Ateneo booters rule RIFA U-10 tourney

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo Grade School football team thwarted Claret in the penalty shootout and hacked out a 2-1 victory to capture the Rizal Football Association (RIFA) 10-and-under division crown at the British School Football Fields last weekend.

Ateneo actually controlled the game all throughout but just couldn’t score, enabling Claret to force a scoreless draw after the regulation period.

But the Ateneo booters, handled by new coach Sean Alli, pulled through in the shootout to clinch the crown.

On their way to the finals, Ateneo whisked off Xavier in the quarters and survived a tough Southridge squad in the semifinals.

The Blue Booters displayed a more balanced attack all throughout the tournament from ace strikers Andy Roxas and Carlos Romualdez who combined with their pesky wing players Terran Chato, Maio Castaneda, Keonne Abalos, and Amos Magsumbol. Anchoring Ateneo’s defense are Diego Abastillas, Enzo Zialcita, Karlo Paredes, Third Ramirez, and goalkeepers Vanjo Versoza and Bryce Bernabe as the Blue Booters yielded just three goals in 12 games during the three-month long tournament.

They dominated and controlled the midfield behind veteran players Carlos Tinio, Dov Carino, Anton Gosiengfiao, Mattie Bernabe and Keon Maniego who combined their strength and combination play to outclass their rivals.

The RIFA league, the premiere football tournament for boys and girls, was participated by more than 20 teams and 15 schools in Metro Manila.