Later today sees the end of group play in the 2019 Copa Paulino Alcantara, and while Group B sees Stallion Laguna and Kaya Iloilo square off at 4PM with seeding on the line, Group A still has drama to give us at 7PM. Let’s set the stage shall we?
Group table as of press-time:
Ceres-Negros, 1W/1D, 4GF, 3GA, 4 points
Mendiola FC 1991, 1W/1D, 3GF, 2GA, 4 points
U-22 Azkals, 1W/1L, 2GF,2GA, 3 points
Green Archers United, 2L, 0 points
Games later – Ceres vs GAU @ Aboitiz Pitch, Mendiola vs U-22s @ Biñan Football Stadium
Some things to consider:
– GAU have been a bit of a let-down in the Cup so far, meekly bowing out without a goal to their name so far. Their best hope for later is to salvage some pride and maybe play spoilers.
– the U-22s have done well in hanging with the senior squads they’ve been facing, especially the 3-time League champions Ceres; to wit, that match could easily have been a draw if a couple opportunities had bounced their way. They look to punch their ticket later with another gutsy performance along with some help.
– Mendiola, meanwhile, have arguably hit their perfect rhythm that they envisioned at the start of the year; being able to grind games out and open them up in lieu of options is a godsend. Can they ride the wave all the way to possibly the Final?
– Ceres have the upper-hand but have a tricky test later on against GAU; can they hold on and keep the Double dream alive?
Scenarios:
1. Ceres win or draw
Who’s in: Ceres would join whoever gains a positive result in Biñan; a draw would see Mendiola join the Busmen, while the U-22s need to win by at least 2 clear goals to leapfrog the Bravos into the semifinals of the Cup.
2. U-22s and GAU win
Who’s in: This is where we’ll need a bit of math. A win would send the U-22s thru, while Mendiola would need to hope Ceres would lose by at least 2 clear goals to advance alongside the Young Azkals.
Whatever happens, Group A action is going to be a barn-burner!Make sure to catch the action either live or on the streaming platforms the PFL has!
