Bacolod: Bags inaugural PFF Suzuki U23 crown

by Rick Olivares

BACOLOD -- The explosive wind-up between Bacolod and Iloilo never materialized. The finals game of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup ended in a shocking 9-0 rout in favor of Bacolod that was unbecoming of the ages-old rivalry.

The match's end actually ended at the sixth minute when Joshua Beloya blasted home his tournament-high 14thgoal from 30 yards out that blew past Iloilo’s makeshift keeper Chester Braga who was frozen in his tracks.
Iloilo, needing to overcome a 3-1 deficit at the end of their home leg in Iloilo three days earlier and battling all sorts of issues off field, had the air sucked out of them. Bacolod as coached by Norman Fegidero Jr., put on a clinical display of midfield wizardry, finishing power, and remarkable poise against a punishing Ilonggo defense.

Negros booters humble Iloilo 9-0 in PFF Suzuki finals

by Cedelf P. Tupas
BACOLOD, Negros Occidental, Philippines—There was no doubting Ceres-Negros Occidental’s dominance this time.
The Negrenses humbled rival Iloilo, 9-0, Sunday night, to complete a remarkable 12-1 aggregate victory in the final of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup before a raucous crowd at the Panaad Stadium.
Gino Palomo delivered a hat-trick, Joshua Beloya punctuated his tournament-long brilliance with two goals and an assist and Aldrin Dolino justified his Most Valuable Player award with another influential display as Negros took the fight of their region rivals early on to coast to the convincing win.

Negros blanks Iloilo to bag PFF Suzuki crown

by Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

THOUSANDS of Negrense football fans jumped to their feet and shouted in jubilation at the Panaad Park and Stadium when the referee blew the final whistle, signaling the end of the second finals game between Ceres-Negros Team and Iloilo Football Association.

Ceres-Negros blanked the invading Ilonggos, 9-0, to capture the crown in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki Cup at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

Davao falls in PFF-Suzuki Cup

by Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

DAVAO City suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Bacolod City in the semi-finals of the PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup held at the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City late Monday afternoon.

Bacolod knocked in three straight goals in the first half, capitalizing on the loose defense of Davao booters.

Favorites Bacolod, Iloilo dispute Suzuki U23 title

After a month of intense football action, the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup is down to two teams – Bacolod and Iloilo.

To the country at large, it might seem a battle between two nearby cities. In truth, think Ateneo-La Salle or Crispa-Toyota. That's how intense it can really get even if some of the protagonists on the sidelines tried to downplay it by using "safe" words.

"Mainit," described Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado with a sly smile. "It can get rough at meron din trash talking. Bragging rights talaga yan pagdating sa football."

Bacolod vs Iloilo in Suzuki U-23 finals could get rough

MANILA, Philippines – Local football fans expect a Crispa-vs-Toyota-like rivalry when Bacolod battles football neighbor Iloilo for the Philippine Football Association (PFF) Suzuki Under-23 National Cup title.
“Mainit,” said Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado about his team’s rivalry with Bacolod.
“It can get rough at meron din trash talking. Bragging rights talaga [ang pinaglalabanan naming] pagdating sa football,” he added.

Negros to PFF: Act on complaint vs Iloilo

by Carla N. Canet

THE Ceres-Negros team and Iloilo Football Association are set for their final battle in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki U23 National Cup on May 19 and 22.

But serious concerns are still up and undecided.

This refers to the standing petition filed by the National Capital Region Football Association (NCRFA) against Iloilo for fielding two unregistered players in the tournament.

In his letter to PFF Secretary General Ramon Manuel, NCRFA president Atty. Rolando Tunay cited that the two Iloilo players, namely Mark Anthony Ferrer and Peter Sobredo, should not

PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Finals

The countdown to the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Final, at the CPU Football Field on May 19 and Panaad Stadium on May 22, moves closer as the two teams prepare for a huge derby in the Visayas Region.
It is very impossible to pick the winner from the U23 finals between Iloilo and Negros Occidental (Bacolod).
The two sides have met in the Visayas regional qualifying round and it was a close match with a single goal from Jay Baguioro dividing the team.
Iloilo and Negros Occidental are a cut above the rest and both are on a higher level. It will be a great final to watch since these two teams know each other well.
We will see who wins on the football pitch since there is no favourites.
SUGOD

Iloilo U23 played 8 matches to reach Finals

Iloilo Under-23 head coach Marjo Allado brought success to his side by helping them reach the finals of the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup. The squad from Iloilo performed impressively by recording four clean sheets throughout the tournament.


In the Visayas Regionals, the team defeated Cebu (2-0), Leyte (8-0), Negros Oriental (2-0) but succumbed to Bacolod (0-1). Romeo Martinez was a standout goalscoring performer with 3 goals followed by Fidel Kue and Francis Gustilo with 2 goals each. The other goalscorers are Jomar Lestingio, Glester Sobremisana, German Doronilla, John Paul Caro, and Michael Porras with a goal each.

Negros battles Davao in PFF Suzuki Cup semis

by Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

IT'S the Ceres-Negros Team’s turn.

The Negrense booters is looking for a finals berth as they battle the Davaeños today in the Philippine Football Federation Suzuki Under-23 National Cup semifinal match at the Central Philippine University pitch in Iloilo City.


This after the Iloilo FA already snatched a spot in the finals after nipping the National Capital Region (NCR)-Team B Sunday, 2-1 at the Barotac Nuevo football ground.
The Norman Fegidero Jr.–led Ceres-Negros booters, behind Joshua Beloya, Jovin Bedic and Aldrin Dolino, is expected to continue displaying their attacking prowess against Davao.

These players are among the top scorers in the tournament. Belayo has a total of 12 goals, while Bedic and Dolino have 5 and 4, respectively.

Meanwhile, Davao is expected to rely on its keeper Rufino Mantos, who directs their defense, and Enrique Romero-Salas who drives their engine.

U-23: Iloilo wins over NCR

by Rick Olivares

BAROTAC NUEVO, ILOILO -- A football coach once said, a striker can make a thousand mistakes and it won’t hurt a team. one defensive mistake on the other hand… well, that kills.

The National Capital Region Team B, a team loaded with UAAP stars dominated possession, corners, shots on goal – you name it. But their inability to find the back of the net and a pair of defensive mistakes cost them dearly as Iloilo went on to beat them 2-1 in the semifinals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup.

In the 23^rd minute, NCR defender Ronnie Aguisanda headed the ball towards his own goal that Iloilo’s Chester Braga chased down. With midfield mate Shirmar Felongco sprinting forward, all they had to beat was goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.

As Deyto rushed out, Braga laid the ball for Felongco who slotted the ball into an empty net.

NCR answered with a series of attacks that saw them hit the crossbar four times. Striker Jon Melliza who had been marked well since the quarterfinals, equalized in the 78^th minute when his set piece evaded the Iloilo wall and curved back in to blow past keeper Wilson Muñoz.

As NCR renewed their attack, misfortune struck when defender Deo Segunial was whistled for a handball inside the box in the 83^rd minute. Francis Gustilo converted the penalty shot for a 2-1 lead to take the wind out of NCR’s sails.

Iloilo qualified for the home and away finals that will take place on the 19^th and 22^nd of May. The other finalist has yet to be decided as Bacolod and Davao have yet to play their semis match.

“I knew the pressure was on them,” said Gustilo who recalled his thoughts prior to taking the penalty shot. “If I missed – but I knew I wouldn’t – the worst that could happen was we will go into extra time.”

“We are looking forward to getting back at Bacolod if they advance to the finals,” said victorious Ilonggo head coach Marjo Allado who is a Barotac Nuevo native. “It was a good victory in front of the home crowd considering that the NCR team is very good but a championship will be better.”

NCR gambled early in the match when they sent defenders Segunial and David Basa on the attack. The relentless pressure put Iloilo on their heels. But after the Felongco goal, NCR went to a more conventional 442 formation.

A disappointed Hans Smit, NCR coach, lamented his team’s ouster from the first national competition in four years. “All the goals against us (including the two by Bacolod in the quarterfinals) have been on the counter and a mistake. Sayang because the boys played their hearts out.”

Bacolod and Davao will play at Central Philippine University in Jaro, Iloilo on Monday, May 16 at 230pm.

Notes: Because of the carry-over system in the cards, Iloilo will miss the services of Francis Gustilo, Shirmar Felongco, and Neckson Leonara in the first game of the finals due to two yellow cards. After the match, Iloilo Football Association General Secretary Duffie Botavara texted NCR coach Hans Smit: “Congratulations for allowing Barotac Nuevo to watch your team. You played better than Iloilo.” The day before the match, NCR expressed concern about playing in Barotac Nuevo. Botavara assuaged Smit’s concern when he said that “Barotacnons appreciate good football. Play good football and they will cheer for you.” And true enough, the crowd was respectful and highly appreciative of the match and the visiting team.

This was a quality ballgame. I wish that others were able to witness this. ABS CBN covered it and it will come out as a segment (rather than the whole game). But.... I do have the entire game on DV8. Will find a way to get that on youtube. The talent and skill was on display for all. As someone who has watched and written extensively about UAAP football, it sure was fun to see Stephen Permanes, Jay Eusebio, David Basa, Nikko Villa play as amateurs one more time. Steph and Gung (Villa) were the team captains and I thought it was a marvelous opportunity to work with them. Same with the other teams. This has been a most gratifying experience -- writing about regional football. I made new friends and it made me appreciate the game all the more.

Bleacher'sBrew

Negros draws Masbate, battles Davao in semis

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Masbate booters held off the Ceres-Negros Selection to a goalless draw last night to end the Group A stage of the Philippine Football Federation Suzuki Under-23 National Cup at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The host-team topped Group A with a total of 7 points after having two wins and a draw, which advance them to the semi-finals on May 15 in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and take Group B No.2 Davao FA. 

“Though we topped the Group, I wasn’t happy with our last game’s outcome. The boys lost focus on the game. This was the worst performance we had in the quarterfinals. We had many clear attempts, but we failed to convert,” Negros head coach Norman Fegidero explained.

The Negrense squad had several close range attempts inside the box but Masbate defense denied the hosts a goal.

Negrense striker Joshua Beloya, who scored five consecutive goals against Dipolog squad on Sunday, was denied ball access by the Masbate defense.

“I have to give credit to Masbate. They prepared well for us, especially on their counter-attacks,” the Negros team coach added.

Meanwhile, Fegidero said that they will have lots of preparations to make as they enter the semis next Sunday. “We have to be more prepared and make some adjustments, if necessary,” he stressed. 

In the other match, National Capital Region (NCR) Team B made a grand exit from the competition and qualified in the semis next weekend as they trashed Dipolog yesterday, 6-0.

Striker Ojay Clarino broke out of his two-match funk by scoring his first four goals in the quarterfinals, including a dazzling move in the 32nd minute when he went through and around five Dipolog defenders before sending the ball past keeper Rizziel Villaespin.

Other semifinalist is Iloilo FA which topped Group B on a 4-1 win over Davao yesterday at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños in Laguna. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)

 
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on May 11, 2011.

PFF U-23: Semi's

PFF Suzuki Cup U-23 National Cup

Team Standings as of May 10, 2011

Group: Laguna

Venue: UPLB

Team  W-D-L-GF-GA-GD-Points

Iloilo   2-1-0-12-2-+10-7

Davao 1-1-1-7-6-+1-4

NCR A 1-0-2-3-11-+8-3

Laguna 0-2-1-3-6--3-2

Group: Bacolod

Venue: Panaad Stadium

Team       W-D-L-GF-GA-GD-Points

Bacolod  2-1-0-10-2-+8-7

NCR      2-0-1-7-2--5-6

Masbate 1-1-1-1-1-0-4

Dipolog   0-0-2-1-15--14-0

Qualified for semifinals May 15 & 16 in Iloilo
Semifinals:
Iloilo vs NCR B
Bacolod vs Davao

Bacolod booter Belayo impresses coach

Joshua Belayo continued his tournament-long brilliance by tallying five goals in an 8-1 rout of Dipolog and booking a trip to nearby Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo for the semifinals of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup.

The Olongapo-born Fil-Am, who grew up in the United States and Sweden, recently moved to his mother’s hometown in Bacolod.

A Liverpool FC fan, Beloya has compiled an impressive 12 goals in five matches and astonishing strike rate of 2.4 goals per match. He made his presence felt in the last two games where he became a starter for Bacolod coached by Norman Fegidero Jr.

A fearsome scorer during his days as a football player, Fegidero, sees tremendous upside on Beloya.

“He has a great feel for the game and is very dangerous in and around the box. But I believe his mental toughness is his biggest asset."

But Beloya isn’t the only one doing the damage for Bacolod. Striker Jovin Bedic has scored five goals in five matches. Two former national players — defender Lemuel Unabia and midfielder Aldrin Dolino — who played for the Azkals team in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers held in Iloilo, also had significant contributions.

Dolino, who hails from San Carlos City, has four goals in the tournament thus far.

The trio of Bedic, Beloya, and Dolino have formed a deadly triumvirate as Bacolod has employed an unorthodox 2-5-3 attack formation to accommodate their capabilities.

“Now that we’ve qualified, our next goal is to top our group. And I will encourage my players to score more goals," said Fegidero.

National football team assistant coach Edwin Cabalida was at the Panaad Stadium to scout players who could try out for the Under-23 team that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games this November in Indonesia.

Aside from Beloya, Cabalida is taking a look at National Capital Region goalkeeper Patrick Deyto and Dolino. - RCJ, GMA News

Belayo powers Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Joshua Belayo continued his remarkable run of shotmaking, drilling in five this time as host Bacolod City crushed Dipolog 8-1 to clinch a berth in the semis of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup here.

The Fil-Am, who was born in Olongapo but who grew up in the United States and Sweden, now has 12 goals in five matches.

However, Belayo was inserted in the starting unit by coach Norman Fegidero Jr. only in the team’s last two games.

“He has a great feel for the game and is very dangerous in the and around the box. I think however that his mental toughness is his biggest asset,” said Fegidero.

The home team isn’t all about Belayo though.

It has striker Jovin Bedic, who has five goals in five matches and midfielder Aldrin Dolino who owns four goals.

The trio of Bedic, Belayo, and Dolino have formed such as fearsome strike team that Bacolod has employed at times an unorthodox 2-5-3 attack formation to accommodate their capabilities.

“Now that we’ve qualified,” stated Fegidero. “Our next goal is to top our group. And I will encourage my players to score more goals.”

National football team assistant coach Edwin Cabalida was at the Panaad Stadium to scout players who could try out for the Under-23 team that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games this November in Indonesia.

MB

PFF U-23,UFL Updates!

Results in the PFF U-23:

NCR B 1-0 Masbate

NOFA (Bacolod) 7-1 Dipolog

-------------------------------------------------------------

PFF U-23 Suzuki Cup Table (Updated as of May 08, 2011)

UPLB Group:

Iloilo - 4pts

Davao - 4pts

Laguna - 2pts

NCR B - 0pt

Panaad Group:

Negros - 6pts

Masbate - 3pts

NCR A - 3pts

Dipolog - 0pt

 --------------------------------------

LBC United Football League

All game fixtures yesterday were canceled due to heavy rain.

World Cup Pilipinas, UFL, U23: Updates!

World Cup Pilipinas Update


Philippines vs India
2 - 1 Full time.


Sudan vs Mexico
6 - 0 Full time.


Next game:
Germany vs Korea
Sweden vs Indonesia
FREE Admission , all held in Luneta Field, Manila
-------------------------------------------------------


LBC United Football Club


May 8, Fixtures: University of Makati


4:00pm
Global FC vs Navy FC


6:00pm
KAYA FC vs Green Archers United


------------------------------------------------


PFF U23 'Panaad, Bacolod


Davao FA vs Laguna FA
4 - 0 Full time.

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.

Results: Panaad 'U23 Final Round

PFF-Suzuki U23 Men's National Chammpionship - Final Round

Group A - Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

06 May - Masbate 1 - 0 Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog (3PM)

             NCR 0 - 2 Negros Occidental (5PM)

08 May - Masbate vs. NCR (3PM)

             Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog vs. Negros Occidental (5PM)

10 May - Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog vs. NCR (3PM)

             Masbate vs. Negros Occidental (5PM)

Group B - UPLB, Los Banos, Laguna

06 May - Iloilo 7 - 0 NCR (8AM)

             Laguna 2 - 2 Davao (3PM)

Panaad U23 sched this week end 'Final Round

PFF MEN'S NATIONAL U23 CHAMPIONSHIP

Final Round - Group A Eliminations

Panaad Park & Stadium, Bacolod City

May 6-10, 2011

Match Fixtures 

A. MASBATE FA

B. DIPOLOG FA

C. NCRFA 2

D. NOFA

May 6, 2011, Friday
Match  1
3:00pm
MASBATE FA vs DIPOLOG FA
Match 2
5:00pm
NCRFA 2 vs NOFA


May 8, 2011, Sunday
Match 3
3:00pm
MASBATE FA vs NCRFA 2
Match 4
5:00pm
DIPOLOG FA vs NOFA


May 10, 2011, Tuesday 
Match 5
3:00pm
DIPOLOG FA vs NCRFA 2
Match 6
5:00pm
MASBATE FA vs NOFA


Credits: Ilonggo United FC