With Clint McDaniel at the helm, Stallion Laguna blanks Mendiola at home to go 3rd

By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—Stallion Laguna prevailed in Clint McDaniel's de facto PFL debut as head coach after edging Mendiola, 2-0, on Sunday night at the Biñan Football Stadium here.

Taking over the post of longtime gaffer Ernie Nierras, who was not with the team for personal reasons, in the meantime, McDaniel, the father of Stallion Laguna winger Finn and national team players Olivia and Chandler, won in his first acid test as the home side is now in third place in the league table as the season nears its homestretch.

Abe Placito struck first in the 37th minute after converting a header off a corner kick from Finn McDaniel.

Kouichi Belgira then slashed through the goal line and found Alen Angeles open for the back pass that led to the latter's 56th-minute goal to eventually ice the match.

Hayeson Pepito kept a clean sheet as Stallion Laguna's starter, and even Nelson Gasic, who subbed in despite Pepito's impressive outing as the club's means to celebrate his birthday, also kept Mendiola blanked in the end.

Stallion Laguna formally took third place in the league table with 25 points after 16 matches even as the club now has a clear advantage against the Azkals Development Team (21 after 16) in the race for third.

If Stallion Laguna hangs on, the club could qualify for the AFC Cup.

Stallion Laguna will play back-to-back matches at Cebu next week.

Mendiola, on the other hand, remains at six points.

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