Stallion survives Rozen-less Kaya, 2-1

MANILA, Philippines –Stallion Sta. Lucia survived a big scare from a Maor Rozen-less Kaya, who played loosely, to book a close 2-1 victory Tuesday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Kaya’s unpredictability in its first match after the resignation of its former head coach Maor Rozen gave Stallion some trouble leading to a scoreless first half.  But the reigning UFL Cup champion regrouped in the second half scoring two goals inside the first 25 minutes of the second half.

Stallion skipper Reuben “Balut” Doctora broke out from his scoring slump and made his first goal of the season two minutes past the halftime break.

Doctora took advantage of a loose ball at the goal’s mouth after a poor clearance by Kaya’s defense off a corner kick.  Stallion put more pressure on Kaya when defender Bervic Italia broke loose with a high-looping goal on a counter-attack in the 70^th minute.

“Kaya played well today,” Stallion coach Ernie Nierras said. “Sabi ko sa mga players ko, the hardest to play against is a team who feels they have nothing to lose. That’s why I told them before the game, once we were leading, do not release the pressure.”

Nierras’ fears came to life late in the second half when Kaya made a last push.

Substitute Janrick Soriano sliced the deficit on a counter in the 88^th minute then another late Kaya sub Kenshiro Daniels almost scored the equalizer several moments later but his header sailed wide.

The win kept Stallion’s record unblemished after four matches for the solo second spot behind Global on goal difference while Kaya fell to 1-1-2 win-draw-loss card.