The Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus (SHS-HDJ) Phoenix FC clinched its first ever title as it won the Boys 12 crown of the 2nd BRO Nationals Football Festival yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
SHS-HDJ Phoenix FC first prevailed over Don Bosco via a penalty shootout, 2-0, after the regulation ended in a 1-all draw, Then the wards of Aljohn Armamento of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation next edged The Sayson Group FC, 1-0, for its first-ever title.
SHS-HDJ Phoenix FC is comprised of former Dinamo players who have been joining competitions since last June, according to Armamento.
Armamento added they have joined the recent 15th Aboitiz Cup, wherein they were eliminated. The squad also joined the 10th Thirsty Football Festival, where they also failed to finish in the top 2 position.
SHS-HDJ has been strengthening its football teams by getting former national team member Alex Ballesteros as head coach.
In the match against Don Bosco, the DB squad manned by its Boys 11 players was actually able to find the back of the net on the fourth attempt courtesy of Charles Unabia.
SHS-HDJ Phoenix FC scored the equalizer in the second half via Roberto Aguilar’s goal to bring the match into a penalty shootout.
During the penalty shootout, Bern Cimafranca and Tomtom Colina all scored on their attempts while none of the Don Bosco kickers were on target.
Philippine Azkals team captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong said that there is a big difference between a younger team playing against an older team, referring to Don Bosco.
“Experience-wise, mas may lamang yung older team at yong laki din but it is a good exposure for the younger team,” said Caligdong.
He added that the younger team will be able to learn from that match.
The national team captain also commented on some minor lapses of the coaches especially during the penalty shootout.
“Dapat maturo nila yong tamang technique as early as now, hindi yong laro lang ng laro. Ito yong dapat ma address ng school coaches,” Caligdong said.
In the match against TSG FC, SHS-HDJ Phoenix FC became the Boys 12 champions via the first half goal of Colina.
Colina’s goal had actually hit the mitts of the TSG FC goalkeeper, who fumbled the save the ball.
In the second half, TSG FC had three goal attempts which the team failed to convert into goals. The first one went wide, the second hit the post and the third went straight into the hands of the SHS-HDJ Phoenix FC’s goalkeeper.
Other champions yesterday were Don Bosco A in the players 8, University of San Carlos-Basic Education in the Players 10, BRO 1999 in the Boys 14, USC in the Boys 19 and JEH United in the Executive 36.