Kaya-Iloilo dominates Dynamic Herb Cebu for Copa Paulino Alcantara top semis seed

Originally published by CNN Philippines

Reigning Copa Paulino Alcantara titlists Kaya FC-Iloilo asserted their reign in the league after dominating Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, 3-0, to earn the top semifinals seed on Thursday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

With the victory, Kaya finished as the top team in the league table with five wins and one draw for a total of 16 points. Cebu settled for the second spot with four wins, one draw, and one loss for a total of 13 points.

The Iloilo-based squad notched the win despite missing key players Jovin Bedic, Oskari Kekkonen, and Sandro Reyes, who are all part of the Philippine Azkals Under-23 team competing in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

Daizo Horikoshi strengthened his bid to win the Golden Boot award this year after scoring two of Kaya’s three strikes as he led all goal scorers in the tournament with five goals.

The Japanese midfielder doubled Kaya’s lead in the 34th minute with a penalty strike, after he was fouled by Cebu’s Turkish defender Nazim Ocan inside the box.

In the second half, Horikoshi nailed the third goal in the 59th minute after he was left open near the box and received a cross from Jesse Curran.

Kaya’s Ghanian midfielder Patrick Arthur scored the maiden goal of the match in the 14th minute with his fantastic free kick that sent the ball to the crossbar before touching the net.

Kaya and Cebu need to wait for the result of the next match between Stallion Laguna FC and United City FC which would determine their semifinal opponents.