USJ-R booters earn 1st finals ticket in Cesafi

Kicking Jaguars beat UV to grab top spot

Former two-time champions, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars booked the first finals ticket in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s football tournament, after beating the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Booters, 1-0 yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) football field.

The match was originally scheduled last Sept. 20 but was moved due to heavy rains.

The win allowed the Jaguars to overtake erstwhile leader University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the standings with 14 points while the latter has 12 points. Both teams will face each other tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the close of the elimination round with UC slightly favored having beaten USJ-R in their previous match.

However, pressure is on UC’s side since it needs a win or at least a draw to advance to the finals against USJ-R. With defending champion University of San Carlos (USC) struggling in third spot with just nine points, a UC-USJ-R championship is almost certain.

The Kicking Warriors wrap up their elimination round campaign against last year’s finalist, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) which remains winless so far. Their Sunday match-up is scheduled at 1 p.m.

If USC wins, it will earn three points and jack up its total to 12 which could tie UC in the standings should the latter lose to USJ-R. If this happens, the last finalist will be determined via goal difference.

Neil Ryant Miñoza starred in USJ-R’s win over UV after he nailed the game’s lone goal at the ninth minute. UV had multiple scoring chances especially in the first half, but the Jaguars’ defense bailed them out of trouble.

The second half saw a change of roles as USJ-R turned on its offense and the wards of coach Joselito Bono remained relentless until the final whistle.