Bacolod XI holds off NCR

PANAAD, Bacolod, Philippines -- Tournament favorite Bacolod played a great first 45 minutes before they survived a furious challenge by the National Capital Region Team B in the second half to open their PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup quarterfinals campaign with a 2-1 win.

Joshua Beloya, Bacolod’s attacking midfielder, scored his seventh goal in four matches when he pounced on a mistake by NCR’s defense which did not react to a loose ball just outside the box. Beloya quickly collected the loose ball and volleyed it past keeper Patrick Deyto for the first goal with only six minutes gone by.

In the 32nd minute, striker Jovin Bedic scored on a brilliant three-touch play, to put the home side up 2-nil.