CEBU, Philippines - The title hopes of Cebu's Queen City United (QCU) FC vanished right in its own backyard after it suffered a heart-breaking 3-1 defeat at the hands of Pachanga FC in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart National Club Championships yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Pachanga FC of coach Bob Salvacion drew first blood when Joven Bedic scored on a header at the 38th, giving the Manila visitors the confidence they needed playing before a large crowd cheering their hearts out for QCU.
The match became more interesting when QCU's Samson Olaniyi finished off a cross from Junard Aguilar with a minute into injury time, sending the match into a 1-1 deadlock.
After the short break, Salvacion's wards continued their relentless offensive that left QCU mostly on the defensive end.
QCU managed to stage daring counter-attacks, but could not convert on their chances.
Pachanga eventually seized a 2-1 lead courtesy of a free kick by Jason Conliffe right at the 67th.
Coach Salvacion then sent in Mario Javier Clarino to replace Bedic midway in the second half. His ploy yielded positive result as Clarino made his presence felt by knocking in Pachanga's third and final goal via penalty kick.
Pachanga, thus, advanced to the quarterfinal round of the national tournament bankrolled by Smart Communications. (FREEMAN)