The game seemed to be gone already for Mendiola FC 1991 but Coach Dan Padernal and Stallion Laguna FC Coach Ernie Nierras still have something to laugh about.
The first half of their first encounter in the 2019 Philippines Football League last June 15,2019 at the Biñan Football Stadium looked quite a close contest as the home side only led by two goals to one before the half-time break. Nathaniel Alquiros slotted a sumptuous curling free-kick into the back of the net on the 2nd minute of the match while Fitch Arboleda tapped the ball through a cross from Alquiros six minutes after.
They conceded a goal from the penalty spot after Christian Nana was called for a handball. Jim Ashley Flores then took the spot kick as cool as a cucumber by easing it into the right side of the goal past Benito Rosalia.
The floodgates then opened in the second half when the young traveller Chima Uzoka slotted in his hat-trick and Arboleda scoring his brace.
FULL-TIME | Stallion Laguna FC ran riot over Mendiola FC in a 6-1 win! #PFL2019 #OnePassionOneLeague pic.twitter.com/iYHX9mzpLU
— Philippines Football League (@WeArePFL) June 15, 2019
Though the game has already been decided with less than 10 minutes remaining, Nierras and Padernal had a bit of exchange down the touchline which resulted in a burst of laughter amongst the two. We asked them regarding the said encounter and Padernal said, “ We are coaches, in the big picture, we are developing players. We are the same with Stallion.”
He then followed by saying, “We are exchanging words about the backline regarding switching the ball quickly.” Padernal also mentioned that one of the things he said to Nierras during the said exchange was how OJ Clariño cleared the ball towards attacking players.”That’s Clariño. They have a strong foot to go forward,” said Padernal.
In his response, coach Nierras said, “Coach Dan is my friend and I have a lot of respect for him and San Beda (Mendiola FC 1991). Whatever we can do to help each other’s club to improve, we will do that.” Despite being on opposing sides of the touchline, these coaches really know what’s needed to improve the players we have in the country not only for the betterment of their own squads but to give our national team the much-needed boost in terms of homegrown talents.
