NCR wins football plum via shootout

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY–Strong-willed NCR-Philippine Navy outshot Negros Occidental in the penalty shootout, 4-3, to win the 2005 PFF-Adidas National Men’s Championship, Friday at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center.

It was a heart-breaking loss for the Victorias Sardines-backed Negrenses who poured their all in the well-attended match cheered lustily by a predominant "Bisaya" crowd singing "Ole, Ole" from the stands to their hearts’ content.

In the penalty shootout, Negros’ first kicker Reydric Viliran miscalculated his target, sending the ball outside to the right corner of the goal mouth.

NCR made its own on Ali Borromeo’s opener but Iligan City-native Kim Relucio quickly leveled it for Negros with a center goal attack. It had the chance to gain the momentum when NCR’s second kicker Roberto Cañedo got foiled by goalie Edward Sacapaño. But Joel Ballo-allo’s tie-breaking attempt was also deflected by NCR keeper Ref Delany Cuaresma, leaving them three more kickers to Negros’ two.

As Reymark Palmes faltered and Joshua Fegidero canned the last kick for Negros, NCR’s last three kickers — Jose Alfe Caminos, Jimmy Doña and Marlon Piñero — had all succeeded to score.

After converting the deciding kick for NCR, tournament MVP Piñero took off his jersey and ran to the edge of the vast field with his teammates for a big celebration.

"Unti-unti kaming nalagasan ng tao pero mga beterano kasi. Pursigido talaga silang manalo," said NCR coach Edward Joel Antony.

Like their initial elimination-round duel that ended in a bruising 1-1 draw, the championship match was very physical from the opening whistle.

Two NCR starters — Rodney Leyble and David Serra — did not survive the heat of the intense contest. Leyble, who further aggravated a battered right thigh, was taken out from the pitch in a stretcher. While Serra collapsed for the second time midway in second half action.

"Ang daming pagkakataon dahil kinapos na sila. Isang goal lang ang minimithing masungkit namin hindi pa nakuha. Pero ganon talaga ang laro," said Negros mentor Norman Fegidero, though tournament commissioner Pablito Araneta considered the goal-less periods as a blessing in disguise.

"Actually, I’m quite apprehensive kung may nag-goal kahit isa lang dahil siguradong mas lalong iinit ang bakbakan sa loob," Araneta said.

NCR’s best effort in challenging Negros’ aggressive stance was in the last 15 minutes of the overtime period when the 6-foot Borromeo’s fine passing play resulted in a string of offensive tries from its strikers.

"It was really exciting. I traveled all the way from Ozamis with my wife to watch the championship and the result was worth the effort," said Bert Honasan, former Mr. Football of the Philippines.

True to their runner-up finish last year, Philippine Army-backed Laguna downed the youthful Davao squad, 2-0 courtesy of striker Richmond Braga’s double to claim the third place honors.

The Davaoeños were given the Fair Play award for accumulating the least yellow cards in the week-long event.

Apart from Piñero as MVP, other awardees were NCR teammates Jimmy Doña as best striker, Ref Delany Cuaresma as best goal keeper, Loreto Calalang as best defender and Negros Occidental’s Richard Cañedo as best midfielder.

Misamis Oriental governor Oscar Moreno joined PFF president Jhonny Romualdez and CMOFA president lawyer Allan Abellanosa in the awarding ceremony.

The 2005 PFF-Adidas National Mens Championship was organized by the Cagayan de 0ro-Misamis 0riental Football Association and supported by PFF sponsor-partners SuperFerry, Petron and Red Ribbon Bakeshop.