Playing coach Stephan Schrock hopes the Azkals Developmental Team’s recent impressive run continues when it takes on what he considers as the league-favorite Cebu Football Club in Cebu on Oct. 29, 2022.
Though it sits at fifth with nine points in the league, the youth-laden squad earned more than half its output in its last four games, with a win over Mendiola and draws with Maharlika and UCFC. The only blemish was that narrow 1-0 loss to leaders Kaya.
“Cebu is the favorite of the game,” said Shrock. “We just want to grow as a team. I’ve seen many good things throughout this season and I and my team are proof that regardless of age, we are a worthy opponent to all teams.”
That was particularly true in ADT’s last game, as it fought from two goals down to hold favorites UCFC to a 2-2 draw. The draw, paired with Kaya’s 4-1 win over Maharlika saw the Iloilo-based squad leapfrog over UCFC to the no. 1 spot. UCFC is at second with 21 points together with Cebu, whose game against the Stallions last Oct. 22 was postponed on request of the Laguna-based squad.
On the other hand, Cebu hasn’t lost in its last five matches, winning four before that unfortunate draw via a fair play goal against UCFC. Its excellent showing at home also extends a Cebu-based PFL squad unbeaten home streak dating back to 2017 when Global FC represented the Queen City of South.
However, the veteran Schrock, who many fans think is being groomed to coach the senior team, is focused on his team and not on Cebu.
“We just want to beat our own performance week-in week-out,” he said, while adding the fans should also support the ADT because they are their very own players.
Schrock is also immensely proud of his young team and the responsibilities face daily as young athletes.
“The things they juggle in just one day is immense—school, UAAPp training, exams, travels. And on top performing against much older stronger and more experienced players,” said Schrock.
This is also the first time that Schrock will be facing Cebu FC, which tried to recruit him, at its home stadium. Schrock’s mother spent time in Badian, a town some three hours from the city proper, before relocating to Germany.
Two of my youngest players are 16 years old and they already stand tall and toe-to-toe with the elite in this country.
Stephan Schrock on his youth-laden Azkals Developmental Team