Though United City FC came out the better squad out in the Philippines Football League’s (PFL) season opener, Stephan Schrock was impressed by how the Azkals Development Team (ADT) sized up to Southeast Asia’s top football club.

“They (ADT) will cause a lot of trouble for the other teams,” said Schrock, who played alongside the young Azkals in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Despite a foul-ridden first half performance, the youth squad was able to regroup and find its rhythm in the last 30 minutes of the game, which held down the former Ceres-Negros team to a 1-0 result.

ADT, composed mostly of college football stars, did not back down physically as well over their seniors.

“They wanted to stand their ground knowing that we have a lot of older and more experienced players. They didn’t want to get bullied. It’s okay to be like that,” said Schrock.

“I really enjoyed the time being with them and it makes my heart jump on how quick and fast they’ve grounded themselves,” he added.

The United City FC captain, who has been playing under multi-titled national team coach Scott Cooper since 2018, is also encouraging the young Azkals to gain more confidence and to continue trusting Cooper’s game plan.

“They should believe and encourage themselves and follow the game plan of Scott,” said Schrock.

“I give credit to coach Scott Cooper. He’s a crafty coach and ADT had his signature on it.  It’s a team that played so detailed,” he added.

Cooper was also proud of how ADT staged a second-half comeback against the newly-minted squad that is the PFL’s lone titlist in the last 3 seasons.

“We’re seeing some good signs. A 1-0 loss for a team who hasn’t played professionally against a team of seasoned Azkals and to push them close to point where it looks like it’s gonna end at 1-1, I’m pretty proud of them,” said Cooper.

PFL will resume its matches on Saturday, October 31, with a triple header, which will be kicked off by Stallion Laguna and Maharlika Manila FC at 9 am. (SCHEDULE: 2020 Philippines Football League)

United City looks to cruise to a second straight win against Mendiola FC at 4:30 pm, while Kaya FC and ADT will go head-to-head at 8 pm. – Rappler.com