Bacolod trumps Cebu 3-nil

Team Bacolod (in dark blue) used their speed to overwhelm their slow-footed Team Cebu counterparts

Bacolod trumps Cebu 3-nil

words and pics by rick olivares

DUMAGUETE -- Playing possession ball and a suffocating brand of defense, Bacolod announced its entry in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup with a masterful 3-0 win over luckless Cebu at the Filomeno Cimfranca Field in Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

Speedy striker Aldrin Dolino scored a brace while second half substitute Joshua Beloya’s volley finished off the Cebuanos.

... and their size to outmuscle them on the highballs and defense. Compare Cebu's Joseph Rodriguez (in white) to Bacolod's Lemuel Unabia who stands at 6'2"

With 6’2 central back Lemuel Unabia snuffing out most of Cebu’s attacks, the boys of Bacolod coach Norman Fegidero Jr. proceeded to take control of the midfield and the match. With their ground game in disarray, the Cebuanos tried to loft highballs above the defense. But with Unabia an imposing figure on defense, they allowed only four shots on goal and their one good chance went straight to goalkeeper John Mendoza.

On offense, Bacolod displayed a superb first touch and even excellent control highlighted by a long ball by Unabia that Dolino controlled, took one dribble, and volleyed it home in for a score in the game’s fourth minute. Nine minutes later, the Bacolod striker beat defender Edmar Galacio then chipped the ball over an onrushing keeper Garry Garciano.

Garciano was immediately replaced by Cebu head coach Eleazar Toledo in favor of Jason Dumagtoy who played well and stopped eight shots until Beloya’s strike.

Dolino nearly scored a third goal but he was unable to connect on his bicycle kick from close range.

“Our objective is to qualify for the next round,” said Fegidero after the match. “We’re still adjusting given the short amount of preparation. But we should play even better in our second game (against host team Dumaguete on Sunday).

So dismal was Cebu’s performance that in two playing days, they have more red cards (three) than goals. Against Bacolod, Galacio was issued two yellow cards for rough play that saw his ouster in the 80^th minute. Midfielder Jessie Roy Melgo joined him in the showers three minutes later for his second yellow card for dissent.

In Cebu’s opening day loss to Iloilo, midfielder Ryan Bordalba was handed out an instant red card for punching Nicholas Leonora.

“it’s disappointing,” said Toledo who could only raise his hands in disgust. “There’s still a slim chance but that depends on other teams losing.”

In two games thus far, Cebu has given up five goals while remaining scoreless.

Notes: Bacolod's Jake Moralla is from Dumaguete but is enrolled in West Negros University.

Starting Lineups:

Bacolod: John Mendoza (goalkeeper), Jake Morallo (defender), Carmelo Tagusalme (defender), Lemuel Unabia (defender), Janrick Soriano (defender), Gino Palomo (midfielder), Jay Baguiro (midfielder), Jet Diel (midfielder), Joven Bedic (forward), Aldrin Dolino (forward).

Cebu: Garry Garciano (goalkeeper), Jephunneh Pelanio (defender), Carlito Abadia (defender), Edmar Galacio (defender), Lupito Tumulak (defender), Jesus Jumao-as (midfielder), Jessie Roy Melgo (midfielder), Aljohn Armamento (midfielder), Joven Reyes (midfielder), Raffy Albanio (forward), Joseph Rodriguez (forward).