Stallion Laguna escapes Cebu in penalty shootout, secures third place in Copa Paulino Alcantara

Stallion Laguna FC escaped a gritty Dynamic Herb Cebu squad on penalties, 5-4, to finish third in the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara on Friday at the PFF Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

After a tight affair in regulation that saw both teams goalless, Stallion and Cebu brought the game into a penalty shootout.

Tied at 3-3, Stallion's goalkeeper Kenneth James denied an attempt by Roberto Corsame Jr. before Jo Warren Bedia put them ahead with a clear kick, 4-3.

Joaquin Cañas was then successful on his kick to tie the penalty shootout at 4-4 but it was midfielder Griffin McDaniel who put the seal for Stallion. 

After a heartbreaking loss to the Azkals Development Team (ADT) in the semifinal round, James, who was pivotal in today's victory, said they marched into this game with nothing in mind but to win.

"We worked hard for this and even though we lost in the semis, 'di talaga namin gusto na we go down with a loss so coming into this match, we wanted a win," James said in the post-game interview.

Meanwhile, ADT will try to pull another upset when it clashes with Kaya FC-Iloilo in the  championship round later tonight.

—JMB, GMA News