Kaya boosts UFL bid by tripping Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — Spanish striker Pablo Rodriguez bagged a brace as Kaya inflicted more misery on struggling Loyola Meralco while boosting its title hopes with a thrilling 3-1 victory Tuesday night at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Showing strength and composure in and around the penalty box, Rodriguez scored in each half, sandwiching a penalty by OJ Porteria as Kaya increased its tally to 33 points, leapfrogging past its victims at second spot at the end of the second round.

Earlier, Green Archers saw their four-game winning streak come to an end after they were held to a scoreless draw by Pachanga. Archers remained in fourth spot with 20 points.

Lee Joo-young grabbed a late consolation goal for Loyola, but the Sparks’ struggles were on display for most of the game as they found difficulty breaking down a resolute Kaya side.

In contrast, Kaya showed its title credentials with a battling performance highlighted by another superb effort from the lanky Rodriguez who caused all sorts of problems to the Sparks backline.

The win was Kaya’s fourth in a row since Rodriguez arrived in the transfer window.

Rodriguez rose highest to direct a header past Baba Sampana early in the first half, before Chris Greatwich forced a handball on Samuel Bonney, allowing Porteria to take a crack from the spot.