CEBU, Philippines - The Queen City United Football Club–B weaved one big surprise after it dethroned early title favorite University of San Carlos (USC) to capture the men’s open championship of the 7th Thirsty Cup football tournament the other day at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The Jose Mari Colmenares-mentored Queen City United FC-B tamed USC, 1-0, courtesy of the game-killing goal of Masahiko Yagi.
During the early minutes of the game, QCU and USC both employed tight defense resulting into a scoreless draw at halftime. As the match progressed, Martin Bontia issued a nifty assist to Yagi at the center area. Yagi succeeded in punching a goal via upper center kick to the delight of his comrades and the small throng of well-wishers.
“The game was so unpredictable. We were not expecting at first that we will get the title since we’re facing the defending champions. But when we scored a goal by Yagi, it served as the morale-booster of the team to strengthen their defense so as not to allow USC to score,” said Colmenares.
“The fight was really good and the players had a great performance since we practice thrice a week and they just came from the Aboitiz Cup. I guess they’re really conditioned for this tournament. We prayed and worked hard for this,” Colmenares added.
Queen City United FC proceeded into the final round after booting out Don Bosco Alumni Football Club, while USC advanced after terminating Philippine Army.
On the other hand, the visiting teams from Dumaguete City and Iligan reigned supreme in the ladies open and 36-above classes, respectively.
Dumaguete’s Foundation University Football Club secured the ladies open tiara after outlasting University of St. La Salle (USLS)- Bacolod, 1-0, while Iligan FC nipped the JCAD-sponsored San Roque booters, 2-1, to bag the 36-above crown. (FREEMAN NEWS)