Davao FA blanks Bacolod, 4-0

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan Saturday, April 21, 2012

THE Davao Football Association (Davao FA) took a well-deserved rest Friday after posting its second straight win against Bacolod City, 4-0, in the ongoing Philippine U13 Girls Selection Tournament at the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium in Mansilungan, Bacolod City on Thursday.

Moira Calizo led the charge for the Reynalyn Ravanes-coached Davao squad by hitting a goal in the eighth minute via a cross from Therese Reyes. Calizo scored her second goal in the 23rd courtesy of Patricia Francisco's cross. Zuleika Yee of Philippine Academy of Sakya, meanwhile, started the ball rolling for Davao with a free kick outside the penalty box in the sixth minute as Joannah Adao netted a follow-up goal from a Reyes attempt in the 36th. Davao plays Dumaguete City at 2 p.m. today, Saturday. Coach Ravanes said in Filipino: "We can beat Dumaguete as long as the players give their best in the game." She said Dumaguete is a strong team but they are prepared for them. "We've seen them (Dumaguete) play. They are very good. We will use the same strategy from our last game against them - offside trapping of back four and quick pass to wing or strikers from the midfield so we can penetrate the goals," Ravanes said in text messages on Friday.

The Dabawenyas opened their bid with a rousing 4-1 victory over Rizal Football Association (Rifa) Manila. Ravanes will also lean on reliable mainstays Elizabeth Santos of Tambayan Football Club, Bea Deluna, Kyra Gabnete, Kyra Paronda, Michaela Co, Drew Datumanong, Sonia Paredes, Jade Carasig, Arwen Allado, Felice Tuazon, Joyce Semacio and Kim Villacencio. Analou Ingles and Mica Corrales complete the coaching staff.

Top players may be selected for the national team that will compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Girls Festival of Football set in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in June.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 21, 2012.