PFL Matchday 3: Table getting clearer as routs and shocks make headlines

After Tuesday’s tripleheaders in Carmona, the table at the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways gets clearer with United City now two points clear of Kaya Iloilo at the top.

The league’s newcomers pounced on the 1-1 draw between their closest chasers to Stallion Laguna earlier in the day with a dominating performance against Maharlika.

With Friday approaching fast, the league is well on its halfway stage, as it was clear by the day who were the contenders and who are the mere pretenders.

So what do we learn from these? Let’s take a look.

ADT showed they are for real.

After losing their first two matches in similar 1-0 scorelines, third time is definitely the charm for the Azkals Development Team when they pulled off a major shock over Mendiola in the morning tiff.

With their first try to take the lead thru Marvin Angeles was denied by Kenry Balobo from the spot, Scott Cooper’s Young Azkals made a tactical shift at halftime and it paid huge dividends as Jarvey Gayoso and Matthew Custodio found the net in an eight minute span to get a much deserved 2-0 win.

True enough, the ADT have matured after facing two of the leading title favorites, and as such it paid dividends for the young side as they displayed their composure.

“Gayoso’s performance as a striker has given me food for thought,” said the English mentor. “It is something that we can ponder on moving forward.”

The former Ateneo star had been the center of debats by the football community, raising questions if he has to play either on the back or up front.

But the former UAAP MVP stressed that his experience at left-back will give him huge learning experience to be an all-around footballer, although he himself will want to get his old spot at forward back.

“I was just happy in helping my team win and trust coach Scott in whatever position he thinks is best,” he then said. “But I welcome the chance to be back in old role as a striker.”

Kaya on a must-win mode

That draw over Stallion must be deflating for Yu Hoshide’s men, as it is now imperative for them to win their last two matches in this short season after Jovin Bedic’s tenth-minute opener was cancelled out by a Jhanjhan Melliza equalizer with just eleven minutes remaining.

Composure was one of the key concerns of the inaugural Copa holders when they were threatened numerous times by Maharlika and ADT in the first two matches and it caught up to them in the second half.

The Japanese mentor rued their lethargic performance in the second 45. 

“It was our turn to be outplayed,” said a dejected Hoshide.

On the other end Stallion was just motivated when their gaffer Ernest Nierras was back on the bench, after the fiery manager was conspicuously absent from the opening loss to Maharlika.

And no one was the happiest than Melliza.

“Mas nabuhayan kami ng loob. Mayroon na naman nagagalit sa amin,” he admitted.

United City had one hand on the trophy

Not even a chance.

United City already now had a hand in the PFL trophy after they tear Maharlika to shreds in the nightcap.

A 10-0 rout displayed the gulf between the two sides, in which Robert Lopez Mendy and OJ Porteria fired a hat-trick, with the former now overtook Bienvenido Maranon on top of the scoring charts with five.

The Spaniard and skipper Stephan Schrock also found the back of the net once with Mike Ott getting his pair, pleasing Frank Muescan who teaches his men to avoid being complacent, as he.

“The boys are really hungry for the title and we’ll just keep on going and score more goals. We won’t slow down for anyone,” said the veteran mentor, in which their biggest test will be on Friday evening against Stallion Laguna.

PHOTOS: PFL