The Cesafi finals

USC will take on USJ-R for the title, and UV will face USP-F for the third place trophy.

Interestingly, both teams semifinal matches ended in draws.

And, in the Sept. 10 Cesafi matches, all four teams figured in a draw. USC drew with USJ-R, 0-0, and USP-F caught up with UV, 2-2.

I'm rooting for USC to win, simply because I am a USC alumni.

But here's my take.

USC will have a complete lineup, while USJ-R loses one player through a red card, and another (Jade Paghubasan, I think) is questionable because of an injury. That win against UV was a confidence-booster for USC, while USJ-R's win against USP-F, almost came by accident as USJ-R was expected to simply roll over the Panthers.

What the heck, I'd be there. I hope it won't last till 6 as I have other responsibilities.

But guess what, I'd bet a case of beer that no Cesafi big shot will there.

Why?

Because it ain't basketball.

Comments

Anonymous said…
USPF holding USJR to a draw in regulation plus extra time wasn't a big surprise. Ilying knows Bono's tactics well, being a USJR alum himself. he knows how to defend against USJR. he just lacked offensive players to challenge.

here's my take on the finals.

USJR's offense lives and dies by their wingers (buglosa brothers) and single striker (either intong or cano). they have 3 attacking midfielders and a defensive half in a diamond formation to clog up the middle and start their plays. their tactic is to have at least 3 men controlling the ball thru short passing. bono is not a big fan of the long ball, but is a follower of methodical advances and getting the ball to both sides before dumping it to the middle.

USJR likes to start their play at right or left backfield then middle-wing-middle-wing-middle-thru striker or backfield-middle-wing-middle-other side-cross. defensively, USC should look to pressure their left and right center midfielders so that USJR will be forced to attack via the sideline to minimize their midfield from controlling the tempo. the defensive concept of USC would have to be - "prevent the USJR midfield from starting their plays. let their wingers start their play. their offensive options will be lessened."

USC has a lot of young and overly eager players. the veteran USJR squad will no doubt take advantage of that. i haven't seen a lot of USC games but i am familiar with many of the players. USC should try not to rush their plays. USJR has a back 3 but their wingers (the buglosa brothers) are also very good at defending the wings. USC should take note on how UV dismantled the USJR defense last year. UV did not attack directly thru the middle but they ran a diagonal and perpendicular attack that saw 2-3 USJR players running across the field chasing junard aguilar thus opening up their center for the acre brothers. USJR has no Kim Relucio, Henk Ruiz nor Bong Aller anymore to sweep any mistakes made by the fullbacks and defensive halfs so Kyle Soriano should make use of his speed and look for opportunities in the middle.

USC will live and die with their young players. if they get frustrated and forget the game plan then it's game over for them. tirol and bacolod in particular should play heads up, since they will be facing the buglosa brothers at the sides. if they falter, and USC's midfield will be forced to cover for them, then USJR will have 4 players in the middle waiting for crosses.

yeheyy, adto ko thursday. bahala na ang trabaho. i'm a USC alum but i have friends in the USJR squad. adto lang ko laban sa mo daug.
Anonymous said…
i still go with my almamater....though the game will be played still, i am hoping as an alumni the kicking jaguars will win the crown..

keep it jaguars....play good football
Anonymous said…
san jose is playing 4-5-1 now thats wat my nephew tells me...and i know babot knows wats the good for the players and i believe in him,hes good...

some of the new players of USJR AND the old ones will step up to win the crown,and again the ball is round and the game will still be played.. may the best team wins...
Anonymous said…
Guys, hold your horses... Looks like, USC is way behind here?? Have youve seen them play, do you? Have you seen the elimination game between USC and USJR? Its a draw! But, USC ALMOST win through a penalty missed by #12! So, Lets see.. But mind you, USC has been hungry for the crown, so better watch... What year that they've last win the title? refresh my memory pls.
Anonymous said…
1999 or 2000 i thoink..against usjr..against us that time...the very nice with usjr is that we will be at the championship seat all the time,either win or lose...champion or 1st runner thast very nice...that indicates that us players from san jose are good,good team play and bonding....lol

im just telling the truth
Anonymous said…
i agree with totot that usjr is almost always assured of a championship seat or a runner-up seat in the cesafi...but mind you, usc is also usjr's fiercest rival for the crown...they are always at usjr's tail...but those glory days are over...that was when richard montayre was still the trainor and head coach of the golden booters...but we'll never know...maybe the new head coach of usc will be able to make wonders...let's just wait and see...i am an alumna of usc but i don't mind having usjr as the champions, again...:)
Anonymous said…
WHO WILL PREVAIL? WHO WILL BE THE CHAMPION IN TODAYS CESAFI?

MAY THE GOOD TEAM WIN...
Anonymous said…
hehehehe yup you are mick usc is our feirsist rival and i agree with that because on how many times in CAAA have we encountered,and either they are the champs or us THE JAGUARS..

hope to see the jaguars being the champs again...

usjr play in the ground and builds up evrytime and thats wat i can be proud of...we are alwasy assured and i am confident to say that...that is where when our time and until now...

you can see it also,josenians are proud of the football team we have...

for now,i am with san roque and will develop to play good football,i know its not possible,but i still i support my alma mater...

mao gud na nagpaskwela ug nakapagrad naku..proud ko..

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