For the first time, local football received international attention.
The ASEAN Football Federation official website bannered the final action in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Incorporated (CESAFI) between USJ-R and the University of San Carlos.
The site, www.aseanfootball.org, ran the story “USJ-R Regain Cebu Schools Cup” and reported how USJ-R finally beat archrival USC 2-0 in the final match.
The story went to relate how USJ-R tried in the last two years to regain the title, only to be stopped cold by USC every time. Furthermore, the story described how USJ-R’s Robert Mamac and Anselmo Pulmones netted the winning goals.
The news item came out with an action picture of a USJ-R player vying for the ball during the final match.
The story was one of the only two stories about the Philippines featured in the site for 2007; the other was about the candidacy of former Filipino international player Mariano Araneta, Jr. for the presidency of the Philippine Football Federation.
“Yes, it is the first time in ASEAN football site. We are happy that Cebu football is recognized in international level,” said Jonathan Maximo, president of the Cebu Football Association and the tournament manager of CESAFI Football tournament.