CESAFI FOOTBALL UV dethrones USJ-R

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Booters ended the four-year reign of University of San Jose-Recolotes (USJ-R) yesterday, blanking the defending champion, 4-0, in the Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation, Inc. football at the Sacred Heart School-Jesuit field.

Four years of hard work and patience paid up for UV, after always finishing third in the previous CESAFI meetings, bowing to USJ-R in the semifinal round.

"It's the fruit of our investment. We have sacrificed for the last three years. With two more players coming in, we hope for a stronger line-up next year. This will be our birthday gift to Sir Eddie Gullas," said coach Eddie Buot.

Junard Aguilar opened fire for UV as he sneaked past two USJ-R defenders before he struck a cross kick and gave his team its first goal at the 22nd minute.

In turn, USJ-R managed to close in, however, keeper Frederick Alazas staved off two attempts to keep them scoreless.

The game went more aggressive in the second half with USJ-R keeping on pushing but the tough defense of UV barred them from getting through.

Julius Acre made a follow from a cross kick to sneak in UV's second goal to make it 2-0, and fifteen minutes after, his older brother Kurt extended its lead to 3-0 behind a penalty kick.

A goal by USJ-R player ended UV's bid as it sealed the game, 4-0.

Jade Paghubasan could have saved USJ-R from total humiliation but each close assault was always denied by Alazas, the last ditch effort was a breakaway shot but was saved by Vermonel Resuena before Alazas went for a dive.

On the other hand, University of San Carlos squeaked past University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 3-2, in the battle for third.

USC poured all its three goals in the first half with Jose Leon Tan breaking the ice at the 4th minute, while Jacob Canada chipped in at the 18th and 36th minute.