Championships at stake in PFF Futsaliga U17 Boys’ and Girls’ finals

Left: Finals-bound Franc Obias of Star FC (left) contest the ball against Nemesis FA’s scoring machine Michael Canaman (right) in the U17 Boys’ Division semifinals; right: Silangan FC Cainta’s Trixia Mae Sebes (in white) goes ahead of a PasigLaban defender in the PFF Futsaliga U17 Girls’ Division semifinals.

PFF

MANILA, Philippines — The stage is set for a pair of thrilling title showdowns in the inaugural PFF Futsaliga U17 being presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at the PhilSports Arena, the country’s celebrated House of Futsal.

In the girls’ division, Beach Hut FC and Silangan FC Cainta emerged victorious in the semifinals last May 9.

The top-seeded Beach Hut FC delivered a strong statement by overwhelming fourth seed Nemesis FA, 8-0, to secure a place in the championship match. Third seed Silangan FC Cainta edged PasigLaban, 2-1, after extra time, to advance to the final against Beach Hut on May 16.

In the boys’ division, Star FC and EMA Bulacan Highlanders emerged victorious in the semis with unbeaten Star FC pulling off an impressive 8-3 victory over Nemesis FA.

Third seed EMA Bulacan Highlanders reached the final following a dramatic 3-2 upset over second seed Paul Stiga Academy (PSA) in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament so far.

Beach Hut established control from the opening whistle, with Baasha Aurelio igniting the early surge through a double brace that dismantled Nemesis’ defense and set the tone for a dominant performance.

Aurelio emphasized the importance of Beach Hut’s aggressive approach and the team chemistry that has fueled their campaign throughout the tournament.

“We try to have a hard start in all of our games because it builds momentum,” Aurelio said. “We’re really happy with the outcome because from start to finish, I think we showed great intensity. We look forward to even harder competition because we know the other teams want it as much as we do.”

The second semifinal in the girls’ division delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, as third seed Silangan FC Cainta edged PasigLaban, which drew first blood through returning star Jazz Sosa, who scored in the seventh minute.

Silangan quickly responded three minutes later when Maria Angela Morato converted from a right-corner set piece to level the score. Both sides traded attacks in a tense and physical encounter, with neither team able to break the deadlock through regulation time.

But despite playing through a bad ankle, Sophia Nicole dela Cruz delivered the decisive moment in the 45th minute, firing home the winning goal off a through pass from the back that sent Silangan FC Cainta into the final in dramatic fashion.

Silangan manager Joao Pajaro credited the team’s tactical discipline and mental growth for the breakthrough victory.

“We went back to the basics — passing the ball quickly and opening up the corners to free the middle of the pitch,” Pajaro explained. “We also added another strategy where our forward would run from corner to corner, and that opened the defense.”

The Silangan manager also expressed gratitude to PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio for supporting grassroots futsal through access to the world-class venue.

“We thank the Philippine Sports Commission and Sir Pato for allowing us to use this beautiful facility. When I was younger, we didn’t have venues like this. This is the start of a bigger and stronger futsal league,” Pajaro added.

Meanwhile, in the Plate semifinals, Sporting QC delivered their biggest win of the tournament with a commanding 12-2 victory over EMA Bulacan Highlanders.

Ariela Abeto erupted for seven goals to earn Bootcamp Player of the Match honors and join Tondo FC's MJ Libre (men's open) and EMA Bulacan's Charlson Vidal (Boys' U17) in the elite list of PFF Futsaliga players who have scored seven or more goals in a single game.

Star FC also advanced to the Plate Final after a balanced 6-2 win over Antipolo City FC. Jean Isabela Mari Fulgado orchestrated the attack as six different Star FC players found the scoresheet in a disciplined team performance.

The Plate championship will now feature a clash between Sporting QC and Tanay, Rizal-based Star FC on May 16. The games will start at 8 a.m. and admission to the Philsports Arena is free.

In the boys’ side, Star FC overwhelmed their opponents with relentless attacking play, led by Mark Filnan Samonte, who erupted for four goals to earn Bootcamp Player of the Match honors.

For Star FC team manager Marianita Fulgado, merely participating in the tournament already represented a major achievement for the club, making the finals appearance even more meaningful.

“Masayang-masaya po kami kasi talagang pinaghandaan namin ito para ma-experience namin. Sabi nga namin, makasali pa lang dito, panalo na agad. Bonus na lang talaga yung panalo,” Fulgado said.

The boys’ Plate semifinals also delivered exciting action after Antipolo City FC booked a place in the Plate Final after a 2-1 win over PasigLaban.

Joining Antipolo City FC in the Plate Final also on May 16 is Manila Futsal Team, which defeated Sporting QC, 5-1, in the “battle of the big cities.” (Pool story)