Despite parading a retooled lineup, defending champion ERCO BRO GAU, formerly the University of Cebu (UC) ERCO BRO FC, still clinched a final ticket after it routed sister-team ERCO Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC), 7-3, in the men’s open division of the 17th Aboitiz Football Cup yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
ERCO BRO GAU broke up the team that won the tournament’s open title last year to qualify in the PFF-Smart National Club Championships early this year. The former UC ERCO BRO was mostly composed of Nigerian players who study at the University of Cebu-Maritime Education and Training Center.
Surprisingly, it was the locals who ignited ERCO BRO GAU’s scoring spree with Rogelio Castillon Jr. and Jade Paghubasan each scoring three goals. Castillon Jr. scored at the 30th, 38th and 82nd minutes while Paghubasan nailed goals at the 25th, 42nd and 75th. Aljun Armamento added one goal for the winning squad in the 52nd.
ERCO BRO DBTC’s Fred Bobby accounted for the team’s two goals, while Marjun Capil chipped in a goal at the 60th.
It will mark the second time that ERCO BRO GAU will be facing Leylam FC in the championship match.
Leylam FC, which lost to the defending champion last year, 1-4, clinched a championship ticket by easily defeating Don Bosco United FC, 4-1.
Leylam FC’s commanding win was spearheaded by imports Abdulmalik Ismael and Madi Nji who each scored a goal at the 63rd and 67th, respectively. Prince added a goal at 17th. Ryan Bordalba scored the first goal at the 12th minute.
Cebu Football Association (CFA) official Engr. Rodney Orale said Philippine Azkals general manager Dan Palami and the team’s head coach Thomas Dooley will be on hand during the championship match on June 28 at the same venue.
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