Azkals Development Team barges into PFL win column

THE Azkals Development Team (ADT) barged into the win column of the Philippines Football League (PFL) after beating Mendiola FC 1991, 2-0, in the opening game on Tuesday at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Went winless in its first two matches in the ongoing tournament of the PFL, ADT made sure third time was the charm with a collective steady performance point to point, punctuated by back-to-back goals in the second half by Jarvey Gayoso and Matthew Custodio, to get the better of Mendiola.

The contest got off to a competitive start with both teams having their chances at a goal, but they could not consummate them.

ADT though would find some traction as the opening half progressed, controlling more the possession (67% to 33%) and putting pressure on the defense of Mendiola.

The young squad of national team coach Scott Cooper had its opportunities to score a goal late in the first half and go up on its opponent, but Marvin Angeles first had his spot kick off a penalty blocked by Mendiola goalkeeper Kenry Balobo then his second jab at the goal off a rebound hit the post, leaving the score at 0-0 at the break.

In the second half, the team continued to jostle and angle for control only for ADT to beat Mendiola to the punch for the first goal of the match.

Mr. Gayoso broke through for ADT in the 73rd minute off a header to give his team the 1-0 upper hand. A minute later he had another chance at a goal but his curl went off the mark.

Mendiola tried to get the point back but only found itself buried deeper when Mr. Custodio padded ADT’s lead, 2-0, after tapping in a free ball in the 81st minute.

Had control of the match from there on, ADT spent the rest of the match fending off any fight back attempt from Mendiola en route to closing out the proceedings.

“We’re happy with the win. We aim to develop players, but part of it is developing them to win games. So let’s see in our next games,” said Mr. Cooper post-match.

With the win, ADT improved to 1-0-2 with three points while Mendiola (0-0-2) slumped to its second straight defeat. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo