Cebu breaks Dumaguete’s hearts with late goals

Morris Tulang's penalty shot allowed Dumaguete to draw level with Cebu 2-2. That was to be the last bit of good cheer for the home team as the Cebuanos scored three goals in the last 10 minutes of the match. The goal was Tulang's fifth tally in three matches.

Cebu breaks Dumaguete’s hearts with late goals

by rick olivares

Cebu gave Dumaguete a taste of its own medicine when it scored three late goals to break from a 2-2 draw at the half for a 5-2 win to conclude their campaign in the Visayas regionals of the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup in Silliman University.

Team Cebu capitalized on sloppy defending by the home team to post two early goals courtesy of Jessie Roy Melgo and Joseph Rodriguez. But Dumaguete came back strong in the last ten minutes of the first half as Remelito Tabuñag scored in the 36th minute and Morris John Tulang converted a penalty shot in the 40th minute to send the home crowd screaming in wild abandon.

“I was worried about taking the penalty shot,” said Tulang after the match. In the previous day, teammate Nikko Buenavista had a penalty saved by backup Bacolod keeper Jurex Replentes. “I felt the pressure because the crowd was asking for a goal.”

Tulang scored as Dumaguete drew level. It was the midfielder’s fifth goal of the tournament putting him in the scoring lead.

Cebu coach Eleazar Toledo adjusted by making sure his defenders didn't stay too up front to meet the high balls of the Dumagueteños. "Don't let them put the ball in the danger zone," he reminded his stunned players at the half.

The strategy worked and Dumaguete's attacks went largely uncoordinated.

With time running down, Rodriguez slipped right through the last line of defense and to go one on one with the Dumaguete keeper. He sent him one way only to boot the ball to the right. The 82nd minute goal totally brought the confidence of the home side down as they gave up two more goals in succession to Joelito Lucañas and Laurel Reyes to complete the 5-2 rout.

"Kulang sa puso," lamented losing coach Pere Siennes. "Di ba bale, meron naman next time."

With the loss, Iloilo automatically qualified to the quarterfinals along with leader Bacolod. Cebu claimed third spot on a 2-2 record while Dumaguete fell to fourth with a 1-2 slate. Leyte brings up the rear with a 0-3 record.

The quarterfinals of the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup begins in May.


Starting lineups:
Cebu: Jason Dumatoy, Lupito Tumulak, Carlito Abadia, Edmon Galacio, Jepunneh Pelanio, Jessie Roy Melgo, Raffy Abanio, Aljohn Armomento, Ryan Bordalba, Jesus Jumao-as, Joseph Rodriguez. Coach: Eleazar Toledo


Dumaguete: Morris John Tulang, Rod Francis Famador, Nikko Buenavista, John Gerson Rubio, Daryl Flores, Gypsy Ventolero, Frederick Isic, John Carl Tuballa, Remelito Tabuñag, Ricky James Lacson, Rey Anthony Ello. Coach: Pere Sienes.