The oppressive heat beating down on the PFF National Training Center in Carmona this afternoon was but a raindrop compared to the intense maelstrom wrought on the pitch, as Stallion Laguna FC and Mendiola FC 1991 waged war in the opener of the weekend slate.
Compared to the previous round between both sides, however, this was a far cry from the 6-1 drubbing the men in pink put on the Valientes, as the cavalry arrived in the form of defensive reinforcements. Dini Outtara and Ricardo Sendra finally suited up for the Red and White for the first time this season, and debutant Soul Ndepe provided a burly physical presence at centerback that helped Mendiola stanch their previous woes at the back and in the base of midfield. With the new additions, they actually controlled the pace of the game, as both sides played a chippy battle for control throughout a goalless first half.
The second half promised more of the same, but as the game wore on, Stallion’s tactical adjustments and sheer stamina started tipping the match in their favor. Outtara kept making several saves, notably from a Chima Uzoka header and a dipping Stallion freekick, but the telling goal came in 10 minutes from time, as Abou Sy broke through the red and white defense and tapped in his 5th goal of the season to ultimately decide the match. Mendiola tried their damnedest to claw back an equalizer for their efforts, and they almost had a great opportunity with Nimrod Balabat getting into the box, but a booming clearance-cum-tackle by Stallion debutant Dong-Hyeun Kim shut the door on any hopes for a draw, as the clock winded down and confirmed the 5th win of the season for the Prancing Horses.
