Thirsty football festival: DB-Alumni bags men’s open crown

CEBU, Philippines - The Don Bosco Technology Center-Alumni stunned the heavily favored BRO-ERCO FC in the penalty shootout, 3-1, to clinch the men's open title of the 10th Thirsty Cup football festival a little past midnight yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

It was truly a heart-warming triumph for Don Bosco-Alumni as BRO-ERCO was reinforced by two members of the celebrated Philippine Azkals in Chiffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta.

The diehard Bosconians led by Richard Canedo and Bong Aller put up a gallant stand that left BRO-ERCO scoreless in the regulation period.

During the shootout, Warloo Sabella knocked in DBTC’s first goal, but Araneta quickly nailed the equalizer.

Moments later, Bong Aller drilled in the goal-ahead goal for DBTC, 2-1. Canedo then sealed DBTC’s bid with a successful attempt to end their title drought.

Despite their setback, Caligdong and Araneta were very happy with their Cebu trip.

“It’s good to be back in Cebu. Joining this event gives us an idea on how Cebu football is doing, kung gaano siya ka in demand at nakikita naman namin na grabe ka passionate yung mga players at supporters dito sa football at malaki ang potential nila, said Caligdong.

Araneta, for his part, said  he and Caligdong will be joining another festival here in Cebu this April.

“Babalik kami dito para mas makatulong pa sa pag-promote ng football. Di man natin malampasan ang popularity ng basketball dito sa bansa, okay lang kahit pangalawa ang football ay masaya na kami dun,” said Araneta.

In the women's final, DBTC failed to  come up with a twinkill after it bowed to the visiting Kachella FC of Dumaguete City, 0-2.

Inspite of that, DBTC still has the most number of titles in this year's edition of the annual tilt sponsored by Thirsty Juices and Shakes. The Bosconians also lorded it over in the players 6, boys 12 and boys 17 categories.

Other division winners were the University of San Carlos-Green (girls 19), Hiroshi FC (men’s 42), ANS-Pomeroy (boys 19), Little Azkals (boys 14), San Carlos City (girls 14), ERCO-B (men’s 36), and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (girls 17). (FREEMAN)