Makati FC dominates biggest global youth football tilt

Skipper Ariana Gementiza (right) and Gracie Gella fueled Makati Football Club’s offense. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MFC

The numbers clearly highlight how Makati Football Club’s (MFC) Girls 12 squad dominated the opposition in the age-group Gothia Cup, the largest youth football tournament in the world.

The team went undefeated in eight matches and scored 74 goals—and only yielded one.

“The best part of winning is sharing it with the team,” said Ella Chua, who anchored the team’s defense. “The best part of winning is sharing it with the team, family and those back home in the Philippines who are cheering for us.”

What made it special is that MFC would fly home with two trophies, as the Boys 13 squad that was denied its moment of glory in last year’s edition of the tournament hosted by Sweden annually, finally lifted the crown.

It took a 6-4 victory via penalties after a 2-2 scoreline in regulation for the Boys 13 to emerge victorious over Swedish side Utsiktens, a triumph cheered on by Filipinos based there and players and supporters of other countries.

Johannesbern Ortigas from Negros Occidental shined the brightest in the tournament. He logged 20 goals for the team and garnered admiration from fans and fellow Gothia Cup participants.

“It’s not about us winning one championship game but the everyday sacrifices we make,” said Ortigas, the striker from Negros Occidental and Boys 13 skipper who received several requests for selfies from fellow competitors.

“I left my family in Negros and live in Manila for football. It’s not easy but I know it will be worth it. Winning a tournament like Gothia makes all the sacrifices all worth it,” he added. The Girls 12 squad shut out Sweden’s Hammarby IF, 5-0, in the final for the double gold celebration. —INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF