Davao Football - Medvil captures 23-U Acer title

MULTI-titled Medvil beat Seagull-Porky's Lechon (SPL), 6-4, via penalty shootout to capture the 23-Under Acer Cup 2010 crown at the Tionko football grounds over the weekend.

Columbia crushed Kilusang Magkaibigan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KMMPC), 8-1, for third place in the league presented by Acer Philippines in cooperation with the Davao Football Association (DFA) and Columbia Computer Center.

Medvil's Joey Arobo knocked in a goal in the fifth minute after a series of combination passes with Rhoelfred Napuran and Jomar Acedo.

SPL, however, tightened its defense as Glen Bulaquina and his teammates foiled Medvil's offensive thrusts. But SPL defender Junard Pinonggan was sent out of the game after punching Medvil striker Jomar Acedo in the 18th minute.

Clifford Dacera of SPL forced a 1-1 standoff by scoring the penalty mark in the 71st minute.

With both teams tied at the end of regulation, they engaged in the inevitable penalty shootout where Medvil prevailed, 5-3.

Medvil's Frances Jay Abrasaldo, Emmanuel Brisson, Dominador Tato IV, Napuran and Ruben Razid Said all scored as they kicked in that order.

SPL, meanwhile, scored on Emerson Roy Demegillo, Tata Benitez and Bulaquina while Jovem Benitez missed.

DFA general secretary Erwin Protacio said SPL need not have a fifth kicker, saying, "Even if SPL's last kicker will score, the team still could no longer catch up with Medvil."

The Ramonito "Lalas" Carreon-coached Medvil received a cash prize of P5,000, medals and FIFA World Cup replica trophy while runner-up SPL settled for P3,000 and medals.

Columbia got P2,000 and medals for placing third during the awarding rites graced by Acer Philippines president and country manager Manuel Wong, Columbia Computer senior sales manager Ivan John Caballero and DFA president Rafael "Pops" Vilela.

Arobo copped the most valuable player (MVP) honors and went home with a miniature FIFA World Cup replica trophy, Acer computer laptop and Nokia mobile phone.

Best goalkeeper Ruel Napuran, best defender Bulaquina and best midfielder Rhoelfred Napuran of Medvil along with best striker Francisco Iligan of SPL also received miniature FIFA World Cup replica trophies and Nokia mobile phones.

Best referee Danny Boy Fernandez, on his part, was awarded with a digital sports stop watch and Nokia mobile phone.(MLSA)

Sun Star Davao