PFF U23 - Davao del Norte 2-3 Compostela Valley

Compostela Valley FA (CVFA) Gold beat Davao del Norte FA (DNFA) Dragons 3-2 yesterday, April 22, 2012 during the U-23 Suzuki Cup Qualifiers held at the Energy Park in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.The neck-to-neck to match was a hard fought one. Erick Giganto of CVFA drew first blood with a goal on the 14th minute. An equalizer was made 8 minutes later by Jonathan Caberto of DNFA. The first half ended with draw of 1-1.

Just a minute after receiving a yellow card, Quer Generoso smoothly scored a goal for CVFA - gaining a golden edge against the Dragons. The latter did not waiver and continued to spur fire as Janel Mera's ball found the back of the net on the 64th minute. Eight minutes after, Erick Giganto once again flashed his golden boot as he scored yet another goal. The game ended with the home team, one goal short of drawing the visiting team. CVFA got 2 yellow cards for this match while DNFA got 1. Compostela Valley Gold's victory proved that the Dragons fire was not strong enough to melt the rock-solid Gold.

More than two thousand spectators braved the intermittent rain just to support the two teams. Among them were the past President of CVFA, Hon. Gov. Arturo Uy; Tyrone Uy, Provincial Sports Coordinator; Engr. Abenir Labja, CVFA President/PFF BOG; Mr. Giovanni Gulanes representing Davao del Norte's Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario; DNFA President Rene Cosmod with its Board and Club Officers and members; Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy; First Councilor Hon. De Carlo L. Uy; and Tagum City Tourism Chairperson Madame Alma Uy.

Since it was also the Southern Mindanao Launching of the U-23 Suzuki Cup, top officials and staff of Suzuki including Mr. Satoshi Uchida, the President of Suzuki Philippines; Mr. Shuzo Hoshikura the General Manager for Sales and Marketing; Ms. Ma. Jewela Borromeo the Head for Advertising and Promotions; and Mr. Ramil Mulay the Event Specialist were also present.

Special guests of the occasion were Ian Araneta and Roel Gener of the Philippine Azkals who were preoccupied with signing autographs and posing with avid football fanatics. The Head of the Philippine Football Federation's (PFF) Competitions Department, Mr. Cyril Dofitas and Mr. Erwin Protacio, the U-23 Tournament Director also graced the event with their presence.

Over thirty media men from Southern Mindanao covered the said event.

By: Jane Ivy S. Cosmod

Assistant Match Commissioner