Bacolod beats Iloilo to claim top spot in Visayas Regionals

Bacolod beats Iloilo to claim top spot in Visayas Regionals

by rick olivares

In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, Bacolod took the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup with a 1-0 win over Iloilo at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.

Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo  keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral. Only he lost possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic’s teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44^th minute of the match.

It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around. “It’s a real rivalry. Whether elementary, high school, collegiate or club game…. Grabe. Matindi. We expect nothing less from them and vice versa,” said victorious head coach Norman Fegidero.

Eight yellow cards were issued with one red card.

The match was temporarily stopped in the 70^th minute when Iloilo assistant coach Richard Bedia was thrown out by referee Vladimir Villacora for dissent. The Ilonggo coaching staff vociferously complained about a series of calls that went against their side.

Iloilo dominated first half action with superb control in the midfield by Francis Gustilo and Shirmar Felongco. But the goal by Baguioro on the quick counter saw Iloilo unravel faster than the wifi connection at Cimafranca Field.

The Bacolod coaching staff noticed that the Illongo players were getting tired and wilting under the scorching heat that Fegidero sent more attackers to try one sneak one through the three defensive backs of Iloilo. “It worked,” succinctly said Fegidero who also coaches West Negros University. “We tried to score more goals. That was my instruction but Iloilo is not so easy to beat.”

“Our goal was to qualify. Now we’ve done that, we now try to top the group.”

Bacolod: John Mendoza, Lemuel Unabia, Carmelo Tacusalme, Jet Diel, Janrick Soriano, Jake Morallo, Jay Baguioro, Gino Palomo, Abelardo Solinas, Jovin Bedic, Aldrin Dolino

Substitutes: Ralph Layumas, Joshua Beloya, Anton Tongson, Willy Mangubat, Jimmy Malaloan, Michael Pacite, Jurex Replentes

Coach: Norman Fegidero Jr.


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Iloilo: Wilson Muñoz, Rhante Bayquin, Neckson Leonora, Ronaldisla-Ong, Francis Gustilo, Shirmar Felongco, Jenver Vergara, Glester Sobremisana, Romeo Martinez, Chester Braga, Jomar Lestingio

Substitutes: Fidel Kue, Christian de Juan, Nicholas Leonora, John Paul Caro, Joel Bedia, Michael Porres, German Doronilla

Coach: Marjo Allado

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Cautions: 
Jake Morallo (Bacolod) 5'
Jenver Vergara (Iloilo) 6'
Abelardo Solinas (Bacolod) 13'
Gino Palomo (Bacolod) 14'
Shirmar Felongco (Iloilo) 26'
Glester Sobremisana (Iloilo) 50'
Francis Gustilo (Iloilo) 70'
German Doronilla (Iloilo) 70'
Assistant Coach Richard Bedia (Iloilo) 70'
Lemuel Unabia (Bacolod) 81'


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Here's the breakdown of the Iloilo players' hometowns: 
Barotac Nuevo: Wilson Muñoz, Jenver Vergara, Francis Gustilo, Ronald Batisla-Ong, Chester Braga, Romeo Martinez, Rhante Bayquin, Joel Bedia, Michael Porras, and Fidel Kue.
Santa Barbara: Neckson Leonora, Nicholas Leonora, Glester Sobremisana, and German Doronilla.
Calinog: Shirmar Felongco
Janiuay: Christian de Juan