CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) claimed two championship trophies via the players 10 and boys 19 divisions during the first day of action in the 2nd BRO Nationals Football Festival yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
After fighting to a scoreless draw at the end of the regulation period, USC drubbed the Pocket Monsters in the penalty shootout, 4-3, to lord it over in the boys 19 following the 9-a-side format.
USC-BED's players 10 squad produced the second plume for the Carolinians after chalking up two wins that left the visiting San Carlos City booters with a runner-up trophy in this league-type action.
On the other hand, BRO 1999 emerged as the new boys 14 champ after it upended the gutsy Danao FC, 1-0, in their final encounter.
BRO 1999 came up with a convincing 5-0 win against Canduman in the semifinal round, while Danao FC grabbed a 3-1 triumph against the visiting Dipolog Football Association.
The other divisions that were done yesterday also saw another team dominating the battte.
Sacred Heart Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus-Phoenix T team B bagged the boys 12 crown after outsmarting TS6, 1-0, thanks to game-clinching goal by Tom-Tom Colina.
Don Bosco Technology Center, which ruled players 10 division last year, topped the players 8 this time anchored on an immaculate 4-0 record. The visiting CIE-Tacloban placed second to the Bosconians.
The JEH United stole part of the show after it clinched the executive 36 title after edging out ERCO FC, one of the event sponsors.
Action continues today with the players 7 and 9 along with the boys 11, 13,15, 17, executive 42 and girls 19.
Some players of the Little Azkals will be seeing action under the Subangdaku Football Club, while some members of the Philippine Azkals will be playing for the BRO Nationals in the men's open division tomorrow.
Azkals team captain Chieffy Caligdong graced the opening day, but will be missing today's game due to other commitments in Manila.The three-day event is held in cooperation with the Chieffy Caligdong Football Para sa Bayan program. (FREEMAN)