MAKATI – The heavy downpour did not quench the hotly contested semifinals match between two powerhouse teams in the PFF Smart Club Championships on the University of Makati pitch
After 90 minutes of high level football, Rizal-Smart San Beda Football Club (FC) defeated Smart Bro Iloilo-Stallion FC, 2-1.
A nifty through pass from Philip Younghusband enabled Vaughn Melandrez to first punch the back of the net for San Beda FC in the 16th minute. Eliezer Fabroada gave San Beda its second goal in the 35th minute.
The vaunted Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, played decoy and facilitated good passes in the whole first half.
In the second half, Stallion striker and former national team member Reuben Doctora Jr. kept Iloilo’s hopes alive after converting a stunning kick from the right side of the field in the 61st minute, cutting San Beda’s lead by 1 goal.
The Ilonggo booters continued their rally but came short of scoring despite their impressive setup plays.
San Beda held on in the remaining 29 minutes of the regulation to clinch a spot in the finals.
“We dominated the second half, but we did not finish our attempts that could have equalized the game,” said Eduardo Robles, Jr. Stallion FC manager. “We won the game in positions but we lost on scores.”
Bervic Italia, Francis Gustilo and Korean reinforcing Lee Joo Young had good looks and strikes during the second half but their efforts were stymied by the good goal keeping of former national team keeper Ref Delany Cuaresma.
“It’s not an easy win for us. Our difference is we played out our hearts. If Stallion maintains its present line up, they will be a very strong team in the future,” said San beda coach and former national team coach Aris Caslib.
Korean exchange students Nam Yeol Woo, Lee Joo Young, Pi Yong Jae and Yoon Hyeong Jun served as back up players for Stallion FC.
CPU’s international football team coach, Dr. Eun Hyung Pee trained the Stallions in preparation for the tournament.
Rizal-San Beda will face the winner in the second semis match between NCR teams Pachanga FC and Teknika FC in the championship which will be played in a home and away format.
San Beda, however, will miss the services of the Younghusbands after the brothers both incurred red cards in the match against Iloilo.
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