XAVIER University Lady Crusaders and the University of the Philippines Women’s Team advanced to the knockout stage when they scored contrasting wins in the last day of the elimination round of the 2nd PIA Cup football tournament at the Westridge Sports Park in Barangay Carmen.
The Lady Crusaders have to pass through the eye of the needle twice before they could insure their semis spot.
XU leaned on the heroics of the youthful Moss Medalla in the 24th minute to nip JRFC, 2-1 and top Group A. Desiree Castro struck first in the 9th minute for XU to take the lead.
Levy Namoc responded in the 17th to equalize the count for JRFC. After that, the Lady Crusaders pushed harder and the 14-year-old Moss Medalla, daughter of CdO top football coach Allan Medalla, saved their day scoring the winning goal.
Desiree Castro also saved their day in their other match scoring the winning goal for a 1-0 win over GORS FC.
The ladies of coach Anto Gonzales of UPWT, however had a grand day scoring a total of 24 goals against two separate opponents.
They first mowed down University of Science and Technology Philippines (formerly MUST), 17-0 and then whipped Bulua Strikers FC,7-0.
XU will battle the youthful but strong Higala FC of coach Weng dela Riarte in the semis today at 8:45 a.m. while UPWT will clash for the first semis match against JRFC at 7:45 a.m.
The winners will clash in the championship at 1 p.m. while the losers will battle for the third spot at 2:20 p.m.
Higala FC leaned on the 10 goals of prolific striker Patricia Ching to defeat University of Science and Technology Philippine (USTP), 15-0. The Higala girls then insured their semis place with a 3-0 win over winless Bulua Strikers FC.
JRFC on the other hand advanced with a win over Iligan Medical Center College.
The semis clashes Sunday will be interesting as the four squads are strong enough to qualify to the championship. However, UPWT is heavily favored over the local girls of JRFC. Although JRFC want to seek revenge for their championship loss against UP last year.
What is interesting to watch is the XU vs Higala FC clash. Both teams are young and strong. XU this time wants to advance to the championship badly to avenge their heart breaking semis loss to UPWT last year.
This event is being staged in partnership with MOCA-GESCO-RFA, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (formerly known as Mindanao University of Science and Technology), Century Tuna, Smart and Nestle. Other partners include Chevrolet, Seafood Island and City Government of Cagayan De Oro and to our media partners, Magic Nationwide, Sun*Star Cagayan De Oro and Pinay Futbol. This event is also made possible by Oishi, Obagi, Burt’s Bees, Country Village Hotel, Moon Shack Restaurant, Kingstream Purified Drinking Water, Western Mindanao State University and the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental.
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