Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) – The Azkals Development Team began its Copa Paulino Alcantara 2022 campaign on a positive note with a 3-0 win over Mendiola FC 1991 on Monday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
ADT first got its lucky break towards the end of the first half after midfielder Jermi Darapan was tackled hard by Mendiola team captain Jim Ashley Flores inside the box, a clear chance for a penalty opportunity.
Former Northeastern State University midfielder Scott Woods comfortably aced the penalty goal to give the ADT the crucial 1-0 lead in halftime.
In the second half, ADT head coach Norman Fegidero fielded the squad’s substitutes in a bid to give them playing experience for their future matches.
The reserves did not disappoint as two of them delivered goals in the last 16 minutes of the contest.
Sky Guerrero increased ADT’s lead to two points in the 74th minute, after striking the goal off a missed attempt by Andres Aldeguer in a mad scramble near the goal box.
Lance Ocampo widened their advantage in the 82nd minute as he nailed the strike coming from a running attack and a loose ball, after Mendiola goalkeeper Jessie Semblante denied Dennis Chung’s goal try.
Mendiola had its moments in the match, notably the missed open attempt by Flores in the 71st minute.
Flores got past the hands of ADT goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang from a long ball pass, but his shot was wonderfully deflected by the attacking Jaime Rosquillo from the left flank, much to the surprise of the Mendiola forward.
With the win, ADT placed itself in the winning column with three points, while Mendiola remains scoreless in the league table after dropping their second game in the tournament.
