By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo maintained its hold on the top spot of the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League (PFL) after a 6-1 rout of Mendiola 1991 Football Club at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Sunday, April 30.

Eric Giganto finished with a brace, while Milad Beghandom, Mar Diano, Ilonggo Jhan Jesus Melliza, and Jarvey Gayoso scored a goal each as Kaya-Iloilo moved closer to sealing their first-ever league title.

After misses in their early possessions, Kaya-Iloilo opened the scoring in the 27th minute via a point-blank finish by Beghandom behind the 1-2 combination of Fitch Arboleda and Dylan Nobiraki.

The Iloilo City-based booters still had plenty of chances to widen the lead in the opening half, but Mendiola tightened its defense as the match headed into the halftime break with a 1-0 scoreline.

Kaya-Iloilo turned aggressive in the second half as Diano tucked the ball into the back of the net following a pass by Daizo Horikoshi from the corner for a 2-0 lead in the 68th minute.

The goal spree continued for the Iloilo City-based booters as Melliza connected on a pass by Nano Amita before it was followed by the first goal from Giganto in the 79th for a 4-0 advantage.

Mendiola managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute courtesy of Sam Junior, but Kaya-Iloilo responded with back-to-back connections from Gayoso and Giganto to complete the lopsided win.

With the victory, Kaya-Iloilo completed a four-game sweep of Mendiola 1991 this season after scoring a similar 6-1 victory last August 20, a 7-0 rout last October 16, and a 4-0 beating last February 23.

This also allowed Kaya-Iloilo to stay on top of the standings with 49 points, on 16 victories, one draw and three defeats, while Mendiola 1991 is in sixth spot with six points on two wins and 16 losses.

Kaya-Iloilo needs to sweep its two remaining fourth round matches against Maharlika Manila Football Club on May 20 and Stallion-Laguna FC on May 27 to capture the PFL title./ASC, WDJ