ERCO bags men’s open crown

CEBU, Philippines — ERCO FC clinched the men's open championship with a convincing 2-0 victory over University of San Carlos in the 19th Aboitiz Football Cup last night at the Cebu City Sports Center.

ERCO, composed mainly of graduating senior high school students from Don Bosco Technical College, was aggressive at the start as John Roy Melgo delivered the first goal in the eight minute mark.

The Carolinians tried to even the score, but they never had a chance against the tight defense from ERCO. Julius Acre sealed the sweet victory for ERCO with a goal in the 80th.

Melgo was hailed as the Most Valuable Player while Tam-Tam Ramos got the golden boot award. Joseph Kei Ceniza was named as best goal keeper as Nana was awarded as best defender. USC’s Nery Vinson copped the best midfielder award.

In the battle-for-third, Leylam FC, who missed a grand slam title this year, vented ire on the Rising Sun, 6-2.

Kore Marius got a hat trick via the 18th, 52nd and 58th while teammates Pinto Kaburo added a goal in the 55th, Ene Famous in the 86th and Rene Sanchez in the 89th.

It’s not a sad day after all for the Rising Sun as it claimed the 38-above division championship at the expense of Don Bosco United FC, 1-0. Norman Fegidero scored the lone goal for Rising Sun in the 69th.

Fegidero's efforts got him the MVP award while Hayato Ayabe was named best defender and Larry Chew as the best goal keeper.  DBUFC's Warlo Sabella got the best midfielder award while Harold Buot and Queen City United's Ronald Christopher Loayon shared the golden boot award.

QCU settled for third in the 38-above class with a 6-1 victory over Echelon FC. (FREEMAN)