A potential thriller looms between Stallion-Laguna and the Azkals Developmental Team as they meet in the semifinals of the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
The two clubs meet at 4 p.m. inside the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite with the winner securing the first slot in the final of the domestic cup competition while the loser gets relegated to a consolation match for third place.
Stallion will come in hoping to move one step closer towards winning its first trophy in nearly a decade while the young ADT side aims to capitalize on ending the group stage with the most lopsided victory in the short history of the cup competition.
ADT captain Jarvey Gayoso and Stallion’s hefty defender Abe Placito are among the players to watch in the first semifinal match.
Gayoso’s five goals in the 9-0 demolition of Mendiola FC 1991 set a record for most in a Copa match, and the former Ateneo striker is eager to find the back of the net once more for the developmental side.
Placito, a center back from the United States and stands 6-foot-2, made a strong impression with his play at the back which helped Stallion preserve a 1-0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu in the only match in Group A.
His college teammate Gabe Silva, a Brazilian also with an imposing figure at 6-foot-1, will also be tasked by coach Ernie Nierras to make things difficult for ADT.
Senegalese striker Abou Sy, who supplied the game’s only goal, hopes to make another vital contribution for the Horsemen.
ADT will look for players like the cat-quick Dennis Chung and Sandro Reyes, among the goalscorers in the rout of Mendiola, to rise up to the challenge.
Also crucial for coach Jovanie Villagracia’s side are midfielders Oliver Bias, Oskari Kekkonen, and Yrick Gallantes, and defenders Christian Rontini, Mar Diano, and Mathew Custodio.