Cebu-ERCO shoots for second win in PFF-Smart bootfest

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Cebu-ERCO Bro Nationals shoots for their second win and a chance to advance in the national groupings, but they must brace for a tough challenge against Davao’s University of Mindanao-Tagum FC in the Group D action of the PFF-Smart National Club Championships today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

University of Mindanao-Tagum FC and Real Marbel match resulted into a 1-all draw yesterday that makes the Davao squad’s game with Cebu-ERCO a good match as both squads aims to top group D.

The duel between Cebu-ERCO and UM-Tagum FC is set at 2 p.m., after the match pitting Leyte-Laps FC and Cagayan De Oro’s Magis FC at 8 a.m.

Cebu’s bet won their first assignment last Wednesday against Real Marbel, 3-0, but coach Glenn Ramos said that they won’t take the Davaoeños lightly.

UM-Tagum FC has a small line-up, but their quickness and aggressiveness made their team a big threat to the Cebu booters.

“Yes they are small but they can run which makes them dangerous,” said Ramos. “Although it was a draw for them (UM-Tagum FC), it’s still a must win for us.”

Earlier, Laos FC annihilated ABC Stars FC of Naga, Luzon, 10-0. Laos FC zoomed to a 6-0 lead at the end of the first half before adding four more goals in the second half.

With the win, Laos FC took the lead in group E with 1-0 win-loss record, while ABC Stars trailed with 1-1 as the Magis FC remained winless.

The top finishers advanced into the national groupings later this month.

The national groupings will involve five groups plus three United Football League teams - Global FC, Kaya and Loyola Meralco Sparks. They will be split into two brackets, with the top two qualifiers slugging it out in the crossover semis. The winners will then fight for the championship and the P200,000 bounty that goes with it on November 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.–Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)