UST rules inaugural Pinay Futbol tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Marice Magdolot and Niña Acuña delivered the marginal goals as University of Santo Tomas nipped Ateneo, 2-1, to rule the inaugural Pinay Futbol League recently at the De La Salle Zobel High School Turf.

Magdolot connected on a header at the 61st while Acuña made a brilliant finish at the 80th to seal the win for the Tigresses in the newly formed league organized in partnership with Fisher Mall, Jamba Juice, Mizuno and McDonald’s.

UST needed to beat the Lady Eagles to snatch the overall championship from Far Eastern U, which was pacing the field in the number of goals scored prior to the Tigresses’ triumph.

The Thomasians and the Lady Eagles battled to a scoreless draw in the first 45 minutes as the two teams traded misses, close calls and great saves.

Ateneo drew first blood 10 minutes after the restart to the delight of the FEU team that was watching intently on the sidelines.

But then Magdolo and Acuña struck as UST claimed the bragging rights as the pioneer women’s football champion.

FEU settled for overall runner-up honors while Ateneo bagged third place. The league, under tournament director Hans Smit, also conferred individual awards to Ateneo de Manila’s Camille Rodriguez as top scorer, FEU’s Loreta Ladero as best midfielder, FEU’s Mea Bernal as best defender and UP’s Jermaine Choa Park as best keeper.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel High School was likewise feted with the Fisher Mall Fair Play award.

Inspired by the success of its pilot tournament, Pinay Futbol Foundation plans to create more “Girl models” who will inspire grassroots talents, especially those in the provinces, according to spokesperson Kristine Denise Nolan.

Pinay Futbol’s vision is to be the number one resource for women’s football in the Philippines and elevate the sport through the values of passion, empowerment, and fair play.

Aside from its thrust to provide a guide for parents who would like to enroll their kids in football programs, Pinay Futbol also hopes to stage a women’s football festival similar to the Kia Cup. The league is also forming a Pinay Futbol All-Star team that will face the Phl Malditas in a friendly Sept. 1 at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill.