MANILA – Stallion-Laguna Football Club had a rousing debut in the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League season via a 2-0 beating of Mendiola 1991 on Monday night at the PFF National Training Centre in Cavite.
Kainoa Bailey and Rafa Nogueda scored a goal each in the second half as Stallion-Laguna tied defending champions United City Football Club and Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo on top of the standings.
Both football teams employed tight defense in the opening half. Neither Stallion-Laguna nor Mendiola 1991 managed to get a clear attempt for a 0-0 score after 45 minutes of action.
Stallion-Laguna finally broke the deadlock in the 47th minute. Bailey found space in the Mendiola 1991 box. He shot past the defense goalkeeper Henri Bandeken for a 1-0 advantage.
Mendiola 1991 had their chances to tie the count but could not launch a decent attempt before Stallion-Laguna secured the win as Nogueda headed home Justin Pena’s corner kick in the 87th minute.
The victory also marked the return of Iranian midfielder Hamed Hajimehdi to the Stallion Laguna fold after spending the past few PFL seasons with the Mendiola 1991 Football Club.
“When I saw the team, they had very good players, and very good coaches. They were very organized. I can help them also and we have to help each other to go to the AFC,” Hajimehdi said.
“Mendiola is like my family for years already, but I just want change. That’s why I left,” the 33-year-old booter added. “At Stallion-Laguna, it’s a new challenge, new atmosphere, and new teammates.”
Also making their return to Stallion-Laguna were Ilonggo Ruben Doctora, Jorrel Aristorenas, Michael Asong and Korean defender Kim Minsu.
Stallion Laguna looks to build on this win when it takes on Maharlika Manila on Aug. 15, while Mendiola 1991 hopes to bounce back against United City FC on Aug. 14 at 4 p.m./PN
