The Azkals Development Team is embracing the challenge of potentially playing without team captain Jarvey Gayoso in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final against Kaya-Iloilo on Friday, November 19, 2021.
Gayoso left in the 84th minute of ADT’s thrilling 2-1 extra time victory over Stallion-Laguna in the semifinals with a hamstring injury and his status for the championship match could have a huge effect in the developmental side’s bid to win the Copa.
Yrick Gallantes, who stepped up in Gayoso’s absence with the winning goal, acknowledged that it will be a difficult task if the injury will force the tournament’s top goalscorer to play the role of spectator.
But Gallantes also said that it could also serve as a rallying cry for ADT as it aims to claim a silverware for the first time.
“Even off the field, Jarvey’s still there,” Gallantes said. “On the pitch, he’s another person, but off the pitch he still supports the team. I mean, it will be difficult. We know that he’s the captain of the team on the pitch, but also off the pitch we know that we could support him, we could fight for him and he knows that.”
A victory over Kaya, unbeaten in the last nine matches in domestic competitions, will give ADT its biggest achievement since being formed last year.
ADT displayed resiliency against Stallion despite losing Gayoso, not only with Gallantes’ goal but also goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad’s play between the sticks during the extension.
Kameraad’s big moment came when he was able to deflect Finn McDaniel’s low attempt during a one-on-one counterattack which kept the score tied.
“Quincy saved me from my mistakes towards the end,” said Gallantes. “You always wanted someone there to take care of the team and he’s always there for us. I’m so thankful for him.”