Kaya downs Loyola, books semis date with giant-killer Ceres

MANILA, Philippines – Kaya finally snapped a string of losses to rival Loyola Meralco Sparks after eking out a 1-nil victory Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium to book a slot in the semifinals of the Philippine Football Fedration-Smart National Club Championship.

Kaya leaned on the goal of OJ Porteria in the 58^th minute to score its first win over Loyola after a long dry spell that started in the semifinals of the UFL Cup last season in a match where the Sparks came back from a three-goal deficit to win via 5-4 scoreline.

The Sparks opened the match on the attack mode peppering Kaya with plenty of attempts but did not find the back of the net.

Kaya, which lost Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy and Adrian Semblat after the UFL season, went to work in the second half and finally rewarded with Porteria’s goal that was enough to tow them to the semis opposite giant-killer Ceres.

Loyola had one golden chance to equalize in the second half but new recruit Freddy Gonzales’ diving header was foiled by Kaya keeper Saba Garmaroudi.

The PFF-Smart National Club Championship quarterfinals resume tomorrow with the Green Archers United-Globe taking on Pachanga-Diliman and Gen. Trias International playing Pasargad in the other pairing. Both matches will be played at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium starting at 4pm.