Kaya stuns Ceres for Cup

A RESILIENT Kaya side pulled off a stunning reversal by toppling league champion Ceres La Salle on penalties to wrest the United Football League Cup Friday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Goalkeeper Nick O’Donnel sparkled with two big saves while Louis Clark showed nerves of steel in converting the penalty that wrapped up a dramatic 4-2 shootout win after regulation and extra time ended at 2-2.

The victory capped a roller coaster season for Kaya which also earned a playoff spot to the AFC Cup group stage for its victory while denying Ceres’ bid for a UFL title double this season.

“I told the players before the semifinals that it was our destiny to win the tournament,” said Chris Greatwich, who served as playing coach during the Cup run. “The players absolutely played at a level that was hard to believe and I am immensely proud for everyone in our team.”

Well drilled and organized, Kaya seemed to have thrown off a potent Ceres attack in the first half while relying on Tishan Hanley’s stoppage time strike to take the lead at the break.

Diego Barrera doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a volley from inside the box and Kaya seemed headed to a comfortable win.

But Ceres pulled a goal back with Lee Jeong Woo firing a curling shot after fine work from Orman Okunaiya. Lee was also involved in the incident that led to Greatwich’s second booking minutes later that left Kaya with 10 men with 15 minutes remaining.

Juani Guirado equalized for Ceres with a header from a free kick. But as Ceres poured men forward in search for a winner, Kaya proved equal to every attack to extend the game into a shootout.