Match Day 5 is underway at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite for the Copa Paulino Alcántara. As the Azkals Development Team kicked off their campaign on a high note against Mendiola FC 1991 last Monday, while United City FC with a win against Maharlika and a Draw against Kaya FC are on top of the table as we saw their newest players from Alan Robertson, Ricardo Sendra, and Ivan Ouano who are now on the scoreboard.
Anthony Pinthus is back in the Starting Eleven after that suspension against Maharlika Manila FC 2 weeks ago. At the first 10 minutes of the 1st Half, it was scoreless until there's a sign of chance for United City FC when Minegishi curves the ball from the left flank within the line of the penalty area, but the ball went above the bar on the top right corner.
2 minutes later, Ricardo Sendra finds the back of the net, and United City drew first blood after a Corner Kick on the 12th Minute coming from Kenshiro Daniels. ADT attempts to go for an equalizer, but it was not good after taking the Free Kick in the 14th Minute. In the 20th Minute, Dean Ebarle in the left flank goes for the cross looking for Mike Ott, but surrounded with 2 defenders and in a dangerous area as he attempts to make it 2 goals but was saved by Kyle Bayabos.
A minute later, the score is now 2 - nil in favor of Amirbek Juraboev. It was a rocket shot and outside the penalty area hitting the top left corner of the net. Bayabos was able to read the ball's trajectory, but unable to save and stop that shot. It was ADT's turn and created multiple chances to turn the tide of this match.
In the 28th Minute, after a loose ball possession by Ricardo Sendra, Martini Rey intercepts the ball and a long shot effort however it was catched by Anthony Pinthus and it is very easy for him to get the ball. 8 minutes later, another chance for ADT as Dennis Chung goes for a through ball looking for Martini Rey, great defence from United City as the ball rebounds to Jermi Darapan on the left as he attempts to take the shot, however got blocked by Simen Lyngbø.
United City FC are on the lead with 2 goals from Ricardo Sendra, and Amirbek Juraboev. As the 2nd Half starts, both teams are kicking it into high gear from chances and opportunities, corner to corner, foul after foul, however ADT got a Yellow Card to Elijah Liao after a tussle with one of the players. Then another Yellow Card for United City to Adam Tull.
In the 54th Minute, a corner for United City when Mark Hartmann takes the Corner Kick on the left flank, as they won't stop getting more goals until it was a header pass, one touch pass looking for support in the middle but was saved by Kyle Bayabos.
A free kick was given to United City outside of the penalty area in the 71st Minute. As Hartmann attempts to make the shot, but was blocked by Bayabos, seconds away after the 72nd, Ivan Ouano within close range as he hits the bottom right corner of the net making the score 3 - nil for United City.
With only a few minutes before the final whistle, ADT is about to dig in and hold their line to defend their posts ensuring their opponents can no longer score. Scott Woods was sent off by paramedics 5 minutes after the 2nd Half. A minute after the final whistle, Kenshiro Daniels with his first goal for United City and making it 4 - nil after a through ball from Curt Dizon on the left.
As the final whistle blows, United City FC remains on top with 7 points, now with 2 wins and 1 draw with 4 additional goals leading with a +8 goal difference, and the ADT's first loss of this tournament. The final score 4 - nil in favor of United City FC and goals from Ricardo Sendra, Amirbek Juraboev, Ivan Ouano, and Kenshiro Daniels.
Don't miss out tommorow's match as United City FC, again will take on Mendiola FC 1991. 2 matches later, can Mendiola go all-in for the victory, or will United City remain on top? Watch it on the PFL’s official Facebook Page and YT Channel.
Spectators are also welcome to watch inside the stadium at the PFF National Training Center, but make sure to follow the safety protocols from wearing your mask at all times, and maintain your distance from other people.
Lead Image from the ©Philippines Football League Facebook Page.