Finn McDaniel hat trick fuels Stallion past Army in Copa Alcantara

Finn McDaniel leads Stallion-Laguna in latest Copa Paulino Alcantara win.

Finn McDaniel produced a hat trick as Stallion-Laguna rolled past Philippine Army, 6-1, to begin its campaign in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

McDaniel scored the opener five minutes into the contest to set the tone for a dominant showing that handed the Horsemen the full three points in their first Group C match.

The brother of Olivia and Chandler McDaniel, who both represented the Philippines in the Fifa Women’s World Cup recently, also scored in the 56th and 90th to become the first player to have a three-goal game in this year’s cup competition.

Juan Galeana Trujillo had a brace while Christian Schaffner was the other scorer for Stallion.

Army dimmed its chances of making the knockout stage after a third defeat in four matches for three points.

UAAP champion Far Eastern University claimed its first victory after dominating Don Bosco Garelli, 4-0, in Group B.

Martini Rey and Selwyn Mamon each scored twice as the Tamaraws boosted their chances of getting out of the group after climbing to third place in the group.

FEU improved to five points, five behind Group B pacesetter CF Manila and one below second-running Philippine Air Force.

The top two teams in each of the three groups and the two best third placers will advance to the quarterfinals.