The sudden cancellation of the Kaya FC versus Stallions UFL game, due to lighting and unplayable field conditions, caused much controversy about the league’s existing rules and regulations. The contentious decision to replay the match from the start, cause quite an uproar among the teams and supporters of the league, considering Kaya FC’s 1-0 lead in the second half of the match. Despite the leagues decision, it was clear that proceeding matches would be effected and the future outcome of similar situations would need a sound pronouncement to set precedent.
As one of Kaya’s highly anticipated matches of the UFL second round, the Stallion replay was a game felt by many as a game who’s defining lead was hard fought only to be taken away and the score made illegitimate. Although harsh realities were upon the team, Kaya confidently took on the challenging task of justifying the previous score line. Unfortunately, the game enduring ended in a 1-1 draw.
The result could not be left untold, without mentioning the heart stopping last minute penalty kick awarded to an exhilarated Stallions team. What would have been the favorable deciding last play of the game, quickly turned into a bullet dodged by a Kaya team with their heals on the goal line. With Kaya’s keeper Saba Sadehi’s magnificent kick save, and as Stallion‘s striker miss hits the rebound clear wide, Kaya held on to more than just the tied score, they held on to their luck. At a instant what seemed to Kaya as a disappointing draw having missed their change to regain a victory quickly turned into a thankful moment that proved to be a lucky conclusion. Although the one point draw seemed short of a glorious second time win, for Kaya it remained a fortunate result considering fate could have been less sympathetic.
Some might call it luck and some might call it fate, but either way the long awaited outcome stands: Head to head at a dramatic draw. Those were the cards that were dealt and now both teams might be able to count their blessings.
Shortly after playing Stallions, a turn of events in the league created a three way tie for first place, with Global, Loyola and Kaya at the top of the table. The first big match up on the tie breaking schedule, was none other than the “El Classico” of the Philippines, the “mother of all match ups,” the “battle of supporters,” and one of the most long awaited matches: Kaya FC versus Loyola Meralco Sparks.
With the heartbreaking yet triumphant comeback result for Loyal in their first match up during the UFL Cup, to the disappointing loss in UFL first round rematch, Kaya’s history with Loyola has always been one for the fans and one for the spectators. When the high profiles of each team and the passionate fan base are schedule for a meeting, the game is surely thrilling and electrifying to say the least.
This time the high seat and coveted number one spot on top of the standing was at stake. With the University of Makati buzzing with excitement, the underdog Kaya squad shock the enthusiastic wave of orange with an opening goal. With the game off to a surprising start, Loyola scored an equalizer early in the second half to even the playing field, making the game interesting. With fans on the edge of their seat, Kaya responded with a go ahead goal nearing the end of the match. With minute to go and what seemed to be the game winner in hand, Kaya tried to run the clock down and Loyola persistently chased the match. Down to the wire, Loyola was faced with the very last play of the game. As the ball sailed slowly into the box, it seemed like time was suspended and the hearts of spectator pounded in slow motion. A clearance out of the box would mean sweet victory of Kaya, as Loyola held dearly onto the last strands of hope. As the flight hung midair and players jumped, the ball slowly and seemingly skipped off a seas of heads and floated into the top corner of Kaya’s goal. With a blink of an eye, the game ended and the dramatic last second finish that erupted the stadium in pandemonium. Left deflated, shocked and appalled, Kaya’s long awaited victory over Loyola was yet again stolen, as the triumphant Sparks pulled off a jubilant last millisecond miracle play.
In the nick of time, the game ended in a spectacular and theatrical draw. Luck is a very interesting thing. They always say, hard work, determination and proper preparation combined with a little bit of luck is the equation for success. Likewise, shortcomings can be attributed to the lack in such factors. Throughout the bullet dodging Stallions draw, into Loyola’s fairytale comeback tie, there seemed to have been a whimsical presence of luck in the field of play. That might just be the Luck of the Draw.
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