Sports: Ceres FC, Dynamic & Real Post Opening Wins in NFL Next Games (Feb. 5)

1st – LBFC vs. Real Negrense
2nd –Dynamic vs. Ceres Transport
3rd – Trimaxi vs. Talisay-Minuluan FC

TALISAY CITY – Experience and teamwork have always been the main factors of winning.

This was proved yesterday by the defending champion Ceres Transport Football Club when it toppled the raging Talisay Minuluan FC, 4-1 in the main match of the opening day of the North Football League at the Ayala North Point pitch.

Both squads opened the match aggressively with the younger booters from the Talisay Minuluan FC forcing Ceres FC keeper Micheal Casas to get busy defending his post in the early minutes of the match.

The Talisaynons had several decent attempts on goal but were spoiled by Casas. Until in the 9th minute of the match when Ceres got into Talisay’s danger zone as striker Eliseo Palomo was fouled by Erwin Guitche on the right flank inside the box and FIFA referee Jeffrey Velez granted Palomo a penalty kick. Palomo then booted an easy goal for a 1-nil lead for Ceres in the 9th minute of the match.

But the Talisay Minuluan squad continued their tireless offensive play as they attacked Ceres’ defense forcing Arvin Villaruel to pick up his first yellow card after excessive protest on the official’s call off the foul he committed from 15 yards. However, offense still soured Talisay squad as they failed to nail a goal.

Meanwhile, Ceres’ game flowed smoothly as John Tompita scored Ceres’ second goal in the 21st minute from the left flank by lobbying the ball towards the goal beyond reach of Talisay’s keeper.

Tompita’s goal gave Ceres the edge at the half, 2-nil.

In the resumption of the second half, Villaruel nailed a well-contested shot at close range just inside the box in the 46th minute to give Ceres its biggest lead at 3-nil.

Though downed by 3 goals, the Talisaynons kept playing with high spirit as they kept Ceres keeper no time to relax with several goal attempts including a 10-yard strike from John Decatina that almost went straight to the Ceres’ goal if it wasn’t tapped out by Casas.

But not all things went wrong for Talisay as their perseverance paid off when Decatina scored Talisay-Minuluan’s first, and only, goal in the match in the 71st minute.

However, Villaruel wasn’t done yet when he scored another goal for Ceres in the 76th minute and eventually sealed the match.

Talisay-Minuluan FC head coach Ruben Clavecillas disclosed during the post-game interview that he is happy with his team’s performance despite the short preparation. “Some of my boys just came in few days ago and did a little time to familiarize the system. But we are optimistic that they will pick up as the tournament progresses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ceres Transport FC mentor Norman Fegidero stressed that they will take one game at a time. “We will now prepare for our next match against Dynamic Builders FC next Sunday. This will be a tough game for us,” the former national head coach said.

On the other hand, Dynamic Builders opened their campaign with a 7-nil blast against La Buenas FC (LBFC).

Last conference’s Most Valuable Player Jason Panhay, who also led Ceres in its title bid, again fronted Dynamic’s offense yesterday when he nailed the team’s first goal in the 13th minute.

Meanwhile, last conference’s ‘best striker’ Ali Rojas Go proved why he earned that award after scoring 2 goals, in the 16th and 43 minutes, of the match. His last goal was from a penalty kick after he was fouled by LBFC Patrick Nene just inside the box.

Roland Ian Treyes, likewise, delivered a goal in the 20th minute as Andy Coscolluela hit Dynamic’s 6th goal in the 44th minute while Amber Tiongson sealed the match with a header in the 8th minute.

In the match other scheduled, Real Negrense FC outran the undermanned Trimaxi-Agro FC, 10-3.

Real’s William Caluor led the offense with an opening goal in the 15th minute as William Flores nailed another in the 34th minute of the match.

Caluor’s son Luis Christian hit another quick goal in the 34th minute as Jose Tolete scored anew in the 35th minute.

After 5 minutes, Luis Christian nailed another goal in the 40th minute to give Real a 5-nil advantage at the break.

In the continuation of the match, 3 quick goals were sent y Real at the back of the net. Wiston Valencia scored in the 47th minute followed by Rex Opelario in the 49th and anther from Jse Gubatayaw in the 52nd minute.

But in the 54th minute, Eric Gallaga scored at close range Trimaxi’s first goal as Troy Fegidero nailed another in the 60h minute.

After 5 minutes of play, Bes dela Noche scored Trimaxi’s 3rd goal in the 74th minute to cut the lead to, 3-8.

But Ceres wasn’t done yet after Jason Castanilla scored two more, in the 74th and 77th minutes, respectively, and finally sealed the match, 10-3.

Meanwhile, a monthly referees’ refresher course is regularly conducted, said Asean Football Confederation Regional Referees Instructor and Philippine Football Federation Assessor Dennis Estaniel.

He said that the course, sponsored by Leo Rey Yanson, intends to give continuing education and trainings to football referees in the province.* (JGalunanJr/SCOOP-Bacolod)