THE CEBU 23-Under men’s team made a statement after crushing host Dumaguete City, 5-2, in the Philippine Football Federation-Suzuki U23 National Cup yesterday.
After a dismal start in the tournament, suffering two straight losses to Iloilo and Bacolod City, the Cebuanos went out with a bang by beating Dumaguete City, 5-2, in its turf.
“They played great. They were very organized,” Cebu 23-Under coach Eleazar Toledo told Sun.Star Cebu. “We really aimed to win against the host team.”
Cebu immediately took the lead in the first half with scores from Jess Rey Melgo, who just returned after being suspended for a game, and Joseph Rodriguez. However, Dumaguete City managed to bang in two goals to level the match before halftime.
Cebu was determined to win its last match of the tournament and scored all three goals in the second half from Rodriguez, Jolito Lucena and Joven Reyes.
After the victory, Cebu overtook Dumaguete City for third place with six points. Cebu is only behind second placer Iloilo on goal difference.
Bacolod City, which has nine points, will most likely be crowned the winner of the competition after edging out Iloilo, 1-0, yesterday.
Toledo said Cebu still has a slim chance of capturing second place if Dumaguete City beats Iloilo today by more than four goals.
“I hope Dumaguete wins,” said Toledo.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 19, 2011.
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Sorry Cebu, NORFA needs to beat Iloilo by more than 10 goals.
ReplyDeleteNo more excuses, the current NORFA team is out of shape. Some are fat and couldn't run fast. They dont train hard. They don't have heart. They can manage to laugh when their opponents score against them. Walang pride. I'm disgusted to see these bunch of losers, they are not a speck of dust of the team for yesteryears. Ngayon lng natatalo ang Dumaguete ng ganito. Dick Emperado should change this, masisira ang football history and reputation ng Dumaguete.
ReplyDeleteDumaguete has lost it's identity as a football power in the country for quite some time now. Once a powerhouse, now just a shadow from it's past. No structured training for basic skills and technique, just playing most of the time. Too much in fighting and egos invloved among current coaches, football officials and former players. No encouragement and dedication to help bring out the best of current players. Until such time when everyone will be united to have a common goal, Dumaguete will never reach that level again.
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