JAPANESE striker Takumi Uesato put together the first ever hattrick in the 2017 Philippines Football League to propel JPV Marikina to its second victory, while Kaya FC Makati picked up a crucial away victory at the expense of Ilocos United, 4-2, last Wednesday.
With skipper Takashi Odawara accounting for the other goal, Marikina overwhelmed Stallion-Laguna, 4-0, to jack up its tally to six points from four matches for fourth spot in the table.
Uesato opened the scoring nine minutes before halftime and added another goal just five minutes after the restart at Binan Football Stadium. After Odawara struck in the 51st minute, Uesato, playing in his second season with Marikina, completed his hat trick in the 76th minute.
It was Stallion’s second loss in three matches with its lone point coming in the draw against Global Cebu last May 21.
Over at Quirino Stadium in Vigan, Kaya notched its second win of the season after a stellar performance from Jordan Mintah boosted the Makati side to an impressive win against the home side.
The Ghanaian striker was also involved in four goals for the Makati club, which has seven points on two wins, a draw and a loss.
Mintah earned the penalty that Adam Reed promptly converted to open the scoring in the 23rd minute, before setting up strike partner Robert Lopez for the second goal minutes later.
After Fil-Nigerian striker Chima Uzoka pulled one back for Ilocos, Mintah was at it again, assisting on Joven Bedic’s goal. Mintah got on the scoresheet late on with another penalty, before Uzoka scored from the spot in stoppage time to peg the final score.
Ilocos absorbed its second loss in three matches.
“It was a time, but you have to expect that the home team will fight until the last whistle,” said Makati coach Noel Marcaida. “But for us, we took advantage of the two goals in the first half.”
Matches Tomorrow
(Panaad Stadium)
4 p.m. Ceres-Negros vs Global Cebu
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
7 p.m. Meralco Manila vs Davao Aguilas