MANILA, Philippines—Southeast Asian Games standout Joshua Beloya struck his first United Football League goal to help Kaya squeak past Navy Red Juice, 2-1, Sunday night at the University of Makati field.
The 20-year-old Beloya, the national Under-23 side’s top scorer in the SEA Games with three goals, found the back of the net on a brilliant individual finish just before halftime as Kaya fought back from a goal down to stay unbeaten three games into the season.
Ivorian striker Eric Dagroh drilled in the game-winner in the 72nd minute, after Navy’s substitute keeper Jimmy Dimzon failed to clear a back pass.
Still, the LBC-backed Kaya side remained in second behind Stallion Giligans on goal difference.
“We struggled but we will take this win,” said Kaya midfielder Lexton Moy, who is also part of the national team.
Navy was on the backfoot for the majority of the first 20 minutes, but the Sailors took the lead through new recruit Vaughn Melendres.
Marlon Pinero set off a quick counter-attack and found Melendres in space, before the former San Beda striker slotted it past Saba Garamoroudi in the 21st minute.
The Bacolod-based Beloya impressed with his ball control, accuracy and well-timed runs.
And it was on full display in the 29th minute when he controlled a pass from Nate Burkey and finished with flair against Tomas Talipan on the Navy goal.
Navy remained rooted at the bottom together with defending champion Air Force, Pasargad and Green Archers United with just a point from three matches.