Following a heartbreaking loss last week, Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo made a diminishing return as they blanked Mendiola 1991 Football Club 7-0 in the 2022 Philippines Football League at the City of Imus Grandstand in Cavite.
Connecting two goals in the tournament, Robert Lopez-Mendy steered the Iloilo-based team while Audie Menzi, Daizo Horikoshi, Eric Giganto, Ryo Fujii and Ilonggo Jhan Melliza chipped in one point each.
To recall, the team suffered a defeat from Dynamic Herb-Cebu a week ago. But during their recent clash, Lopez-Mendy opened the scoring for Kaya-Iloilo with his second minute conversion before Menzi and Horikoshi scored back-to-back in the 21st and 29th minute for a 3-0 first half lead.
The team maintained their momentum in the second half with Giganto knocking down a goal in the 55th minute while Lopez-Mendy secured his brace with a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Fujii extended the gap for Kaya-Iloilo after a 6-0 blitz, eluding the Mendiola defense for a connection at the 67th minute before Melliza wrapped up the goal spree in the 84th minute.
After a blowout victory, Kaya-Iloilo returned to the top spot with 21 points on the back of seven wins, two losses, while Mendiola remained in sixth place with three points behind one win and nine defeats.
Meanwhile, Dynamic Herb-Cebu dropped to second place in the standings despite also having 21 points after being forced to a 3-3 draw by defending champions United City Football Club, which is at third with 20 points.
Ricardo Sendra starred United City FC to a 2-0 start with his back-to-back goals at the 3rd and 7th minute. Dynamic Herb-Cebu answered quickly with shots by Marius Kone and JB Borlongan for a 2-2 halftime count.
The Cebuanos handed a 3-2 edge after Mert Altinoz’s impressive goal taking advantage of United City goalie Anthony Pinthus injured scenario. As a sign of fair play, the Cebuanos allowed United City’s Mark Hartmann to score uncontested as the match ended in a draw.IMT Sports
