MANILA, Philippines - Kaya FC clamped down on defense while Eddie Mallari delivered the lone goal as it got back at first round tormentor Global FC, 1-0, to remain in the title hunt in the First Division of the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium Wednesday.
Mallari struck early with a 10th minute goal off a Kanshiro Daniels’ cross that proved enough as the LBC-bankrolled Kaya booters shut down Dan Palami’s charges on the other end with their solid all-around defense.
The win hiked Kaya’s output to 19 points, just three points behind Global, which edged the former, 2-1, in the first round.
Loyola Meralco Sparks remained on top with 26 points on a league-high 18 wins and two draws.
“It was very important that we got three points because you can have games in hand, but you have to make up those games in hand with three points each time we play,†said Kaya’s Australian coach David Perkovic.
Global’s Scottish mentor Leigh Manson, meanwhile, took the blame for the team’s setback.
“It’s mostly down to myself. I chose to break a winning habit, put five in the midfield. As soon as we put Milad on the park Kaya were reeling. There’s a little lesson there. I should perhaps let the winning formation just keep going, no matter who we’re playing. In the first half I think we gave Kaya too much respect,†said Manson.