Winning goal

GO-TO-GUY Jasper Rex Lim of Ateneo de Davao University lived up to expectations by knocking in the winning goal as defending champion Unit 6 outlasted Philippine College of Technology (PCT)-bannered Unit 7, 1-0, in their DCAA Meet 2019 secondary boys semifinals match at Tionko field in Davao City Friday, November 22.

It can be recalled that 16-year-old Lim’s heroic goal also gave Ivan Caiña-coached Unit 6 the gold medal in last year’s Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet championship game against the same opponent Unit 7.

The 10th grader, who has fever since last Sunday, said, “Honestly, I did not expect to get the opportunity because I was sick. Before the game, I was not feeling well and thought about telling the coach about it. But when we were warming up, I felt better.”

Lim felt happy that he contributed to the team’s victory, that he fulfilled his role as a striker - to score a goal for his squad. He also thought about scoring the winning goal for the team, just like in the 2018 Dcaa finals.

“I was lucky to receive a cut-back pass from Uriel Dalapo, and I took that opportunity to finish the ball into the back of the net,” he said.

The Palarong Pambansa veteran added that their unit and finals rival Unit 5 of coach Christian Ea, bannered mostly by players from Emar Human and Environmental College (Ehec), have equal chances of winning in today’s (November 22) 8 a.m. collision.

Emar, according to him, has a lot of skillful players, and they have a good squad depth. “But, I know that our team is capable of winning the final and defending the title,” Lim said.

Unit 6 was also composed of Dustin Bandigan, Gian Bernaldez, Gabriel Cuevas, Uriel Dalapo, Zane Garfin, VJ Lagundi, Vianney Lagundi, Psalm Loquero, Rhianne Mendoza, Lei Paciente, Naz Pascual, Yuan Provido, Sebastian Rendon, Gian Sartirani, Lance Sunico, Ace Tilao and Jacy Valverde.

The coaching staff also include Greggy Andag, Emmanuel Collado and Ronoel Garfin.