The Hiroshi Football Club (FC) survived a penalty shootout against Waterfresh Queen City United (QCU), 4-3, to become the new champions in the men’s open of the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) 11th National Interclub Football Cup yesterday at the University of San Carlos – Technological Center (USC-TC).
Last year’s men’s open champion Doraemon did not return to defend its title. Some of its players, however, played in different teams.
QCU led the shootout with Yuki Kimura and Masahiko Ayagi finding the back of the net on their attempts.
Hiroshi, on the other hand, faltered on its second try. After Delan Christian Uy scored, Rommel Cortes’ attempt was saved by QCU’s Alex Buanghug.
QCU’s third goal from Ariel Cahilig proved to be the team’s last as Rene Menchavez’s attempt went wide and former Azkals Arnie Pasinabo’s try hit the post.
However, both teams were not able to score in the extension thus the penalty shootout which was heartily cheered on by the Azkals who arrived to watch the game and award the winners.
In contrast, Hiroshi warmed up after Junard Aguilar slotted in his goal, as both John Michael Flores and Harold Buot wrapped up the win for Hiroshi. The regulation ended at 1-all with QCU scoring the first goal.
Hiroshi was able to force a 20-minute extension after team captain Voltaire Montebon scored on a direct kick, which resulted from a pushing foul in the dying minutes of the second half.
Montebon was named most valuable player (MVP) in the men’s open with teammates Jpong Campos named as best goalkeeper and Flores as best defender.
The best midfielder honors went to QCU’s Yagi Masahiko while the golden boot went to USC-TC’s Joshua Fegidero, also a former Azkals.
In the boys 17-Under, the Abellana National School (ANS) Pomeroy reclaimed the crown it lost last year by routing USC-TC, 6-2.
special awards
Special awards in the division went to ANS’ Miguel Caindec as MVP; ANS’ Kerth Ryan Aranguez as best midfielder; ANS’ Joeford Dolino as best defender and Ateneo de Cebu’s (AdC) Patrick Snare as best goalie. The golden boot went to ANS’ Jake Ricaplaza.
Sharing the stage with the Azkals in the girls 17-Under category were Aroroy FC’s Diane Jazul as MVP; USC-TC’s Jessa Cuizon as best goalkeeper, Gale Colina as best defender, Elsie Juezan as best midfielder while Gale Colina brought home the golden boot.
In the boys 12-Under, named MVP was Los Amigos’ Shanden Vergara, who also got the golden boot; best midfielder was Springdale FC’s Ryan James Haosen; best defender was AdC’s Leo Maquiling and best goalkeeper was Gabriel Villacin also of Springdale FC.
In the players 10, MVP honors went to Roland Mattsen of AdC. He was also named as the best midfielder. Golden boot went to Vince Kristi Colina of the San Roque Royal United (SRRU); best defender went to AdC’s Thimoti Lopez while best goalie was QCU’s Philip Anthony Fernandez.
The 40 above finals between Hiroshi and San Roque did not push through due to some disagreements on who will officiate the match.
The Azkals arrived at the USC-TC field in the second half of the men’s open finals. They stopped for a few minutes for picture taking and autograph signing before going up the makeshift stage to award the winners.