Antican ends ERCO's reign

CEBU, Philippines - Yves Caballero knocked in a last-minute goal as Antican FC dethroned three-time champion ERCO BRO Nationals, 1-0, to seize the men's open title of the 14th Thirsty Cup football tournament yesteday dawn at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Antican FC, headed by former collegiate star Voltaire Montebon and managed by Ailien Guardo, topped their bracket in the elimination round with a 3-0 record.

 In the round of 16, Antican FC silenced the Rising Sun, 1-0. They then booted out Suzuki FC, 1-0, to set up a semifinal battle between teams that are both backed by Antican herbal supplement.

Antican's Team B eventually prevailed by the slimmest of margins, 5-4, in the penalty shootout.

Thus, Antican arranged a championship showdown with the highly fancied ERCO.

In the final battle, the ERCO booters under the command of coach Glen Ramos were attacking most of the time, but could not convert it to a goal. Compounding their woes was the collapse of their defense towards the end.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, Caballero scored on the last minute following a passing combination by Harold Buot and the Agot brothers Keen and Keer.

 The other members of the triumphant squad were Vic Montebon, Isher Caseras, Charles Richert, Christian Dave Paez, Christian Mellibo, Jules Villahermosa, Carlo Abella, and Vince Dionela.

Though the finale was completed at 2:30 am, Antican FC’s spirits stayed high knowing that their victory is for the benefit of the Children of Cebu Foundation.

 Though he missed a four-peat in the men’s open, coach Ramos still has something to be happy about after his under-19 squad pulled off a 1-0 triumph against a selection of players from different schools.

 Team Phoenix-Warshockz completed the winners list after lording over the boys under-15 age group. (FREEMAN)