A lone goal put the University of San Carlos (USC) into the finals of the men’s under 19 after edging Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), 1-0, in yesterday’s semifinals of the 14th Aboitiz Football Cup at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City .
Judd Villacrusis scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute of the first half on a cross pass from Daniel Caballero and an assist from Koko Gaudiel, a member of the Teen Azkals.
The Magis Eagles made several attempts to equalize in the second half.
They also failed to convert their long range attempts with the ball always going out of bounds. USC’s tight defense forced SHS-AdC to commit erratic passes and bad ball possession.
USC will have to wait for the winner in the other semifinals between Abellana National Schoool (ANS) Pomeroy and Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) next weekend for their opponent in the finals.
In the other category semifinals, DBTC ended as the big winner after clinching two finals tickets over teams from the Bright Academy .
DBTC 1 advanced to the finals in the boys 12 after routing Bright Academy, 3-0, while DBTC 4 entered the finals of the players 10 with a 4-1 thrashing also of Bright Academy.
In the Boys 12, DBTC 1 arranged a titular match against Canduman Dedon, who squeaked past Giuseppe FC, 1-0, for a chance at the title.
In the Players 10, DBTC 4 will face SHS-AdC for the title after winning against DBTC 5, 2-1.
In the elimination matches of the Boys 14, Mandaue Technical Institute blanked St. Augustine International School (SAIS), 2-0, while DBTC B survived Blessed John, 3-2.