Stallion forces scoreless draw vs United City

Originally published by Manila Bulletin Online

Stallion-Laguna forced United City FC to a scoreless draw Thursday, May 12 and secure the last semifinals berth in the conclusion of the Copa Paulino Alcantara eliminations at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.

Neither side couldn’t find the back of the net after 90 minutes, a result that proved to be beneficial for Stallion as it edged out Maharlika-Manila for the remaining semis ticket.

Both Stallion and Maharlika finished level with four points apiece, but the former secured fifth place in the standings on goal difference.

Azkals Development Team, which placed fourth with seven points, withdrew from the semis due to the ongoing campaign of the national U-23 squad in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

The Horsemen advanced despite failing to win a single match in the elims, getting all points on four draws.

But they’ll head to the last four with a tough obstacle as Stallion faces defending champion Kaya-Iloilo, which claimed the top spot after a 3-0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu in the first game.

Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi scored twice to regain the solo lead in the Golden Boot award with five goals as Kaya ended the elims with 16 points on five wins and one draw.

Cebu settled for second on 13 points on four wins, one draw and one defeat and will meet third-ranked United City in the other semis pairing.

The semis will be held Monday at the same venue, with the Copa Final slated May 22.