AT THE forefront of Stallion’s domination of the United Football League this season, Rufo Sanchez captured the Golden Ball trophy Sunday night as the league’s most outstanding player during the UFL awarding ceremony at Emperador Stadium.
Acquired from CF Madrid together with defender Joaco Canas late last year, Sanchez made an immediate impact for Stallion, leading them to the UFL Cup crown, before completing the double with their league romp last month.
Sanchez also bagged the Golden Boot trophy with 18 goals this season, edging last year’s winner Phil Younghusband of Loyola Meralco, who finished with 16 goals.
Stallion, led by coach Ernie Nierras and managers JR Robles and Filbert Alquiros, received the league trophy during the ceremony that came after championship matches in the UFL Youth tournaments.
Cimarron, powered by players from the University of the Philippines, nailed the Under-19 title after a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout win over Loyola Meralco.
Striker Daniel Gadia showed immense potential, firing home Cimarron’s only goal in the first half. Eric Giganto equalized from the penalty spot for Loyola, whose team was made up of players from Far Eastern U.
Kaya took the Under-17 crown with a 3-2 triumph in the finals over Pachanga.
Agila ruled the Under-11 and Under-15 divisions, while Green Archers reigned supreme in the Under-9 and Under-13 categories.