Don Bosco, Kachella bag premier titles in Thirsty Football Cup

Don Bosco (DB) Alumni C of Cebu and Kachella FC of Dumaguete dominated their respective divisions to clinch the Men’s and Women’s title of the 10th Thirsty Football Festival late Sunday night at the Cebu City Sports Center.

DB Alumni C triumphed over the Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong-led ERCO A via a penalty shootout, 3-1, in the championship while the Kachella FC stopped what would have been a double title for Don Bosco after the Dumagueteno team blanked DB Ladies, 2-0, in their own titular battle.

In the Men’s Open title final match, ERCO A had a chance to score first on an attempt by Caligdong but the ball hit the post and was saved by DB’s goalkeeper Chris Richard Escudero.

In the second half, another cross by Caligdong got wasted when none of his teammates made it on the other side in time for a follow-up.

During the shootout, Warloo Sabella gave DB Alumni C the lead when his ball hit the post and rebounded inside the goal. Philippine Azkals’ Ian Araneta, playing for ERCO A leveled the field with his attempt. Bong Aller made it 2-1 in favor DB Alumni C while Caligdong’s attempt went wide.

Former Azkals’ Richard Canedo gave DB Alumni FC the win after putting his attempt past ERCO A’s goalkeeper.

DB Alumni C’s Escudero was later named Most Valuable Player (MVP).

DB Alumni C clinched its finals ticket with a 1-0 edging of Centcomm Mizkits A in the semifinals while ERCO A advanced by prevailing in a penalty shootout against Queen City United, 3-2.

In the Women’s Open, named MVP was Kachella FC’s Jonnaliza Torres.

The yellow-jersey clad Kachella earned a spot in the championship by dismissing University of San Carlos (USC) Green, 2-1, via a penalty shootout.

DB Ladies, on the other hand, booked their finals entry via a 1-0 edging of ERCO A.