Jarvey Gayoso described the 9-0 thrashing of Mendiola FC 1991 as a huge confidence boost for the Azkals Development Team heading into its semifinal match against Stallion-Laguna in the Copa Paulino Alcantara.
The developmental side produced the most lopsided win in the short history of the cup competition on November 13 to secure the last semifinal seat while making up its 2-0 defeat to Kaya-Iloilo six days earlier.
Some ADT players were also smarting from a tough campaign representing the Philippines in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Singapore, another reason why a win was so badly needed.
“It was a do-or-die match so we wanna make sure that we get the win,” said Gayoso, who was named Man of the Match after setting a Copa single-game record of five goals at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
“We wanted to bounce back. We have a lot of guys who are struggling, mentally, because we came from a loss against Kaya. At the same time, we want to pick ourselves up and make sure we are doing our best in this game.”
Gayoso said there was plenty of reason for ADT to send a strong message after falling short the last time when Kaya broke the ice with two second half goals.
“We all did our part,” he said after ADT took advantage of countless Mendiola miscues during the lopsided affair. “We had a lot of good decisions with the adjustments that we’ve made.
“I was telling the guys that we want to make a statement, to prove that we have to keep working hard no matter what the scoreline was and we have to keep doing what we’re supposed to do. The entire team is happy that we were able to get the win.”
ADT will head into the semis as the perceived underdog against Stallion-Laguna, which is expected to give the young squad a big test particularly with its strong play at the back.
The task may be an uphill climb, but Gayoso can only hope that he and the rest of ADT can be a better version of themselves in the knockout stage.
“I’m sure that we have all the confidence now, so we’re definitely gonna push harder and make sure we don’t relax and improve from this game,” said the ADT captain.