THE PHILIPPINE Under-23 side flashed its immense potential by holding a team of experienced United Football League Stars to a 1-1 stalemate in the league’s showcase match to end the season Sunday night at Emperador Stadium.
Using the match as part of their buildup for the Southeast Asian Games, the Under-23 Azkals played with more fluidity and looked threatening throughout, impressing a huge crowd that included Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.
Substitute David Fornea knocked in the equalizer from close range in the 65th minute after his initial header was saved by goalkeeper Friso Klok. Izzo El-Habbib put the UFL All Stars in front two minutes earlier with a cool finish against Nick O’Donnell.
The performance was encouraging as far as Under-23 Azkals coach Brian Reid is concerned, with some of his starters missing the match because of injury or commitments abroad.
“There are certainly areas where we can improve on, but on another day we could have won this game,” said Reid, who continues to train the squad despite the uncertainty of its participation for the biennial meet.
The Under-23 Azkals were the better team for the most part with Mark Hartmann and Joshua Beloya impressively linking up at midfield and on attack. Beloya and Hartmann, however, spurned a couple of glorious chances in an opening half that the Under-23 Azkals dominated.
Far Eastern U’s Paolo Bugas and Nathaniel Alquiros, who plays for La Salle and Stallion, respectively, sparkled on the flanks, while Ronnie Aguisanda proved solid in a defensive midfield role.
Amani Aguinaldo, a 19-year-old defender, formed a strong partnership with Raymark Fernandez at central defense, holding their ground against Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez.