Joven Bedic emerged as a bright spot as the Philippines continued its maiden AFC Champions League campaign through Kaya FC and United City FC on Monday, July 5.

The Iloilo native became the first player to net a goal against K League 1 runner-up Ulsan FC in the 2021 AFC Champions League.

However, Kaya continues to be winless in the campaign as the South Korean club escaped with a 2-1 win over the Iloilo-based club at the Leo Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

After Yoon Bit-garam opened the scoreline in the 27th minute, Bedic kicked off the second half with a 47th minute equalizer to the top-corner after receiving a beautiful cross from Ryo Fujii.

But Yoon netted a brace to take the lead four minutes later tactically converting a half-volley.

Despite going down to 10 men in the 31st minute, Ulsan FC continued to solidify its chances qualifying for the Round of 16 with perfect 4-0-0 record and 12 points.

Kaya, for its part, continued to dwell at the bottom of Group F.

United City showed a better performance against group leader Kawasaki Frontale after the previous 8-0 beatdown.

The lone Philippines Football League (PFL) champion stood up to the Japanese, who defeated them with a 2-0 victory at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Kei Chinen slotted the first goal after going one-on-one with Anthony Pinthus in the 18th minute.

But Pinthus gave the Kawasaki trouble in doubling the scoreline with multiple huge saves in the 25th, 38th and the 66th minutes.

Kawasaki finally broke through United City’s defense with a sloppy tap-in from Tatsuya Hasegawa to seal the win in the 78th minute.

At the end of regulation time, United City had chances to score with Bienvenido Marañon firing a shot-on-target from the outside of the box, which was blocked by keeper Jung Sung-ryong.

United City hopes to score a win over Beijing Guoan FC on Thursday, July 8, at 10 pm, Philippine time, while Kaya will be facing home team BG Pathum United at 6 pm. – Rappler.com