iloilo-based football team. Kaya FC’s goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad lost control of the ball after saving Mark Hartmann’s free kick. Seizing the opportunity, United City’s Pika Minegishi capitalized on the loose ball inside the penalty box, extending his team’s lead to 2-0.
In a last-minute attempt, Kaya FC tried to stage a comeback, but they were unable to score any goals, resulting in a final score of 2-0 in favor of United City. The win propelled United City to 13 points, with four wins and one draw, while Kaya FC maintained its position as the league’s number one team with 15 total points, five wins, and one loss.
The victory for United City significantly impacted the standings in the ongoing PFL, shaking up the hierarchy and showcasing the competitiveness of the league. As the season progresses, football enthusiasts can expect more thrilling matches and intense competition among the teams vying for the top spot in the 2022 Philippines Football League.
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