The new-look Azkals Development Team kicked off its campaign in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on a winning note after defeating Mendiola FC 1991, 3-0, on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Scott Woods highlighted his debut by scoring a penalty right before halftime while substitutes Sky Guerrero and Lance Ocampo produced goals in the second half as ADT secured the full three points.
ADT is fielding players who are part of the Philippine U-23 pool for the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam after the core of the team that secured a runner-up finish in last year’s Copa left during the transfer window.
Jarvey Gayoso, Sandro Reyes, Oskari Kekkonen and Mar Diano left for defending Copa titleholder Kaya-Iloilo while Ivan Ouano signed with 2020 Philippines Football League champion United City FC.
But the result may give the young side coached by national team legend Norman Fegidero a positive outlook going into its next match against United City on Thursday.
Mendiola absorbed its second straight defeat in as many matches after a frustrating afternoon. The club returns to action on April 4 against United City.
A chance to take the early lead almost came for Los Valientes in the 19th minute when Junior Sam appeared to have been fouled by ADT’s Marc Tobias inside the box.But the official booked Sam with a yellow card for simulation, much to the dismay of the Mendiola side.
Mendiola later saw ADT win a penalty after captain Ashley Flores tackled Jermi Darapan, who was going for an attempt on the edge of the box with seconds to go in normal time.
Woods would calmly convert a left-footed attempt from the spot and the developmental side went into the break with the lead.
It took until the 74th for ADT to double its lead when Guerrero scored on a rebound after Andres Aldeguer’s shot was saved by Jimson Crestal.
Ocampo added to the goal tally in the 82nd after Mendiola goalkeeper Jesse Semblante couldn’t secure the ball after stopping ADT’s Dennis Chung’s shot during a counterattack.