Cavite, Misamis complete Smart PFF semifinal cast

MANILA, Philippines – Cavite bucked a depleted roster as it slipped past Bukidnon, 2-1, to arrange a semifinal duel with host Negros Occidental in the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City last Wednesday.

With some of their key players out due to suspension, the Caviteños leaned on Spencer Galasa and Ronald Espinosa, who delivered in the second half to overcome a stubborn Bukidnon side that simply refused to give up.

“I’m glad the players rose to the challenge,” said Cavite coach Ravelo Saluria. “Our main strikers did not play and we had to adjust in the second half. I’m happy everything turned out well since Bukidnon is a strong team.”

Misamis Occidental also clinched a place in the semifinals with a 4-0 rout of Cordillera at North Field in Talisay City.

The Misamis booters scored all four goals inside the final 10 minutes as they advanced to the Final Four against powerhouse Davao, which crushed Camarines Norte, 10-0, in the other quarterfinal duel.

Just when the match looked headed to extra time, Paul Salahit found the back of the net for Misamis in the 82nd minute, setting off a barrage of goals capped by Kens Dimagna-ong’s strike in injury time.

Reymart Pepania pounced on a sloppy Cordillera defense to double their lead two minutes after Salahit scored before Ericson Tabaranza sealed the rout with another strike from close range.

After a so-so first half which saw both teams struggle while trying to create scoring opportunities, Cavite took the lead two minutes at the resumption when the 17-year-old Galasa fired a volley from just outside the box.

But Bukidnon equalized a minute later with Philip Cesar Palamine tapping home from close range after a goalkeeper error.

Espinosa, a sophomore at Arellano U, who hails from Santa Barbara, Iloilo, broke the deadlock again in the 67th minute with a powerful strike at the edge of the penalty box, sending the Caviteños to a semifinal collision with the Negrenses, who overwhelmed North Cotabato, 3-0, last Wednesday.