Two Hiroshi teams advance to finals

The Hiroshi Football Club (FC) has a chance to end its bid with two titles after two of its teams advanced to the championship round of the 15th Aboitiz Football Cup at the Aboitiz Sports Field and the Cebu City Sports Center.

Hiroshi FC made it to the Men’s Open championships with a 4-1 drubbing of ERCO FC in yesterday’s semifinals.

Karl Arcenas scored the first goal for Hiroshi at the 31st minute and added another one five minutes later after converting on a penalty.

ERCO was able to score its first goal in the 43rd minute courtesy of Neri Mole. Two minutes later, the team lost the services of Nino Zapanta, who received his second yellow card in the 45th minute and was sent out.

John Nieves immediately went to work in the second half and contributed a goal in the 55th minute. Hiroshi’s win was capped by a goal by Harold Bout in the 62nd minute.

Hiroshi FC will face defending champions Cebu Queen City United (CQCU) FC, which advanced after a 4-0 routing of Crazy Horse.

Dan Marnel Villarico scored two goals for CQCU FC at the 32nd and 80th while Junard Aguilar scored the rest at the 81st and 86th minute of the match.

Hiroshi FC also advanced to the final round of the 38-Above category with a 4-0 thrashing of Queen City United (QCU).

Scoring a goal each for Hiroshi were Mario Rago, Arvin Mangubat, Oswald Oracion and Panny Kyriakopoulos.

Hiroshi FC will be contesting the title against ERCO FC, which inflicted a 5-0 blanking of San Roque Football Club in their semis matchup.

Glenn Ramos scored a hattrick for ERCO FC while Danilo Juezan and ERCO FC president emeritus Rodney Orale each contributed a goal.

In the Under 23, the goal of Kiko Recaplaza in the 8th minute dashed the hopes of University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) as it allowed University of San Carlos (USC) to advance to the finals.

USJ-R was leading the category, which was played in a league-type format, with nine points anchored on three wins and one loss. USC was at third place with seven points following two wins, one draw and one loss.

USC will face the University of Southern Philippines Foundation for the title after the latter edged Philsca, 3-2.