SRFC loses but wins ladies title CDO's Chicos United disqualified as supposed MVP not in its lineup

CEBU, Philippines - They may have lost the final battle but San Roque FC had the last laugh as they were declared as champion in the ladies open division of the 9th Thirsty Cup football tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos-Technological Center (USC-TC) field in Brgy. Talamban, this city.

SRFC snatched the title on technicalities over the Cagayan de Oro City-based Chicos United.

SRFC and Chicos United fought to a 1-1 draw at the end of the regulation period during their championship match resulting into a shootout.

In the shootout, Chicos United upended the Cebuanas, 3-2.

The organizers, however, nullified Chicos United’s victory upon discovering that some of their players in the field were not in the original lineup they submitted before the start of the tournament.

The irregularity was actually spotted by the organizers during the awarding ceremony. When they verified the name of the supposed MVP awardee from the Chicos United side, it turned out her name was not in the list of their official lineup.

 Chicos United gamely admitted their lapses and graciously turned over the crown to SRFC.

Meanwhile, reigning Sinulog Cup champion Ktec Trading sets its sights on the men's open title after emerging as the topseed in group 8.

Led by Frederick Alazas, Ktec swept its elimination round assignments against ERCO-A, USC-IS, Schizo United and Xsembros FC.

Ktec is joined into the next round by UC-ERCO, Camella, USC-Boys High Alumni, University of the Philippines, Southwestern University and Ocean Stars. (FREEMAN)