QUEEN City United (QCU) B unseated defending champions University of San Carlos (USC), 1-0, in the Men’s Open of the 7th Thirsty Football Cup at the Cebu City Sports Complex.
The finals match featured excellent defense from both squads with Yagi Mashiko getting the lone goal only a minute from time.
USC tried to even the game but their efforts were useless as there wasn’t enough time left.
Although most of their players were out-of-shape due to lack of practice, QCU still managed to play competitively.
The USC players, on the other hand, were all in tiptop condition.
QCU captain Julius Acre credited their hunger and their experience for the victory.
“Playing with your heart is the most important thing when playing football,” Acre said.
QCU breezed past the tournament unscathed and earned a trip to the finals after a 3-2 penalty shootout victory in the semifinals over last year’s first runner-up, Don Bosco.
On the other hand, USC played almost perfectly in the tournament with just a lone loss and a draw.
USC, which lost its star keeper Paolo Pascual to an injury early in the day, reached the finals by beating Team 53 in a penalty shootout, 2-1.
In other divisions, Iligan B captured the 36-and-Above title after beating Jcad A, 2-1.
Foundation University routed fellow visiting team and last year’s first runner-up, University of St. La Salle Bacolod, 1-0, to win the Ladies Open division.