Cebu FC loses to Kaya FC in PFL opening match

CEBU FC suffered a 3-0 loss to perennial contender Kaya FC-Iloilo in its 2022 Philippines Football League (PFL) opener at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Aug. 14.Jarvey Gayoso hit the opening goal in the 54th minute after beating Cebu FC goalkeeper Ace Villanueva coming off a beautiful pass by Daizo Horikoshi. It was Horikoshi’s turn to score as he doubled the lead with a goal in the 85th minute from a low cross pass by substitute Eric Giganto. Horikoshi finished off Cebu FC with a header in the waning minutes of the match.On the other hand, Stallion Laguna FC squeezed past Maharlika Manila FC, 2-1, in the other match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.Maharlika FC drew first blood with the quick opening goal by Spence Galasa. However, Stallion FC scored back-to-back goals by Brazilian defender Gabriel Silva in the 10th minute and Iranian midfielder Hamed Hajimahdi in the 38th minute for the win.Meanwhile, defending champion United City FC (UCFC) won its second straight match after a 5-0 beating of Mendiola FC 1991 at the City of Imus Grand Stand and Track Oval in Imus, Cavite.Kenshiro Daniels scored a brace, hitting the back of the net in the fifth and 69thminutes. Argentinian midfielder Riki Sendra (45th), Simen Lyngbo (67th) and Cebuano striker Ivan Ouano (90th) added a goal each.UCFC remains at the top of the league with six points and is just ahead of second place Kaya FC and third place Stallion FC.