#CPA2022: Matchday Three Preview

Photo credits: Philippines Football League

The opening matches of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara have set the tone for the entire tournament and with two returning clubs in the local club football scene squaring off on matchday three, things couldn't get more exciting.

After nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat stuff of action on matchday two between Maharlika Manila FC and Mendiola FC 1991, we now shift our focus on matchday three as United City Football Club makes its debut in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara after missing out on the 2021 edition.

They'll be facing Maharlika Manila FC who's playing in their third straight Copa Paulino Alcantara match. Without further ado, let's go through what's in store for us on matchday three of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

1) The Clariño Trio

Photo Credits: Maharlika Manila FC / Gin Clarino

After a narrow defeat against defending champions Kaya FC-Iloilo, Maharlika Manila FC thought they'll be facing a second straight defeat as Mendiola FC 1991 got the lead towards the end of the first half thanks to a goal from Jim Ashley Flores.

However, that wasn't the only hurdle they had to go over as two minutes before the opening goal, MJ Libre was given his marching orders by the referee due to a second yellow card he incurred in the match.

Despite being down by a man, Maharlika Manila FC still put on the pressure against a rejuvenated Mendiola side, and eventually, they'll get their equalizer. Four minutes into the second half, Miggy Clariño found his brother Gino inside the box who headed in the equalizer and give themselves a chance to win the match with just ten men. Come the 76th minute, against the run of play, Maharlika Manila FC got their go-ahead goal from the counterattack.

Ojay Clariño found a wide-open Charlie Beaton on the right side who then provided an exquisite through ball for Miggy to chase and all he had to do was to tap it past Michael Asong to give them the all-important three points ahead of their encounter against United City FC which would end their three-game stretch.

With all three Clariños being involved in the goals, coach Kim and Maharlika Manila FC might've just figured out the formula for success in their upcoming matches.

2) Henri Bandeken Fong on a fine form

Photo credits: Philippines Football League

With shots being thrown at them from left to right, Maharlika Manila FC has found a talisman between the posts thanks to Henri Bandeken Fong's heroics over the last couple of matches.

After a dismal performance in the 2020 PFL season pestered by an opening day injury, Fong showed grit in bringing back his form ahead of the 2022 season. The 32-year old custodian, despite conceding two goals in the first two matches of the season, has made some crucial saves to keep Maharlika in contention on each of the matches they played.

If not for Fong's heroics, they could've easily lost by more than two goals on both occasions. Proving his worth for the Manila-based booters, Fong was in the thick of the action against Mendiola FC 1991 who was desperate to notch a win.

In the 68th minute, Fong was called into action by JR Suba. A left-footed strike from the Bedan striker almost went into the back of the next but Fong's fingertips kept the scoreline to 1-1.

Into the final minute of regular time, Fong saved another point-blank strike, this time from veteran Aaron Altiche who made his way inside the box but just couldn't find his way past the Cameroonian.

His game-winning save came on the fourth minute of added time when Stephen Appiah took a touch and turned for the strike which he aimed at the top left corner but Fong's cat-like reflexes punched it out for a corner and helped Maharlika win its first Copa Paulino Alcantara match.

With him between the sticks against the new signings of United City FC, it will surely be an interesting encounter as it will go down who really wants it more.

3) No more Captain Schröck

Photo credits: United City Football Club

After months of speculations, doubts, and sad thoughts of seeing him move to other clubs, the nightmare already turned into reality for United City Football Club and its fans as Stephan Schröck and his club mutually agreed on terminating his contract ahead of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

Despite his departure, UCFC has been beefing up their squad during the off-season as if they already knew this time would come. Coming in to replace him is Amirbek Juraboev, a decorated midfielder who recently arrived from FC Istiklol.

UCFC may have found a replacement for the two-time PSA Mr. Football but his impact is yet to be seen on the pitch for the reigning PFL champions. They will now have to move on and start thinking about life without the Alpha Male.

4) Solid Additions for the reigning league champs

Photo credits: United City Football Club

During the offseason, UCFC has signed numerous talents to beef up their squad ahead of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara and other tournaments they'll be involved with. We already talked about Amirbek Juraboev but joining him will be JJ Robertson, Sam Junior, and Matt Silva as fresh additions to the local football scene. However, Silva won't be much of a stranger as the veteran goalkeeper already had stints in the Philippines with Kaya FC back in the United Football League days.

Apart from them, UCFC also acquired the services of the Azkals Development Team standouts Symen Lyngbo, Matthew Custodio, Pete Forrosuelo, and Ivan Ouano to bring some young firepower to their squad.

They also brought in a couple of key signings from within the PFL with Ricki Sendra coming in from Dynamic Herb Cebu FC and Dean Ebarle who's coming in from Stallion Laguna FC.

With these additions, UCFC will be looking for their help to boost the strength of their side as they aim to grab its first Copa Paulino Alcantara title since its rebranding from Ceres-Negros FC.

5) Strong start vs impending winning streak

Photo credits: Philippines Football League

With matchday three serving as United CIty Football Club's opening game in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara, the 2020 PFL champs are looking to start on the right foot, however, a relentless Maharlika Manila FC will be looking to get their second win in a row before they head into a month's break after playing three straight matches to open the season.

It will be a sunset showdown between these two sides as not only a winning streak is within sight for Maharlika FC, they will also look for revenge against UCFC who pummeled them in the 2020 PFL Season.

In their debut season, Maharlika Manila FC was put on trial by fire by one of the best clubs in the land as they were dealt with a 10-nil defeat by the hot-scoring UCFC. This time around, they'll be looking to limit the damage and possibly cause an upset.

On the other hand, a strong start is what United City FC needs as they will be playing four straight matches in the Copa before they head out to Thailand for their 2022 AFC Champions League campaign.

After they face Maharlika Manila FC, they'll immediately face their rivals and defending champions of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, Kaya FC-Iloilo, who defeated them via two goals to one in the 2020 season dealing them with their one and only defeat that year.

They'll then face Stallion Laguna FC on the 31st of March then sealing their first round of matches against Mendiola FC 1991 on the 4th of April. The setup of this year's Copa allows the clubs to have an ample amount of time in preparation for their campaign, especially for the nation's representatives in the continental competitions.

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We were treated to a nail-biter of a match last March 21, 2022, between Maharlika Manila FC and Mendiola FC 1991. Will we see an even better one this Thursday, March 24, 2022? Stay tuned at the Philippines Football League Facebook page and Youtube channel for the livestream of the match will begin at 5:00 PM.