CEBU, Philippines - Hiroshi FC came out the biggest winner in the Cebu Amateur Football Club's11th National Inter-Club Football Cup after it sank the Queen City United via penalty shootout, 4-3, to capture the men's open championship of the week-long joust that ended with a big bang yesterday at the University of San Carlos-Technological Center field in Brgy. Talamban, this city.
QCU, beefed up by players from Crazy Horse which did not join this year's battle, was in command of the early goings of the match and broke the ice of the match courtesy of Rocky Garciano at the 40th.
The Hiroshi booters then became aggressive on the offensive end, making as many attempts as possible but could not go through due to lack of proper communication.
Fortunately though, a direct kick by Voltaire Montebon of Hiroshi knotted the count at 1-all.
Suddenly, the large throng of spectators burst into frenzied celebration not because the score was tied but because of the arrival of the Philippine Azkals.
After the brief festive mood and an injury timeout, the two protagonists became defense-oriented resulting into a 20-minute overtime.
No team was able to score in the extension, paving the way for the shootout that eventually won by Horishi FC.
Montebon’s sterling performance earned him the prestigious Most Valuable Player award. His teammates Jpong Campus was feted as the best keeper and John Michael Flores the best defender.
The Waterfresh-sponsored QCU got the 'Golden Boot' award for a player with the most number of golds through former PHL mainstay Joshua Fegidero as well as the best midfielder in Ayagi Masahiko.
In the girls 17 category, Aroroy of Masbate had a last laugh as it stunned USC-TC, 1-0, to claim the title. Curiously, Aroroy lost twice to USC-TC in the elimination round only to pull a major surprise in the finale.
The result of the 40-above had been put on hold by the organizers as they still have to resolve an issue involving tHiroshi and San Roque.
On the other hand, Abellana National School-Pomeroy trounced USC-TC, 6-2, to seize the boys 17 crown.
In the players 10, Sacred Heart School-Jesuit reigned supreme after defeating SSRU, 1-0. (FREEMAN)