Hiroshi FC grabs Aboitiz men's title

Hiroshi Football Club reasserted its dominance despite scoring a 2-all draw with Crazy Horse in the hotly contested championship match of the Aboitiz Men's Football League at the San Roque Football field in Mandaue City.

Actually, Hiroshi only needed to tie its game against Crazy Horse after both teams share the lead in division A with 15 points and 29 goal difference. However, Hiroshi scored more goals with 31 against Crazy Horse's 30.

This year turned out be a lucky and fruitful one for Hiroshi as it snatched sixth championship titles including the Thirsty Football Cup, Shangrila Futsal Tournament and Cebu International School Fiesta Cup, to name a few.

Hiroshi put up an early defense off a looping cross by Vermonel Resueña from the left flank that sent the ball directly in front of Junard Aguilar, swiftly sneakin in past goalkeeper Jesus Singson Jr. to put them ahead, 1-0.

But Crazy Horse found an answer on Rannuel Colina at the 13th minute to equalize the match 1-all.

The game also went a little physical with two of its players each incurring yellow cards.

A hard push by defender Kim Relucio against Aguilar paid off dearly for the team dearly as he sent the latter in the penalty box off a foul.

Aguilar banged in a flawless kick as the hapless Singson could only watch the ball get into the goal for Hiroshi's second score 2-1 at the 24th minute.

Crazy Horse was aggressive in the offense by tying the count again, coming from a free kick by Ayabe Hayato at the 28th minute for a 2-all deadlock.

In the second half, Hiroshi and Crazy Horse put a more solid defense as they kept its goals clear despite several close attempts, however, Hiroshi got luckier as the time expires to earned again a chance to represent Cebu to the PFF Men's Regional finals next year.

"It's a very nice game, very excellent climax. Both teams deserved to win," said coach Eddie Buot.

Buot said their team is more prepared to represent in the regional championship for a chance to the nationals and are still mulling on picking up players from other teams.