Negros, Masbate win PFF Suzuki Cup opener

IT WAS a great start for home-squad Ceres-Negros Selection after beating the National Capital Region, 2-1, in the Group A quarterfinals of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki Under-23 National Cup at the Panaad Park and Stadium football pitch in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City on Friday.

The Negros Selection stunned NCR Team B with its opening goal in the early 6th minute of the game from striker Fil-American Joshua Beloya off a cross from Michael Pacete on the left wing.
Not even the presence of Philippine Football Team Azkals mainstays Yannick Tuason and David Basa shook the Negrenses’ composure. The locals took control of the first half and aggressively attacked NCR inside the box. They also executed good passes and tight defense.

Negros made another goal opportunity in the 32nd minute as Jovin Bedic skillfully received the shot from the corner, then eluded NCR’s goalkeeper Patrick Deyto and scored Ceres-Negros’ second goal.

“It was not an easy victory for us, as the NCR squad was equally tough and they have a very good goalkeeper. Although we only had several days of practice, the players were able to play together as a team,” Negros Selection coach Norman Fegidero Jr. said.

Even as he lauded his players for coming out strong in the first half and scoring two goals, Fegidero said he was not satisfied with the team’s performance in the second half which allowed NCR to score in the 74th minute, courtesy of Raymark Fernandez.

“There were some lapses on the defense and we yielded several opportunities to NCR,” Fegidero said.

NCR Coach Hans Smit expressed disappointment over his team’s failure to convert several chances to score in the second half.

Unlike the other quarterfinalists who competed in the regional qualifying round, members of the NCR team were selected based on their performance in club and collegiate competitions in Manila.

Fegidero said playing in the regionals proved to be an advantage, as the players are now familiar with each other and are more prepared for the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, in the opening game, Luzon top team Masbate FA prevailed over Mindanao’s No. 2 team, Dipolog, 1-0 to register a win in the quarterfinals.

Masbate’s David Fornea scored the game’s only goal in the 5th minute.

Dipolog coach Reginald Jukes conceded that they lost to a better team, adding that the PFF-Suzuki Cup tournament is a good exposure for his players.

It is the first time, he said, for his team to play in a higher level of tournament and he is looking forward to the match-up against NCR and the Negros Selection. (CGC)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on May 07, 2011.