United City FC and Kaya FC-Iloilo opened the proceedings in the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways 2020 season with similar 1-0 wins last Wednesday, 28 October 2020 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Midfielder Mike Ott took a pass from elder sibling Manny Ott to volley in the opening goal in the 25th minute from the top of penalty spot as United City’s defeated Azkals Development Team, 1-0, in the first match.
“After more than seven months without competition, we just need to get our rhythm back and create more scoring chances,” said United City head coach Frank Muescan.
“We just play well and look forward for the next game,” said midfielder Mike Ott, who was named Man of the Match.
“We gave United a little bit space and too much respect in the first half,” said ADT coach Scott Cooper. “But we put a little bit more pressure in the second half and the score could have been easily 1-1.”
Kaya FC-Iloilo meanwhile registered the marginal goal to beat newcomers Maharlika Manila FC, 1-0, in the second match.
Jayson Panhay lifted Kaya with a 29th minute opener to hand the Iloilo side their first three points of the competition.
“We have to improve in the attacking third in our succeeding matches,” noted Kaya-Iloilo FC coach Yu Hoshide.
“This outcome is something we can definitely build on. But we have to respect Kaya, especially what they have achieved in the past,” said Maharlika Manila FC coach Roxy Dorlas