THE National Capital Region (NCR) continued to lead the way in the National Under-19 Football Cup at the San Julio Realty Field in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, after it topped its division with a 10-1 rout of Naga-Camarines Sur on Wednesday.
NCR’s Emmanuel Arre scored only in the match’s third minute. Although Naga’s Sterling Witecombe answered eight minutes later with a strike of his own, the Manilans’ Alvin Obero immediately negated the goal.
The goal put NCR firmly in control as Antonio Celdran put his side on top with a close-range blast in the 23rd minute.
Obero received a pass from midfield to successfully add another point six minutes later. Naga threatened once more following a perfect left cross by Witecombe found target man Robin Espena. The header unfortunately went straight to the NCR ’keeper.
Halftime ended 5-1 in favor of the Manilans.
The second half saw the entry of NCR’s six-foot-five center striker Reuben Saldua of the College of Saint Benilde. The Marlon Maro-coached squad renewed their attack that yielded positive results to fashion out the rout. Sebastian Gonzales, Paul Salenga (who scored a hat trick), and Saldua all combined for the final tally.
In the day’s other match, Iloilo and North Cotabato entertained the fans with a closely fought contest but it was the Visayan team that wound up victorious with a late goal, 1-0.
U-23 tournament a success
Suzuki Philippines clarified it is not dissatisfied with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) because of the controversy that marred the Bacolod-Iloilo Under-23 national finals last weekend which Bacolod won at its home turf of Panaad.
“We will not deny being affected by the controversy that hounded the tournament,” said Eilleen Esteban, Suzuki Philippines PR officer. “But it didn’t come to a point of being angry nor ‘disgruntled’ as it may appear in the context of the news that came out.”
The finals series between Bacolod and Iloilo saw the two football giants file separate protests regarding the controversial extension period in the first finals match in Iloilo following a 1-1 draw. The game in extra time saw Bacolod come out on top, 3-1. The PFF initially restored the score to 1-1 before allowing the 3-1 score to stand.
Despite the problems, Suzuki, the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company, believes that the problems encountered are all part of the birth pains of the first national tournament in years.
“Yes, we understand that the first tournament is not going to be perfect and we have to go through the proverbial birth pains,” added Esteban. “There are things that need to be polished but as we said, overall—we are optimistic and see the Suzuki Cup as a success.
