Blazers blank Chiefs 4-0 to grab solo lead in NCAA football

MANILA, Philippines – St. Benilde blanked defending champion Arellano University, 4-0, on Thursday to snatch the solo lead in the seniors division of the 92nd NCAA football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Football Field in Manila.

Mark Edenziel Velizano unloaded a double to help power the Blazers to their fourth straight win and to the top ahead of the Chiefs, the reigning titlists.

The Taft-based booters and the Chiefs were actually tied with 12 match points apiece but the former had a higher goal differential of 28 against the latter's 11.

St. Benilde could complete a sweep and clinch the first round pennant if it could hurdle San Beda, last year's runner up which is also currently unbeaten with three wins and nine points, on Monday.

The Red Booters could jump to the top if they could defeat the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in their match at press time by three goals or more.

The Blazers are seeking their first championship since going all the way seven seasons ago and third overall.

Velizano set the tone early with an 18th minute goal while Daniel Caesar Liozo made it a 2-0 lead at halftime thanks to a 29th minute rocket.

Velizano scored again on the 50th minute before Carmelo Vicente Ginco wrapped it with a very late goal.