Azkals Development Team ends 2020 PFL bid strong with third win in a row

THE Azkals Development Team (ADT) capped its 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) campaign on a high note, running to its third straight win with a 2-0 victory over Stallion-Laguna FC on Monday morning at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The squad of national team coach Scott Cooper used a strong effort in the second half, punctuated by goals from Carlo Dorin (52’) and Jarvey Gayoso (62’), to soar past Stallion to finish its PFL bid with nine points built on a record of three wins and two losses.

It also put itself in good position to wind up at second place, behind league champion United City Football Club (FC).

The opening half was tight for ADT and Stallion, with both teams having early chances at goals which unfortunately they could not complete.

In the second half, ADT picked it up, taking it to its opponents and capitalizing on opportunities it could get.

It did not take long before the team broke through with the first goal of the match, care of substitute Dorin, who found himself in the right spot for a rebound off a miss by teammate Yrik Gallantes and give his team a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, ADT added another goal to make it 2-0 after Mr. Gayoso converted a spot kick awarded to them off a foul on Mr. Gallantes.

Stallion made desperate attempts to claw its way back to the match, but ADT proved to be up to the challenge as it went on to park the win.

Mr. Cooper said they were happy with the performance of their team, which competed in the PFL for the first time this year as a regular member of the field.

“There were inconsistencies along the way, but I think with the results, the players did well,” said Mr. Cooper, who made it known that primary for them in joining the tournament, presented by Qatar Airways, was to help develop their players in preparation for the next level. For Stallion (0-1-3), it was its second straight defeat heading into its final game of the season on Thursday.

Meanwhile, later on Monday, Maharlika Manila FC was to take on Mendiola FC 1991 at 4:30 p.m. while United City was to battle Kaya FC-Iloilo at 8 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo