Yrick Gallantes’ header late in extra time gave the Azkals Developmental Team a thrilling 2-1 win over Stallion-Laguna on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 and a berth in the final of the Copa Paulino Alcantara.
Gallantes produced the winner in the 116th minute off a cross by Oliver Bias as the developmental side completed their comeback from a goal down over Stallion in their semifinal match held at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad was also another key figure for ADT with his big saves during the added time that kept the game tied prior to Gallantes’ goal.
The famous victory put the young squad composed mostly of players from national U-23 squad to the championship match Kaya-Iloilo, which later in the day overcame Dynamic Herb Cebu in the other semis affair.
“I’m very happy with the performance because even at a young age, you can see their discipline throughout the game,” said ADT coach Jovanie Villagracia. “They kept fighting despite being down 1-0 so it’s a big learning experience for the team.”
Stallion was relegated to a consolation match for third against Cebu after it was unable to sustain a 1-0 lead courtesy of hefty center back Abe Placito’s header from a corner kick in the 53rd minute.
Team captain Jarvey Gayoso leveled the score in the 66th with a similar shot from Dennis Chung’s cross for his tournament-leading sixth goal., but the ADT talisman left was subbed late in the second half after pulling his hamstring.
The match went into extra time, and it was Stallion which had the initial chance to gain ahead when Finn McDaniel tried a solo effort on a counterattack.
But Kameraad rose to the occasion when he deflected McDaniel’s low attempt to keep the score tied six minutes into the extended time.
Stallion won a corner after that save and Nate Alquiros had an opportunity to find the back of the net from the left flank. But his curling attempt was punched away by Kameraad to once again save ADT.
The Horsemen’s missed opportunities came back to bite them as ADT went ahead when Bias completed his cross from the right flank for Gallantes, who headed the ball past Stallion keeper Heyson Pepito.
“We had chances and we just didn’t capitalize on those opportunities and we had some defensive lapses that we could have done a better job, obviously.” said Stallion coach Ernie Nierras.