By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC and Kaya FC-Iloilo played to another 1-1 draw over the weekend at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

In their previous meeting back in June, the two clubs from the Western Visayas also drew, 1-1.

The face-off remained scoreless throughout most of the match with Kaya striker Robert Lopez Mendy chipping a ball past Ceres keeper Toni Doblas in the 80th minute. However, the lead was short-lived as Ceres midfielder Kevin Ingreso scored the equalizer off a free kick.

Ceres coach Risto Vidaković was critical of the physicality of the match.

“It’s very difficult for the players because they don’t feel any protection and nothing is given,” he said. “We’re only trying to win with football – nothing else.”

However, in response, Mendy, who was named Man of the Match, said physicality is part of the game.

“If you don’t want to be hurt, stay at home,” he asserted.

The two clubs meet again on Wednesday, July 11./JSG, WDJ