Canduman (Rocky) beats SHS-J (The Russian Guy)

From Sun.Star Cebu

By Marian C. Baring

Sports Reporter

DONNING makeshift shin guards and worn-out spikes, the M. Lhuillier-Canduman troop look far from impressive. But wait till they take the field.

The squad from Barangay Canduman in Mandaue City was anything but second-rate as it collared the Players 10 title of the 4th Thirsty Football Festival over an equally gritty Sacred Heart School-Jesuit (SHS-J) via a 2-0 penalty shootout in yesterday's emotional final at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"Most of them had to use cardboards, filled with plastics or foam as shin guards," said coach Diomelo Santillan, while herding his group into the truck that would take them back home.

Kickers Mark Felicilda and Clint Ligan may have successfully sank in their goals for the win, but Canduman's goalie JB Malinao was hailed the hero.

"He was already crying during the shootout. Nahadluk siya nga mapildi unya nagsakit na iyang kamot kay niaghubag sugod pa pag semis," said Santillan of Malinao, who, despite playing with a hand injury, still denied SHS-J a chance to score.

For his efforts, Malinao was named the Most Valuable Player for the division.

Meanwhile, San Roque FC's (SRFC’s) winning run continues as it topped the Girls 12 division, which adopts a league-type format. It finished the competition with 2 wins and 2 draws to take the crown.

It won over Dakay Construction, 1-0 and Guiseppe, 1-0, and forced Bright and Canduman Elementary School to scoreless draws.

SRFC's Christine Catarinen was responsible for both victories, scoring all of SRFC's goals for the day. SRFC's midfielder Elsie Ann Juezan, however, was named the MVP for her leadership on the field.

"She showed leadership during the games, which is an important factor," said SRFC coach Jose Antonio Trebol, whose team was backed by Ford Motors.

Over at another pitch, Sabin Veloso slipped into the hero's shoes when he lifted Paref-Springdale to its first victory for the day after winning over M. Lhuillier-Canduman, 2-0.

Veloso, who carried the scoring responsibilities for Springdale was also named the MVP.

Later in the day, Cebu International School claimed its first title courtesy of its Boys 12 team, which overpowered Springdale, 3-2.

Hyung Hun Cho struck first for CIS to lead, 1-0, before Tom Booth pulled off two impressive goals for a 3-0 cushion. Booth's first goal was a direct kick, which entered the top corner of the goal.

His second was a lob, which went over Sprigdale's keeper, completely missing his head.

Springdale retaliated with two back-to-back goals from Andoni Ugarte. The first was a penalty kick and the other a free kick that sneaked past a five-man wall. Time expired, however, before Ugarte could once more work his magic.

The competition continues today with the rest of the divisions, including the Men's and Ladies Open.

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