Stallion Laguna secured the last semifinals berth in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara after holding United City FC to a goalless draw on Thursday, May 12 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Both clubs were forced to share the spoils after the final match of the elimination round, a result that favored Stallion as it was able to beat Maharlika-Manila for the final spot in the knockout stages.
The Horsemen drew level with Maharlika at four points apiece, but extended their campaign in the cup tournament on goal difference. It also put Stallion in a matchup with defending champion Kaya-Iloilo, which topped the single-round group stage, in the semis scheduled Tuesday at the same venue.
Stallion progressed despite placing fifth due to the Azkals Development Team’s decision to withdraw due to most of its players’ stint with the Philippines Under-23 side in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
ADT went fourth in the eliminations but had to forego the rest of the Copa campaign due to the regional meet.
Laguna made it despite failing to win a single match, producing all of its points on four draws.
The game had no bearing for United City, which was already assured of facing second-ranked Dynamic Herb Cebu in the other semis bracket after placing third.
United City produced 10 points during the elimination phase, but drew all of its final three matches.
UCFC almost took the lead in the 39th but Matthew Custodio’s goal off a cross was disallowed because of an infringement by Andreas Esswein on Stallion goalkeeper Kenneth James.
Another chance came shortly after when Cholo Bugas’ curling shot was headed away by Stallion defender Matthew Nierras.
Canadian keeper Matt Silva was also tested a few times by Stallion, but was able to keep the score even until halftime.
Silva kept denying Stallion a goal in the second half, but United City also couldn’t convert with one of JJ Robertson’s shots being stopped by James, who was tasked between the sticks in lieu of Hayeson Pepito.