The Philippine Air Force Phoenix-led ERCO FC A teams bucked the muddy field at the University of San Carlos – Technological Center (USC-TC) and clinched the titles in the 36 Above and 42 Above categories of the 9th Thirsty Football Cup pitch yesterday.
PAF Phoenix’ Yanti Bersales, a former Azkal, Jeruzel Tonog and Edmundo Mercado Jr., did not disappoint ERCO FC A as they helped the team defend its title against the Rising Sun, 1-0, in the 36-Above category.
Glenn Ramos scored the lone goal in their finals match. Aside from being the head coach of Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC), Ramos is also the head coach of the Teen Azkals—the Philippine Under-16 National Team.
In the 42 Above, which followed a league-type format, ERCO FC A and San Roque Football Club (SRFC) both had 11 points after each winning three matches and ending two of their matches in a draw.
The Rodney Orale-owned ERCO FC A, however, claimed the title by virtue of its goal difference (GD) of nine. SRFC had four.
Another club which grabbed two titles yesterday was USC. The school’s lady kickers retained their title in the girls 19 after posting the most number of wins at five equivalent to 15 points. They only dropped one match.
Over at the San Roque football field, the USC boys 17 team bagged the title via a penalty shootout against Abellana National School (ANS) Pomeroy, 3-1.
Ethan Decena, John Roy Melgo and John Daniel Caballero all scored in their attempts while only Shane Sarmiento scored during ANS’ turn. The regulation match ended with no goals conceded.
ANS did not go home without a title after they earlier frustrated the same USC team for the boys 19 title also via a penalty shootout, 3-2.
The players 10 title went to Cebu International School (CIS) after surviving a penalty shootout against Don Bosco A, 1-0.
The Thirsty Cup will resume next weekend with the ladies open and men’s open categories. Both will be played at the USC-TC pitch.