Aboitiz Football Cup: QCU bags men's open crown

CEBU, Philippines - The Queen City United FC dethroned Crazy Horse via a close 2-1 decision to snatch the men's open championship of the 14th Aboitiz Football Cup yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

It was truly a great weekend for the QCU booters as last Saturday they walloped the Lions Meltique Beef FC, 4-1, to remain at No.3 in the Second Division of the United Football League (UFL) played at the University of Makati (UMak).

The QCU bets only had a few hours to rest in between games in Manila and Cebu, but they still squeezed out enough energy to upset the defending champion.

QCU’s victory did not come in handy as Crazy Horse also gave its best to size up the powerhouse squad.

QCU knocked in the first goal of the game courtesy of Bluey Arriola at the 16th. Crazy Horse, however, sank the equalizer at the 42nd through Bernard Rotich on a nifty pass from former Azkal Joshua Fegidero.

 With just two minutes gone by in the second half, Dan Marnel Villarico drilled in the go-ahead goal for the Queen City United.

Crazy Horse tried to get even again, but time was not on its side. Perhaps out of desperation, Crazy Horse's goalie Alex Buanghug pulled the shirt of Villarico in an attempt to prevent the latter from scoring. As a result, he was slapped with a red card with five minutes left to play.

In UFL, QCU of coach Mario Ceniza firmed up its grip of the third sport with 25 points and inched closer to No. 1 Pachanga FC (31 points) and Diliman Victory Liner FC (29 points).

Rommel Cuizon and Ariel Cahilig gave the Cebuanos a 2-0 lead following goals in a 10-minute starting on the 22nd minute before Issachar Mozol booted one in on the 36th minute to cut the Lions' deficit to just one, 1-2, at half time.

Roland John Bangayan and Dan Villarico came through with a couple of goals on the 78th and 82nd minute, respectively, to help Cebu put away the Lions while nailing their eighth win against a draw and two losses.

Lions Meltique Beef FC remained at joint 10th spot with Manila All-Japan FC with seven points apiece. - THE FREEMAN