Cebu Football - Still in the hunt (Thirsty Cup)

By Edri K. Aznar

DEFENDING champion University of San Carlos (USC) survived the first round of the tournament as it entered the round-of-16 of the Men’s Open division in the 7th Thirsty Football Cup after knocking out San Roque FC (SRFC).

USC edged out SRFC, 1-0, following a lone goal by ace striker Kyle Soriano.

Soriano banged in the rebound from point-blank range in the ninth minute after the first shot bounced off the SRFC keeper.

However, yesterday’s contest came at a cost to them as their keeper Paolo Pascual got injured during their morning game.

Pascual, who was the starting keeper for the Philippines’ Under 19 team last year, dislocated his right clavicle after getting crushed by a striker in a scramble.

The other teams that advanced to the round-of-16 were Queen City United (QCU) A, QCU B, Don Bosco Alumni C, Don Bosco Alumni D, Consolacion FC, San Roque Royal United, Vudu A, Jcad, Toledo FC, Leyte FC, Team 53, Magone FC, Boys High, Tsuneishi and Uptown United.

The round-of-16, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship matches were set to be played late last night.

On the other hand, Rodney Orale’s newly-formed team, Samareno-Erco, added another crown to its winning run in the Cebu football scene as it won the 40-and-Above division after beating Consolacion United FC, 1-0.

Former national team member Glenn Ramos scored the only goal of the game for Samareño-Erco in the finals.

Samareño-Erco also won the 38-and-Above category of the recently finished Aboitiz Football Cup.

Defending champion Paref-Springdale retained its title in the Players 10 division after beating Don Bosco Yellow, 3-2, in a penalty shootout.

Paref-Springdale earned a slot in the finals after edging out Giuseppe FC, 2-1, while Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Yellow defeated sister team Don Bosco White, 1-0, in the semifinal round.

DBTC had more luck in the younger divisions as it grabbed the crown in the Boys 17 category after crushing visiting Foundation University, 3-0.

Giuseppe FC also bagged the trophy of the Girls 17 division after escaping through a 1-0 penalty shootout thriller over Sta. Rita.


Sun Star Cebu