Ceres-Negros booters keep Suzuki Cup

CERES-NEGROS Occidental picked up its second major national football title of the year with a narrow 1-0 victory over Davao in the finals Thursday of the PFF Suzuki Cup Under-23 Championship in Dumaguete.

One of the province’s proud footballing sons, University of the Philippines star and Southeast Asian Games veteran Jinggoy Valmayor delivered the only goal of the match, scoring from the penalty spot nine minutes from time as Negros retained the title it won for the first time in 2011.

It was a remarkable run for the Negrense booters, who did not concede a goal in the entire tournament with a backline marshaled by Jimmy Malalo-an, while squeezing the best out of attack-minded stars Joshua Beloya and Valmayor.

Beloya, who was named Best Midfielder and tournament Most Valuable Player, and Jimuel Arriola scored in the second half of Negros’ 2-0 win over Iloilo in the semifinals.

The win comes less than four months after Ceres-Negros also claimed the Smart Club Championship title in Manila, where they stunned touted United Football League sides Global and Stallion on their way to the top.

“The expectations were high being the defending champions, but I’m glad the players managed the pressure well,” said manager Leorey Yanson. “This team always cherishes the chance to to bring honor to the province.” Cedelf P. Tupas