ERCO defends men’s crown

CEBU, Philippines – Even without their usual reinforcements from the Philippine Azkals, Team ERCO BRO Nationals still defended its men's open title with flying colors at the close of the 12th Thirsty Football Cup late Sunday night at the Cebu City Sports Center.

After grinding through a 3-1 victory via penalty shootout over Don Bosco Alumni-A, ERCO BRO sustained its momentum on the way to crush We United FC, 2-0, in the championship.

Stephene Meleke and Dan Villarico delivered the winning goals for ERCO BRO.

Villarico's consistent performance all throughout this Cebu Football Association-sanctioned event earned him the coveted MVP trophy.

It was ERCO BRO's third title as it earlier topped the 38-above and boys 23-under categories.

On the other hand, Lanie Amistoso led the charge as the Aficionados de Futbol snared the women's open tiara with a 2-0 whacking of Chicos United.

Paref-Springdale grabbed the boys 18 crown after beating Don Bosco Technology Center, 2-0, while the girls side was topped by Santa Barbara of Iloilo also at the expense of he Bosconians.

Silent operator Sabin Veloso bagged the MVP award in the boys 18 division, while Laurence Soriano was feted with such honor in the girls side.

The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, for its part, dominated the girls 15 age group after trouncing Real Galaxy, 3-0, with Arantxa Trebol earning the MVP honors.

The other category winners in the three-day tilt were Don Bosco in the mixed under-7, 9 and boys 15, Xavier School of Manila in the mixed under 11, Bright Academy in the boys 13, and San Roque FC in the girls 23. (FREEMAN)