AFS captures men’s Open crown

AFS captured the men’s open championship after downing Far Eastern University, 2-1, in the Alaska Football Cup 2012 yesterday at Ayala Alabang Country Club fields.

Led by Most Valuable Player Matthew Hartmann, AFS wrapped up the tournament unbeaten starting from its four-game sweep of the elimination round.

A former youth player at English club Portsmouth, Hartmann relied on his vast international experience as well as his clever play, proving crucial for AFS’ campaign.

Hartmann, who is under contract with UFL club Loyola Meralco Sparks, also saw action in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games and has scored one goal for the national side.

Ateneo copped the Boys 10 title after blasting Makati FC Elite, 3-0, in the finals.

Don Bosco Victorias picked up the Boys 8 crown also at the expense of Makati FC Elite, 2-0.

AFS clipped Dolphins United in the Final Four, 3-2, after drubbing Superbad FC, 2-0, in the quarterfinals.

Dominating from the get-go, AFS amassed 12 points with victories over Pampanga Agricultural College (6-1), Super Friends FC (2-1), ABC-Stars Naga City (2-0) and Leylam FC Cebu (2-0) to top Group A in the eliminations.

Runner-up FEU dropped an early game to finish second with nine points behind La Salle’s 12 in Group D eliminations.

But the Tamaraws, whose core ruled the University Games held late last month in Bacolod City, reached the finals after stunning the Archers in the semifinals with a 3-0 shutout.

It was a fitting follow-up to their 6-1 quarterfinal triumph over Manila All Japan.