The Abellana National School (ANS) Pomeroy drew their match against the defending champions and host San Carlos City, 2-all in the U-16 football competition of the 4th Pintaflores National Invitational Tournament in San Carlos City.
Despite the draw, San Carlos City still ended as the solo leader since it leads in goal difference (GD) with 12. ANS only has 5.
ANS head coach Francis Ramirez said that to be able to clinch the crown, ANS must not only win its two remaining matches but also sweep those games.
ANS will go up against Dumaguete today and Bukidnon tomorrow.
Ramirez admitted that San Carlos dominated the match in the early minutes by continuously penetrating through his boys’ defense.
ANS slowly warmed up and eventually led the attack in the final minutes of the match.
ANS also had many chances to score but failed to convert in those chances.
San Carlos City’s first goal at the 12th minute was handed on a silver platter on an ANS own goal when its goalkeeper was not able to stop the ball that was deflected by his defender. The defending champions added another goal at the 50th minute.
ANS refused to concede the game and managed its first goal at the 75th minute courtesy of John Michael Gomora, who headed a cross from Rogelio Castellon Jr. inside the penalty area towards the post.
ANS equalized the game at the 88th minute when Castellon stopped a cross with his chest before volleying it nto the net.
Other matches saw Barotac Nuevo Iloilo blanking Don Bosco Victorias, 3-0; and Negros Oriental Football Association (NORFA)-Dumaguete and Bukidnon ending their match in a 3-all draw.