Ceres-LS cops silver in Singa Cup meet

MANILA, Philippines - Ceres-La Salle Youth FC captured a silver medal in the U-18 division of the Singa Cup while its U-16 side reached as far as the quarterfinal stage in Singapore recently.

The Ceres U-18 crew took the No. 2 spot in Group A with six points on two wins then disposed of semis rival Milan Soccer School of Singapore, 2-1, to advance to the championship round.

However, Footskills of Australia stopped the Philippine bet in the battle for the gold, 4-0, to complete its unbeaten title run.

Ceres’ U-16 squad likewise reached the knockout rounds after splitting its four assignments in group play. The Pinoys fought YFH Phuket of Thailand to a scoreless draw at the end of regulation but conceded two goals in the penalty shootout to crash out in the quarters. The Thais eventually won the crown via a 3-0 victory over Underdale High of Australia.

The stint of the Pinoy U-18 and U-16 players in the Singa Cup, considered Asia’s premier international youth football tournament, is part of Ceres-La Salle Youth’s commitment to football youth development for the underprivileged.

“We value the importance of taking our underprivileged players and giving the chance to compete abroad,” said Ceres team manager Mike Atayde. “At Ceres-La Salle Youth FC, we make it a point to have as much talented underprivileged kids involved in the team.”

He said Ceres U18 has taken under its wings players from Masbate (Niel Jason Almosara and Nikko Palacio), San Carlos City (Mason Vergara), Romblon (Fitch Hanz Arboleda), Batangas (Bon Opena), and Virac Catanduanes (Roland Tabor) and Melvic Pitogo and Roger Batuigas, both second-generation Tondo Futkaleros.