SHS-Ateneo, Lahug FC top age groups in Aboitiz Cup

CEBU, Philippines - The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and Lahug FC shared the spotlight after topping their respective age groups in the 16th Aboitiz Cup football tournament yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

SHS-AdC prevailed over the University of San Carlos-Basic Education via a 2-1 cliffhanger to clinch the championship in the under-11 division.

SHS-AdC's John Rufin broke the ice of the match at the 18th, but USC scored before the end of the regulation period to forge an extension.

John's brother James stepped up bigtime to seal SHS-AdC's victory at the 46th.

Aside from winning the title, SHS-AdC's Matthew Suico was also named MVP, while Elliot Selman emerged as the best scorer  with 20 goals throughout the season. Kylle Ranitti was the best goal keeper, USC's Jaypee Flores the best midfielder, and Mark Canedo the best defender.

In the battle for third, Don Bosco Technology Center-1 bested Lahug FC, 2-0.

Lahug FC, however scored sweet revenge of sort after it slammed DBTC-D, 2-1, to reign supreme in the under-9 category.

Lahug's John Vincent Tajanlangit found the back of the net with just seven minutes gone by in the game, but got things complicated when he scored on their own goal at the 13th.

Fortunately, Lahug's bets quicky bounced back behind the efforts of Daniel Josol.

The topmost MVP honors went to Lahug's John Daniel Betinol, while his teammate Nikki Apura was the best goal keeper.

DBTC claimed the other three special awards through Alexander Villarosa (best scorer), Joseph Garces (best midfielder), and Joross Tabar (best defender). The topmost MVP honors went to Lahug's John Daniel Betinol, while his teammate Nikki Apura was the best goal keeper.

In the under-15 class, DBTC barged into the final round after it blanked Paref-Springdale in the penalty shootout, 3-0.

In under-13 games, SHS-AdC posted a 1-0 win against Warshockz, Suba-basbas dumped Inayawan, 7-0, DBTC-1 silenced Phoenix FC, 3-0, while Guiseppe whipped Springdale, 4-0.

Springdale though hurdled its assignment in the boys 18 against Liloan,5-0, while Alcoy upended Mactan Camellanz,3-0 (FREEMAN)