Ten-man Maharlika-Manila came back in the second half behind the Clarino brothers to defeat Mendiola FC 1991, 2-1, Monday for its first win in the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Jean Clarino came off the bench to produce the equalizer before OJ came through with the winner as Maharlika claimed all three points by spoiling Mendiola’s cup debut.
It was only Maharlika’s second win since its establishment in 2020 while also bouncing back from a 1-0 loss to defending champion Kaya-Iloilo last March 14.
The club’s other victory came on Oct. 31 2020 with a similar scoreline over Stallion-Laguna in the shortened Philippines Football League season.
Maharlika prevailed despite being a man down after MJ Libre was sent off late during the 40th minute due to a second yellow card for a colliding with Mendiola’s Franco Dela Torre.
Mendiola immediately took advantage four minutes later as talisman Ashley Flores smashed the opening goal off JR Suba’s assist.
But Maharlika drew level when Jean Clarino, who seconds earlier came on for Joseph Alas, headed the tying goal off a corner kick by Charlie Beaton in the 50th.
Beaton also assisted on the second goal, this time going from the right flank before finding OJ Clarino who slotted the winner off Mendiola goalkeeper Michael Asong in the 77th.
Maharlika drew with Kaya at three points, with the latter having a game at hand while Mendiola fell short to begin its domestic campaign.
Up next for Maharlika is a stern test against 2020 PFL champion United City on Thursday while Mendiola won’t play until it faces the Azkals Development Team on March 28.