–Azkals Development Team Facebook
The Azkals Development Team announced its withdrawal from the Philippines Football League, becoming the second team to do so during the 2022-23 season.
ADT made the announcement on Tuesday, saying that “events imposed upon us in recent weeks have compelled us to take this action.”
All of ADT’s remaining matches—eight to be exact—will result in 3-0 wins for their opponents, resulting in a twist to the title race between Kaya-Iloilo and Dynamic Herb Cebu.
Cebu moved two points behind Kaya going into its final match of the season against Stallion-Laguna on Wednesday.
Kaya is also set to play Stallion on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
ADT was formed in 2020 as a developmental squad for players being eyed to make the senior Azkals for international competitions.
On the domestic front, ADT was able to reach the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara Final but lost to Kaya, 1-0.
Most ADT players suited up for the country in the last two editions of the Southeast Asian Games, but did not progress past the group stage on both occasions.
In this year’s regional meet in Cambodia, the Philippines placed dead last in Group A after securing just one point courtesy of a late stoppage equalizer that led to a 1-1 draw against the host nation.
“ADT was formed to complement the Philippine Football Federation’s efforts to continuously prepare young Filipino athletes for international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games,” ADT said.
Among the prominent players who suited up for ADT were Sandro Reyes, Oliver Bias, Oskari Kekkonen, Yrick Gallantes, Dennis Chung and Andres Aldeguer.