Sports: Deep Bench of Negros-Ceres Blanked Iloilo, 2-nil
Defending champion Negros Occidental Football Association’s (NOFA) Negros-Ceres squad proved its deep bench as they blanked the home team, 2-nil, Iloilo Football Association during the Philippine Football Federation-Suzuki Men’s U23 Visayas Qualifying Rounds at the Central Philippine University last Saturday.
Jimuel Ariola of Pontevedra, unexpectedly pose an offensive threat as he scored two goals in the first half. He scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute and nailing another in the 39th minute to end the break with a 2-nil lead.
Ace goal keeper Robert Mendoza contributed to the tight defense of the Negrenses in doing his job to deny every goal attempt of the Ilonggos.
Meanwhile, Azkals’ U23 standouts Joshua Beloya (Bacolod City), Gerardo "Jinggoy" Valmayor of San Carlos City, and Reymark "Buboy" Fernandez (Victorias City) did not play in last Saturday’s match for an undisclosed reason.
The Freddie "Nene" Lazarito-mentored Negros-Ceres team will be facing Cebu Football Association on April 14 followed by Leyte Football Association on April 16.
Also suiting up for the Negros-Ceres squad of team manager Leo Rey Yanson are second choice keeper Benito Rosalia, third keeper Jurex Replentes, Florence Panogaling, Jimmy Malalo-an, Florence Agraviador, Anthony Tongson, George Balceda, Alan Alfaro, Neil Ryan Lirio, Norman Selotorio, Feb Beneminito Baya, Archie Familiar, Ramoniño Aledro, Kent Guevarra, John Vendell Marcellana, Joash Cabus, Bon Joevie Amanquiton, Chip Christian Robles and John Timothy Bolo.
Joining Lazarito in the coaching task are Assistant Coaches Ramon Janeo, Ali Rojas Go, Lemuel Unabia, Hemerson Campo and goalkeeper coach Michael Casas.
Head of the delegation is NOFA president Charlie Cojuangco accompanied by NOFA secretary general Paulline Javelona, team physician Dra. Emily Zerrudo and several NOFA staff.
This tournament, participated by NOFA, NORFA, Leyte Football Association, Cebu Football Association and Iloilo Football Association, will be played in a home-and-away format.*
