MANILA – Azkals Developmental Team returned to their winning ways in the 2022 Philippines Football League. It crushed Mendiola 1991 Football Club 3-0 on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Veteran Stephan Schrock, Ilonggo Jaime Rosquillo and Ealhwine Dalam drilled a goal each.
With the win, the Azkals Developmental Team jumped to fifth place in the standings – seven points, on two wins, one draw and two losses.
Both teams struggled to put points on the scoreboard in the opening half until the 36-year-old Schrock surged the Azkals Developmental Team ahead at 1-0 in the 66th minute mark.
Schrock, a mainstay of the Philippine Azkals, was in the right place at the right time when it tapped back to the goal area a low cross by teammate Emilio Borlongan from the left flank.
Mendiola tried its best to equalize the game but was unable to penetrate through the defense of Azkals Developmental Team until Rosquillo doubled the lead for his squad with a header at the 89th minute.
To create more separation from Mendiola, Azkals Developmental Team’s Dalam punished their opponent’s defense when he uncorked a header of his own at the 90th minute mark.
With the defeat, Mendiola 1991 remained at sixth place in the standings with three points after one win and six defeats, just ahead of the cellar-dweller Maharlika Manila Football Club.
The Azkals Developmental Team will vie for its second consecutive victory when it faces second placer Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo at seven in the evening this Saturday, October 1, at the same venue.
Mendiola 1991, on the other hand, will look to arrest their three-game losing skid when it tangles with Stallion-Laguna Football Club, at four in the afternoon on Sunday, October 2, at the Imus City Coliseum.
Meanwhile, also playing this weekend are four-time defending champions United City Football Club, which will face Maharlika Manila at four in the afternoon this Saturday./PN
