Kaya FC-Iloilo grabbed its second straight PFF Women’s League crown on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Football Pitch.
Lyka Cuenco struck in the second minute of added time to lift Kaya to a 2-1 triumph over Makati FC on a rainy weekend encounter, allowing the Ilonggas to regain the crown they won last year.
“I’m proud of the girls. In the last three games, we had our goals in the last minute. This is all about character for the team. They wanted to get the title, they wanted to play in the Champions League,” said assistant coach David Basa on behalf of Yu Hoshide, who is getting a license to coach the squad in international competitions.
Kaya FC finished with the same 7-2-1 win-draw loss record, with Stallion Laguna FC. But they had a better tiebreak record.
Not only did they win the crown, Kaya FC will once again represent the Philippines in the qualification phase of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League.
Shelah Mae Cadag scored first for Kaya in the sixth minute, before Makati FC’s Rhiauna de la Calzada volleyed a goal outside of the penalty box in the 81st minute to tie the game.
Cuenco, a former student athlete at Far Eastern University, got an opportunity to score after flicking in a deflection from goalkeeper Ayishatu Simpson.
Julissa Cisneros was given the Golden Boot award for scoring 13 goals for Kaya this season, while Filipinas’ defender Hali Long was feted as the Most Valuable Player.
