By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo women’s team overcame a first half deficit to defeat De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 2-1, in the 2023 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Women’s League semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Saturday night, October 7.

Shelah Mae Cadag and Negrense Hazel Lustan scored a goal each for the Iloilo City-based booters as they moved on to the championship round against the Manila Diggers FC.

The Lady Archers, a three-time champion in the tournament, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with Angelica Teves slotting the ball past the defense of Kaya-Iloilo’s Inna Palacios.

After failing to score in the first half, Kaya-Iloilo became aggressive in the second half as they tied the score courtesy of a 49th-minute connection by Cadag from a pass by Camille Rodriguez.

The Marnelli Dimzon-mentored Kaya-Iloilo finally seized the advantage in the 65th minute with Cadag connecting from close range past the defense of Lady Archers’ keeper Jessica Pido.

Rodriguez, who was named as the Player of the Game, said their second half adjustment was the key in turning things around and clinching the remaining championship slot in the tournament.

“I am very proud of my team. We knew that we will be entering this game as the more experienced team, so we need to play within our strength, which is being smart, and thankfully, we were able to adjust at halftime,” Rodriguez said.

“With everyone’s hard work, we were able to achieve our goal of reaching the finals,” she said.

“This game is a reminder that when we keep pushing each other, we will help each other succeed,” she added.

Meanwhile, Manila Diggers FC took the first championship spot following a 4-3 penalty kick-off victory over the no. 1-ranked Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their semifinals game.

It was a tightly-contested game for both teams in the first 90 minutes and in the additional time before the Manila Diggers gained a slight edge on the kickoff to complete the upset win./ASC, WDJ