Little Azkals rule: Defend boys 14 title in Thirsty Football Festival

CEBU, Philippines - The Leylam-sponsored Little Azkals of Cebuano coach Oliver Colina lived up to their lofty billing after they blanked Don Bosco Technology Center, 3-0, to successfully defend their title in the boys 14 category of the 10th Thirsty Football Festival yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The boys 14 is one of the most participated divisions in this three-day joust with 36 other squads vying for top honors.

Cebu's pride Laurence “Soy-soy” Colina and Major Dean Ebarle knocked in one goal each, while Manila’s Marc Winhoffar produced the third goal for the Little Azkals.

In the distaff side, the San Carlos City lady booters took home the coveted tiara after edging out Ateneo de Davao.

In the boys 19 final, the Abellana National School-Pomeroy triumphed over Silliman University of Dumaguete City, 1-0,thanks to heroics of Tom Booth. In the women's bracket of the same age group, the University of San Carlos-Green bagged the title after posting bigger points than its sister team USC-White.

Hiroshi FC, on the other hand, provided the biggest drama of the day after it throned ERCO, 2-1, via penalty shootout to emerge as the new champion in the 42-above class.

It was a huge win for Hiroshi over a tough ERCO side reinforced by some players from the Philippine Air Force. Aside from their great defensive effort, the credit also goes to Hiroshi’s goalkeeper Joseph Generoso as he was clever enough in fending off every attempt by ERCO.

Over at DBTC field in Brgy. Punta Princesa, the Davao Eagles clawed the Center for International Education (CIE) Lions of Tacloban via shootout, 2-1, to snatch the players 8 crown. (FREEMAN)