The Azkals Development Team (ADT) pulled off another upset over title contender squad Stallion Laguna with a 2-0 blanking in the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) on Monday, November 9, at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The Under-23 national team rose to 2nd behind 2020 PFL champion United City FC with 9 points as the Young Azkals capped off their first top division league stint with 3 straight wins.

2020 AFC Cup qualifier Kaya FC still has a chance to defend its league runner-up finish if the Iloilo-based squad manages to nab a win from its game against United City later Monday at 8pm.

19-year-old Yrick Gallantes was the main threat to the established Stallion squad, that dropped another 3 points to remain at 5th place with 1 point.

As ADT continues to regroup in the 2nd half, Gallantes produced a counterattack and fired it toward the goal, while Carlo Dorin came from behind to solidify the finish in the 52nd minute.

In the 61st minute, Gallantes drew crucial contact in the 6-yard box for a penalty.

After Stallion keeper Nelson Gasic fended off Jarvey Gayoso’s back-to-back chances, the ADT captain – who was deployed as a central midfielder this time – coolly converted from the line to double the lead.

The Laguna-based squad, though, looked like the better team in the first half as Fitch Arboleda fired a cross, but Nathan Alquiros’ header hit the side-netting in the 40th minute.

In the 86th minute, Stallion attempted to bounce back as Ricardo Sendra attempted to convert a chance with a header, but ADT keeper Quincy Kammerad came up for the deflection. – Rappler.com