MANILA – Miriam College-Manila captured the girls 18 division crown of the 1st Sagay City Youth Cup following a 4-1 win over Negros Selection at the Sagay City National High School football field in Negros Occidental.
The Bob Munlulo-mentored Miriam College bucked the partisan crowd with a strong start in the opening half before thwarting the Negrenses’ rally attempt in the second half to pull off the win.
Manlulo said he was thankful on the experience their team had in the weeklong tournament and added that it should be done yearly to help strengthen the women’s football in the country.
“It’s high time that women’s football be given enough attention, not only that we develop the sport across the archipelago but also create a vast pool of competitive talents for the national team,” Manlulo said.
He added: “This weeklong tournament is a good start given that the Philippine Women’s team Malditas has a better standing in the FIFA ranking compared to the Philippine Azkals.”
Cadiz FC, meanwhile, took the third place trophy after beating Sagay North Negros, 2-1, in the consolation match.
In other results, KNF-Cebu won the Boys 16 division after beating Sagay North Negros, 1-0, in a penalty shootout. The Don Bosco Technical Institute took third place, winning a 5-3 penalty shootout against Bayawan FC.
Sagay City Sports Coordinator Benson Fernandez said the staging of this football program is part of the City’s trust to further promote this sport in the grassroots and boost its tourism program./PN
