THE defending champion University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars showed they still are the team to beat this season as they held the University of San Carlos (USC) scoreless, 2-0 and earned a trip to the 2008 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc Collegiate Division semifinal round at the USC-Technology Center football grounds yesterday.
The win put USJ-R, which won the first four editions of the Cesafi football, at No. 3, while USC slumped to No. 2.
Both teams had a hard time handling and passing the ball because of the muddy pitch caused by early morning rain showers. However, even with the hindrance, talented midfielder Adian Mejaran opened the first goal of the match at the 37th minute with a strike coming from a cross from the left wing.
USC failed to answer Mejaran’s goal because of the rugged USJ-R defenders.
In the 61st minute, Paul Niño dela Victoria capped the second goal for USJ-R with a strike from the right side the breezed past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Chris Escudero.
Possession
It was both Mejaran’s and dela Victoria’s third goals of the season.
USJ-R handled the ball more and owned 60 percent of the ball possession and they were more accurate with with seven shots on target, while USC only had five shots on target.
On the other hand, University of Southern Philippines Foundation drew with the University of the Visayas, 1-1.
UV’s Joedel Fuertes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, while John Phil Opigal equalized in the 44th minute.
All four teams will be having a rematch next week as USPF and UV and USC and USJ-R will be playing against each other.
USP-F retained the top spot because of the loss of USC to USJ-R while UV slumped to the fourth spot because of the draw.
Despite being ranked No. 4, UV is the only undefeated team having drawn four of its matches and winning via default against Cebu Doctors University. (EKA)
