The Philippine Football League continued this weekend, and some teams that played last Saturday night, September 13, collected their 1st ever win of the 2025-26 season.
Michael Menzi Gives Maharlika FC its 1st Win in a Tight Match
For the 1st game, Maharlika Manila FC battled against the Tuloy FC, which happens to also be the season debut for both squads playing at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Michael Menzi was the early hero, striking in the 7th and 15th minutes to give Maharlika a 2–0 cushion. Tuloy was able to cut the deficit just before halftime when Jhon Diaz found the back of the net.
Maharlika restored their two-goal lead in the 64th minute through Fahem Ibrahim, only for John Loyd Jalique to make it 3–2 in the 89th. Despite the late scare, Maharlika held on to seal the victory.
FINAL SCORE: Maharlika FC 3 – 2 Tuloy FC
Menzi earned the best player award and had this to say during the post-game interview:
“In the 1st half we were leading 2-0 but we were not playing great football [they were] basically dominating the game. And if we have to take advantage of those set pieces since we have the height then we’ll take it from there. I think we’re happy with the result, I don’t care how we win it but still, a win is a win for us.”
He then gave Maharlika fans something to watch out for in this season.
“What you can expect from Maharlika is that it’s going to be a lot of surprises. We are not the way we used to be, we’re going to be the ‘dark horse’ for this season we’re going to try our best you know [and] target the Top 4.”
“Homecoming” for Patrick Reichelt in One Taguig Against an International Experienced Cebu FC
After losing their debut game in the ASEAN Shopee Cup last August 20, the Dynamic Herb Cebu FC now faces a well rested One Taguig FC in the PFL.
The home side struck first just before halftime when Andres Aldeguer broke the deadlock to give Taguig a 1–0 lead heading into the break. Four minutes into the second half, returning veteran Patrick Reichelt doubled the advantage after latching onto Aldeguer’s precise through ball and slotting past Cebu goalkeeper Rami Jeridi.
Reichelt, a former Philippines international making his first full 90-minute appearance on home soil in years, relished the opportunity to play again in front of Filipino fans after stints in Thailand and Malaysia.
One Taguig also faced adversity after only playing 10 men late in the game, while Cebu tried to mount a late rally as Rico Andes pulled one back in stoppage time, but Taguig held firm to secure its first-ever victory over Cebu and claim all three points.
FINAL SCORE: One Taguig 2 – 1 Cebu
Patrick Reichelt received the best player of the match honors and had this to say during his post-game interview:
“It feels good to be back, it was like 6 – 7 years. I always knew my heart I’m coming back and to be able to be here back with a great team and a great atmosphere. I came here to win, make no mistake I really wanna win in this league and with this group.”
Reichelt then emphasized how this game is only the tip of the iceberg for them and acknowledged how any player could’ve earned the BPOTM award.
“Today we did the first thing, the 1st step and we have to keep going. It’s nice to be back home,” said Reichelt, who owns 93 international caps and 16 goals.
“There’s so many people who could’ve been the man of the match, Andres [Aldegeur] did amazing. I’m grateful you think its me, but Andres scored the goal and assist, it could be him, for me we have like 11 or 14 men off the bench today. Today it was just important to get the win and thank you guys.”
Kaya Iloilo Goes For 2-0 and Becomes #1 in Team Standings
Defending champions Kaya Iloilo FC against Aguilas UMak FC who are making their debut in the season.
Iloilo previously won their opening match against Philippine Army FC last August 30.
Both squads went scoreless in the 1st Half while Mike Ott scored the lone goal in the 51st minute, nodding home a pinpoint cross from Mar Diano.
FINAL SCORE: Kaya Iloilo 1 – 0 Aguilas UMak
With the win, Kaya climbed to the top of the standings with 2 wins and also earned six points from two matches.
Mike Ott earned the Best Player award and had this to share during the post-game interview:
“I think we need to move the ball a little bit faster on ball possessions, we will work on that and we will be ready for the next games and like I said before, it’s very important we got the 3 points. We’re happy with that, I’m happy for the team and we move forward.”
Ott then said something for Kaya Iloilo fans in their quest to go back-to-back this season:
“As a player, it’s always good to see the people watching and supporting that and we feel that as a player, we want that and we hope to get that more and we are thankful for every person that is watching or coming to the stadium. Thank you.”
