XAVIER University-Ateneo de Cagayan Football Team drew first blood by beating sister team Ateneo De Davao University, 5-0, at the start of the Second Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) under 24 with the score (5-0) on Tionko Football Field on Thursday, November 8.
Chaz Rosales knocked in two goals to lead XU's bid in the four-team bootfest.
XU coach Lanz Torrecha, during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum on Thursday at The Annex of SM City Davao, said that they doubled their efforts during training while preparing for the tournament.
The second MPG opened Wednesday, November 7.
Also entered are the University of the Southeastern Philippines (Usep) and Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (RMMC) of General Santos City.
"This year its not only the game we're focused on we also have activities outside of the field," league chairperson Celine Jaldon said, adding that all of the players warmed up together and got to know each other so that they don't see each other as enemies but as friends and playmates.
Usep coach Leonard Yu, meanwhile, said his team faces an uphill contest since his players are all beginners.
Yu added, "We will try our best to win. If we lose, we will lose humbly."
The tournament will close on Sunday.