Two late goals help USJ-R claim Under-23 title of Aboitiz Cup

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Kicking Jaguars banked on the late goals by Adrian Mejaran and Junefer Ebero to blank the University of Southern Philippines (USPF), 2-0, and rule the Under-23 division of the 14th Aboitiz Football Cup yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Aside from clinching the title, the USJ-R booters also earned the right to represent Cebu in the Visayas leg of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki Cup Under-23 National Championship set on March 18 in Dumaguete City.

Going into the match, USJ-R trailed by one point against USPF, 3-4, but the two-point victory was all it needed to take home the champion's trophy in this leage-type tournament.

The two protagonists fought on even terms and relied heavily on their stifling defense resulting into an almost scoreless draw.

USPF, however, somehow ran out of gas, paving the way for back-to-back goals by USJ-R courtesy of Mejaran at the 91st and Ebero at the 93rd.

Aside from Mejaran and Ebero, the other members of the USJ-R squad are Henry Perales (goalie), Joel Cahilog, Jovan Torres, John Ejara, Jestoni Pialago, Harold Daga, Russel Layumas, Rikko de Guzman, Ronan de Guzman, James Rodney Parel, Earl Yagao, Agapito Baclaan, Jun-Jun Pintuan, Harry Bordalba, Edwardo Buglosa, Lester Agravnate, Rafael Broce and John Lester Sembra. - THE FREEMAN