Springdale reaches Aboitiz Cup semis

CEBU, Philippines - Paref-Springdale booters beat Abellana National School-Pomeroy, 1-0, to advance in the semifinals of the 16th Aboitiz Cup football tournament yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy.Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Mario Lorenzo "Enzo" Ceniza saved Springdale's day with his goal on the 23rd minute. Ceniza was able to get past two defenders to sink the goal in front of ANS-Pomeroy’s goal keeper.

Even before the actual game could start, ANS-Pomeroy coach Francis Ramirez was already unhappy with the changes in the standing after the disqualification of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, the bracket’s No.1 seed.

The SHS-AdC and Alcoy FC were the two teams disqualified in the tournament after a controversial free-for-all incident last week. If not for the disqualification, SHS-AdC and Springdale would have been the two teams battling in the quarterfinals.

In the other quarterfinals match, Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) also marches to the penultimate round with a 4-0 triumph against Mactan Camellanz. Canduman FC also posted a 5-2 victory over Cebu International School (CIS) while Leylam FC pulled off a 6-0 whitewash against Lilo-an FC.

In the under-13 quarterfinals, DBTC bested Warshockz Famball, 4-1, while Giuseppe outsmarted the University of San Carlos-BED, 1-0.

With the unfortunate incident last week, both CFA and the Aboitiz Group of Company  tighten the security as they additional marshals in the venue. (FREEMAN)