BGY. Bubukal, Sta. Cruz, Laguna- Two standouts from La Salle Zobel and University of Santo Tomas scored quick goals in the first half to power Global FC to a 3-1 triumph over Jaro Iloilo FC yesterday at the Laguna Sports Complex here.
Justine Pena and Kyler Escobar came in quick and fast in the first 10 minutes to lead Global FC to the 16-under boys’ crown of the PNB Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational Finals.
Pena, an 11th grader from La Salle Zobel, struck in the 6th minute after receiving an assist from Jianndel Molina.
Then, Escobar, a 10th graders from UST, drove in a ball that was dropped by the opposing goalkeeper for the second goal in the 9th minute.
“We went for quick attacks. That’s why the the first goal was from the corner,” said Global FC coach Elvin Marcellano.
A total of 16 teams saw action in this five-a-side tournament, which is for 14-under and 16-under age brackets for both boys and girls.
Global FC went on the offensive right after the Jaro booters drew first blood with a goal from Jose Ma. Bellosillo in the fifth minute.
They wrapped the game up in their favor in the second half after Basmayor charged away in the 18th minute.
The tournament is staged by Allianz PNB Life, Inc., in partnership with the Henry V. Moran Foundation and in coordination with the Philippine Football Federation.
Fontevedra of Negros Occidental took the 16-under girls’ honors following a 2-1 win over Cordillera FC, with Sandy Matunding scoring the two winning goals.
Laguna got two goals from David Pahud to knock out Dipolog, 3-1, in the battle for the 14-under boys’ honors, while Cebu bagged the 4-under girls’ plum with a 2-0 triumph over Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation FC.
The tournament aims to promote youth and sports development in the country, according to Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz Branding Communications and Digital Director.
Organizers later announced the qualifiers to the Allianz Junior Football Camp Team Pinas Selection– eight deserving kids who were chosen from the tournament to participate in the AJFC in Thailand this July.