By JONAS TERRADO
Games Today
(National Training Centre, Carmona)
4 p.m. — Stallion vs ADT
8:15 p.m. — Kaya vs Cebu
Kaya-Iloilo battles newcomer Dynamic Herb Cebu while Stallion-Laguna and the Azkals Development Team square off for spots in the finals today in the Copa Paulino Alcantara semis at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Stallion and ADT kick off the start of the knockout stage at 4 p.m. in what could be an interesting matchup while Kaya comes in as heavy favorites against Cebu in the second semifinal match at 8:15 p.m.
The winner of both matches will advance in the Copa final on Friday, Nov. 19 at the same venue.
Kaya dominated its two matches in the group stage, with shutout wins over ADT (2-0) and Mendiola FC 1991 behind captain Jovin Bedic and Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi, who scored two goals each.
But Kaya could be in for a tough challenge, which made a solid impression despite a 1-0 defeat to Stallion last Nov. 10.
Spanish defender Joaco Canas, former Kaya player Roberto Corsame and John Saldivar are out to defy the odds to pull off a shock upset of this year’s AFC Champions League participant.
ADT goes into the semis looking to ride on the wave of its 9-0 rout of Mendiola last Nov. 13, with Jarvey Gayoso expected to be a marked man after scoring a competition record five goals in that match.
But Gayoso and the developmental side are bracing for a tough stand from Stallion, which saw its tall and hefty defenders Abe Placito and Gabe Silva make a good impression against Cebu.
