Iloilo win Filipino football tournament in Dubai

Dubai: Iloilo reaffirmed its supremacy in the Pinoy Futbol Club (PFC) after it cruised to a 2-0 victory over South to be crowned back-to-back champion in the PFC Regional Tournament at the International Football Academy in Dubai.

Golden Boot awardee Melencio Manayon scored his 13th goal as Iloilo went ahead in the 20th minute, while Mark Blacer added another in the 27th to put Iloilo beyond reach.

In the match for third, Cebu overcame a half-time deficit to post a 2-1 win over Luzon.  Ashley Soquena scored the clincher for Cebu in the 23rd following Reynante Esparcia’s equalizer in the 11th. Don Batang put Luzon in the lead at the break with a ninth-minute goal.

Iloilo’s Hernan Gelano was presented the Golden Ball and Erwin Baito was named Best Defender as the 2012 and 2013 champions extended their domination in the individual awards. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Alfredo Arroyo Jr. of South.

Five teams and 75 PFC members from all over the UAE took part in the 2nd PFC Regional Tournament, which started its Friday matches in June and culminated with the championship last August 16. The PFC consists of Filipino football enthusiasts working in the UAE. Its members include former college standouts and members of the Philippine team.

“The tournament was very competitive and it was also a great way to stay in shape,” said Cebu defender Kyrie Villaluz. “My team had erratic results during the elimination-round games but we’re happy to close out with a win. Everybody is now looking forward to the next tournament and I’m sure the rest of the teams will also be preparing hard.”

PFC president Alex Grande said the club is now preparing for the next PFC tournament, the 2nd PFC President’s Cup.

“There are many challenges when organising an event such as this, but we have pulled it off with the help of the PFC officers, team managers, players and all supporters. I hope more Filipino football enthusiasts will become aware and interested in Pinoy football here in the UAE and be inspired to join,” said Grande.