Negros XI prevail over NCR, 2-1

Battle-tested Ceres-Negros Selection team beat the National Capital Region, 2-1, to assert its presence in the Group A quarterfinals of the PFF-Suzuki Men�s National U23 Championship at the Panaad Park and Stadium football pitch in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City yesterday.

In what could be a preview of the final game, the Negros Selection stunned the NCR Team with its opening goal in the 6th minute from striker Fil-American Joshua Beloya, who received a cross from Michael Pacete from the left wing.

Even with the presence of national team Askals members Yannick Tuason and David Basa, the Negrenses took control of the first half and aggressively attacked the NCR side as they executed good passes and tight defense.

Negros had another opportunity to score in the 32nd minute as Jovin Bedic skillfully received the shot from the corner then eluded NCR�s goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, the UAAP Season 73 best goalkeeper, to send the ball in for the Ceres-Negros team�s second goal.

�It was not an easy victory for us as the NCR squad was equally tough and they have a very good goalkeeper. Although we only had several days of practice, the players were able to play together as a team,� Negros Selection coach Norman Fegidero Jr. said.

But even as he lauded his players for coming out strong in the first half and scoring two goals, Fegidero said he was not satisfied with the team�s performance in the second half which allowed the NCR to score in the 74th minute, courtesy of Raymark Fernandez.

�There were some lapses on the defense and we yielded several opportunities to the NCR,� Fegidero said.

Coach Hans Smit of the NCR also expressed disappointment over his team�s failure to convert several chances to score in the second half.

Unlike the other quarterfinalists, who competed in the regional qualifying round, members of the NCR team were selected based on their performance in club and collegiate competitions in Manila.

Fegidero said playing in the regionals proved to be an advantage as the players are now familiar with each other and are more prepared for the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile in the opening game, Luzon top team Masbate FA prevailed over Mindanao�s No. 2 team, Dipolog, 1-0 to register a win in the quarterfinals.

Masbate�s David Fornea scored the game�s only goal in the 5th minute.

Dipolog coach Reginald Jukes said they lost to a better team and the PFF-Suzuki Cup tournament is a good exposure for his players.

It is the first time, he said, for his team to play in a higher level of tournament and he is looking forward to the match-up against the NCR and the Negros Selection.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star