By Juan Carlos Gutierrez

Last Friday was the first time I brought the HEdCen players to Marikina Sports Plaza for morning football training. I reserved the field for us 1 week before at a rate of P500 an hour.

The objective of holding practice there was to expose them to other possible football playing areas to further stimulate their interest in the game. Also, this was to start formal training and familiarization in an 11-a-side field.

We trained from 630 to 830AM in Marikina. Practice was good and everyone had a taste of playing 11-a-side. It was players that moved and ran a lot that got the most out of the game.

From now on, HEdCen will have training in Marikina every Friday from 6-830AM. During the schoolyear, training will be every Saturday, 4-6PM. This is only one of the many upgrades in HEdCen football that will in the end produce the best players in the country.

Yesterday, May 6, we brought 5 teams to the AFC football festival. We won 3 silvers and 2 golds. Born 00, 98, and 92 won silver. Born 96 and 90 won gold.

This was the first time our born 1990 boys won gold in any tournament. They seemed the happiest.

The coaching staff of HEdCen is very proud of the efforts of the children to strive in practice and compete against the other schools. Their accomplishments just prove how efficient summer training in HEdCen is.

Barotac Nuevo Iloilo, April 21-22 – HEdCen won gold in the Barotac Cup in the province of Iloilo and are now considered the best in the Philippines for their age level.

The venue for Barotac Cup born 96-97 was in the National Training Center. The opening ceremonies were held in the Plaza.

Barotac is the football capital of the Philippines where most of the country’s national players originate. It is one of the few places in the Philippines where football is more popular than basketball.

The tournament format was 5-a-side, regulation time: 15 minutes, with quarterfinals.

HEDCEN 7, KALSADA BAYAN FC 0

In the 1st minute, Skie went one on one with the keeper but chose to shoot the ball from medium range. The keeper saved the ball and I told Skie to have more confidence so he could make better decisions.

Carranza did just that as he scored from a pass by Rvin on simple placing.

The second goal was by Rvin who penetrated the defense on fancy left to right dribbling.

Again, a play by the dynamic duo resulted in a pass from Rvin that reached a wide-open Skie for the 3rd goal.

Almazan scored HEdCen’s 4th point as he stole the ball from Kalsada’s defense and went all the way to the goal.

Angelo Frejas assisted Skie for the 5th goal.

Then, Frejas scored the 6th goal via rebound from a shot by Ackie from the back.

Miguel Almazan scored the last goal of the match as he received the final pass from Skie on 1-2 passing.

HEDCEN 2, SANTA BARBARA A 0

Miguel Almazan and Alen Adeva started as the defenders and Jason played keeper.

Rvin Resuma played right forward and Skie was the left forward.

Santa Barbara A players were very skilled and aggressive. HEdCen was up for the challenge and played physical with the Ilonggos. In the end, Skie’s superior skills were too much for Santa Barbara’s 1st team.

Carranza scored 2 goals against Santa Barbara and Almazan and Alen held Santa Barbara’s offense at bay.

The final score was 2-0.

HEDCEN 0, TAMASAK FC 2

Right from the start, HEdCen looked helpless even though they were playing a much smaller Tamasak team. Not even Skie could do anything to save his HEdCen 96 which was beaten on every aspect of the game.

Tamasak boys played the fast-paced game we were supposed to use against them. They all fought aggressively and were very focused. Their wall passes were accurate. Tamasak FC out-run, out-hustled, and out-smarted HEdCen 96.

On the 6th minute, Tamasak’s left forward cruised passed Miguel on the right side and delivered a well-timed grounder for the 1st goal.

The second goal came on the 10th minute when Tamasak’s right forward intercepted a goalie’s kick and blasted the ball from the right side.

Skie tried to be aggressive on the attack but looked rather frustrated as he ended up fouling his defender on attempts to get the ball.

Rvin seemed overwhelmed with the pace of his opponents and never recovered in 15 minutes.

Miguel was exhausted and begged to be relieved of his defending responsibilities.

HEdCen lost 2-0.

I told them that part of competing is not just being good in football but coming prepared mentally and physically for the game. The boys were very sluggish and seem tired from swimming the previous night. They also seemed to lack sleep. Still, it was a humbling experience for team 96. I told them that perhaps the game would motivate the Redwoods to further improve.

HEDCEN 2, ILAUD 0

The last game of the eliminations was a must-win for HEdCen in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Skie did not play for HEdCen due to an aggravated ankle injury. Rvin and Miguel took charge of HEdCen’s offense and kept the Redwood’s hope for a championship alive.

HEdCen beat Ilaud 2-0.

QUARTERFINALS: HEDCEN 3, SANTA BARBARA B 1

HEdCen was matched against the top team of group 2, Santa Barbara B. The Redwoods proved too much for Santa Barbara as Miguel and Rvin had their way in the offense. Before halftime, the score was already 3-0 on goals scored by Almazan and Resuma.

Santa Barbara B managed to score a goal towards the end of the match.

SEMIFINALS: HEDCEN 1, TAMASAK FC 0

The rematch between HEdCen and Tamasak FC happened in the semifinals. Tamasak FC beat HEdCen 96 by 2 goals and completely dominated the game in the eliminations.

Skie switched positions with Almazan and played left defender to contain Tamasak’s attack. Alen played right defender and Jason started as keeper.

The adjustments made improved HEdCen’s play. It was an evenly matched game and both teams took turns attacking with superb passing and dribbling.

Tamasak nearly scored on a scramble in the penalty box where the ball slowly crept towards the goal. Jason picked up the ball just in time.

Tamasak’s offense was very good. Even Skie had difficulty guarding Tamasak’s right forward. Fortunately, Alen was there to support Skie who was beaten by his man a couple of times.

The play that decided the match was orchestrated by the best 11-year old Philippine footballer, Skie Carranza, as he drove the ball from the back to the left wing. Tamasak’s goal was threatened and the right defender approached Skie leaving Miguel Almazan open to receive a beautiful pass from Skie. Miguel executed perfectly with a one-touch right foot finish.

It took a spectacular play from HEdCen to score against a quality team, Tamasak.

Tamasak played aggressively but the Redwoods matched their intensity and finally beat them by 1 goal.

FINALS: HEDCEN 3, SOUTHBRIDGE 0

Southbridge, a school team, dominated their opponents in the eliminations, the quarterfinals, and the semis. HEdCen 96 was simply out of their league.

In the 3rd minute, Rvin took his defender one-on-one switching left inside to right then leaving his opponent behind. He pushed the ball past a helpless Southbridge keeper for the Redwoods’ 1st goal in the finals.

Miguel Almazan scored HEdCen’s 2nd goal as he drove the ball down the left flank and forced the ball through a narrow opening that the opposition’s keeper failed to seal-off.

Just before half time, Miguel Almazan weaved through the center and pulled the trigger. His right foot had enough gunpowder to blast the ball and seal the gold for HEdCen Redwoods boys born 1996, 10-11 years old.

Barotac Nuevo Iloilo, April 21-22 – HEdCen Redwoods boys born 1998 won second place in the Barotac Cup.

They beat all their opponents in the eliminations.

They were to play Santa Barbara in the semifinals but the latter had more overage players than born 1998. Consequently, Santa Barbara questioned the age of the HEdCen players but the parents quickly produced the birth certificates of their kids.

Santa Barbara conceded and HEdCen played Tamasak FC in the finals.

In the championship game, HEdCen had more scoring opportunities than Tamasak. Jamy missed a couple of 1-touch attempts near the goal.

HEdCen’s best chance to score came when Jamy Jamiero received a pass from Jodi Layug and went one-on-one with Tamasak’s keeper. Jamy fired but hit the keeper in the center.

After 15 minutes of intense competition between the top 2 teams of the league, the game was decided via penalty shoot-out.

HEdCen kicked 1st and Raja made the crowd go wild as he hit the ball with enough power to give HEdCen the lead. Tamasak’s 1st kicker made his shot as well.

The second kicker for HEdCen was Alain. He missed the goal. The second kicker of Tamasak shot the ball to Jodi, HEdCen’s keeper for the shoot-out.

Jodi was the third kicker and his shot was wide. This was the same for Tamasak’s next kicker.

Both Jamy and Anakin failed to convert their shots but so did Tamasak.

The shoot-out reached sudden-death. It was Raja’s turn again and he delivered. The keeper got a piece of the ball but it wasn’t enough to stop Raja’s power shot.

HEdCen felt glory so close but Tamasak’s 1st kicker denied the Redwoods of the gold with a well-aimed shot at the side.

Alain and the opposition’s second kicker missed their shots again.

Jodi failed to convert and Tamasak’s 3rd kicker ended the match in favor of the home team. The final score was 2-1.

CSA Makati, April 26 – In the RIFA girls summer tournament, HEdCen girls joined the born 1990 category, 9-a-side. They played Miriam B in the second eliminations game and crushed them 4-0.

HEdCen’s offense with much-improved passing and finishing was lead by Louise de Guzman and Mary Rose Obra. They scored 2 goals a piece and assisted for each other on 1-2 passes as well.

HEdCen’s defense, which choked Miriam’s attack, was lead by Margot Cervania.

CSA Makati, April 21-22 – “Maybe we should go to the Dana Cup,” were the words of some HEdCen girls regarding their game against the born 1993 team bound for the Dana Cup in Norway this July.

HEdCen captain Marsha Nackaerts and defender Riana Santos played for the Philippines Dana Cup team. Despite a good selection of players on the opposition’s side, Mary Rose Obra scored a goal from an assist by Louise.

The Phil. Dana Cup team equalized on an assist by Marsha to her teammate.

The final score was 1-1.

1. Training on Friday, May 4, will be in Marikina Sports Complex, 6-8:30AM
2. AFC Tournament on Sunday in Ateneo for born 2000-2001, 1996-1997, 1992-1993, and 1990-1991

Santa Barbara Iloilo, April 19 – In the born 98 category of the 7-a-side football tournament held in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, HEdCen won all their games and was declared the champion. Members of the HEdCen born 1998 champion team were Raja Santos, Alain Tanchuan, Jamy Jamiero, Jodi Layug, Marky Santos-Tankia, Kaze Brugada, James Jamiero, Charles Tanchuan, Simon Condat, Anakin Violan, and Coach Ruffy Almodal.

Despite the intense heat, which reached 37OC, the Redwoods beat all of the Santa Barbara football clubs in their group including ZONE 6 in the finals. Unlike the tournaments in Manila, almost all the participating teams in Santa Barbara were barangay teams instead of school teams.

HEDCEN 2, ZONE ONE 0

Iloilo spectators never heard of HEdCen from Taytay Rizal. In the Redwoods’ first game against Zone 1, Raja Santos made it pretty clear that through him HEdCen had a lethal kick . After a tap on the ball from kick-off, Raja sent the ball straight to the Zone 1’s goal to give HEdCen the early lead.

Raja joins Skie Carranza as the only HEdCen players to score from the starting kick-off.

On the 2nd minute, Raja emphasized the quality of his shot as he hit the post on a free-kick.

Again, it was Raja for the long shot that went wide in the 5th minute.

Alain had a chance to score in the 6th minute after receiving a ball from the left side. He had space to dribble the ball but chose to strike the ball that went wide.

HEdCen’s offense was erratic for most of the game until James Jamiero born 2000 was sent in. He paced his team’s offense by opening-up to receive the ball, attacking the space, and distributing the ball. On the 8th minute, James banked the ball in the goal which bounced-off his brother Jamy on Zone 1’s penalty area. The score was 2-0.

On the 9th minute, Jamy had a goal attempt. It was a volley kick on the right side but went wide.

Alain received a beautiful pass from Jodi on the last minute. He struck it hard and on target but the keeper of Zone 1 saved it.

HEDCEN 1, AGUTAYAN 0

It was Alain’s shot on the 3rd minute that lifted HEdCen over Agutayan. Jodi passed the ball back to Alain who blasted the ball over the keeper of Agutayan.

After an attempt by Jodi on the 1st minute, Agutayan almost scored from an aggressive attack, which was stopped after one of their forwards committed a handball violation.

Agutayan pressed after Alain’s goal but Raja was there to clear the it for the Redwoods.

HEdCen had several goal attempts from Alain, Jamy, and Raja but all their shots were off-target. Again, Raja’s free-kick shot hit the side of the post on the 7th minute.

Jamy’s missed attempt on the 8th minute was a left volley kick.

HEDCEN 1, ZONE TWO 0

HEdCen displayed poor finishing for the 2nd time, all except James who followed-up on an attempt by Alain that was blocked by a Zone 2 defender. James scored on the 4th minute.

Tanchuan’s goal attempts on the 1st, 2nd and 10th minute went wide. Alain’s shots on the 6th, 7th and 9th minute were saved by the keeper.

HEdCen had a good chance to score on the 3rd minute when Jamy crossed the ball to James. James’ shot went wide.

The final score was 1-0.

HEDCEN 3, ZONE FIVE 1

The first goal of the match came from a left foot shot by Zone 5. This gave Zone 5 a 1-goal advantage at the start of regulation period.

Zone 5’s lead didn’t last long when Marky Santos-Tankia fired a brilliant left foot volley to equalize.

After Santos-Tankia’s equalizer, the momentum was on HEdCen’s side. Raja scored from a long shot to give HEdCen the lead, 2-1. Then, Jamy sealed the game for the Redwoods as he flicked the ball into the opposition’s goal from a cross by Layug.

HEdCen topped group A and qualified for the semis.

SEMIFINALS: HEDCEN WINS OVER GMTD VIA DEFAULT

In the semifinals match, GMTD lead by 1 goal but was disqualified after the officials learned that they fielded born 94 and 95 players against HEdCen’s born 98 boys. HEdCen was declared the winner of that match.

FINALS: HEDCEN 3, ZONE 6 0

In the finals, HEdCen overwhelmed Zone 6 with their ball-handling skills, passing, and strength. The Redwoods crushed Zone 6 in the finals by 3 goals and were awarded gold in the born 1998 category.

Santa Barbara Iloilo, April 19 – In the eliminations, HEdCen boys born 1996 topped their group with 3 wins and a draw. They tied Paypao in the semifinals but lost in the penalty shoot-out.

The tournament format was 7-a-side with 3 groups in the eliminations. There was 12 minutes of play for each game.

HEDCEN 0, GMTD 0

Rvin produced a well-aimed shot from kick-off against GMTD but was tipped of by the keeper in the opening minute. He took another shot on the following minute but the ball went wide.

On the 3rd minute, Miguel’s goal attempt was blocked by a GMTD defender and Jason’s shot from the half-line went wide.

HEdCen was awarded a free-kick on the following minute but Rvin’s shot was again blocked by GMTD’s keeper.

HEdCen was in control of the game but GMTD boys moved fast in defense despite not wearing any spikes.

The Redwoods’ best chance to score came in the 10th minute when Skie’s header from Rvin’s cross just missed its mark on the left corner.

The game ended in a draw, 0-0.

HEDCEN 1, ZONE SIX 0

HEdCen’s last game was mid-afternoon. The players wanted to go back to Casa Fiammetta, where they settled in Barotac because the heat was unbearable. Still, they stayed and played Zone 6 which they beat 1-0.

In the first few minutes of the game, the Redwoods were aggressive. Jason took a long shot that just went a few inches over the cross bar. This was followed by an attempt by Almazan from the right side, which went wide.

On the 6th minute, Miguel drove the ball down the left flank and dropped the ball to an approaching Skie Carranza. Skie dunked the ball into the goal to give HEdCen the lead.

After Skie’s goal, Zone 6 was eager to equalize. Zone 6 was quick on the counterattack but central defender Alen Adeva was there to clear the ball.

Zone 6’s best chance to equalize came in the last minute when Alen committed a foul about 15 yards from HEdCen’s goal. The striker of Zone 6 struck the ball into the crossbar, which bounced in front of another Zone 6 forward. The ball was swiftly kicked into HEdCen’s goal but it hit Jason’s head and went baseline.

Zone 6’s last chance to score from the corner kick was cleared with ease by Rvin Resuma on a header.

HEDCEN 2, BUAYAHON 0

The first goal of HEdCen was credited to Miguel Almazan. He took the shot from the left side and was deflected by a Buayahon defender into their goal.

Skie made the second goal possible when he dribbled through the middle. The ball was poked by a defender but crossed Miguel’s path. Almazan blasted the ball into the left side of the goal. Buayahon’s keeper had no chance at all.

Buayahon’s forwards were forced to help defend Skie, Rvin, and Miguel because they were playing well. So HEdCen played backpasses especially to Ackie Adeva, who took consecutive goal attempts from the back.

Luigi Fernandez had his share of scoring opportunities. He received most of his balls from Skie Carranza. Luigi’s best shot was a 1-touch attempt from Skie’s cross that hit the side bar.

Luigi Fernandez is returning to HEdCen along with brother Erik Fernandez after a year of schooling in Marist.

HEDCEN 2, CADAGMAYAN 0

The last game was a must-win for the Redwoods since only the top of each group would be included in the semis.

HEdCen was eager to qualify for the semis. Jason took 3 consecutive shots on back passes from right forward Rvin Resuma.

On the 4th minute, Rvin faked a free kick to the goal and passed the ball to Jason on the right. Unfortunately, Layug’s shot went wide.

The first goal of the Redwoods was by Rvin Resuma who used a volley kick to rebound the loose ball from Skie’s attack to the middle.

Miguel followed with a series of attempts from thru passes by Skie and Rvin.

On the 8th minute, a foul was committed on Miguel. Luigi Fernandez substituted Almazan due to an ankle injury.

Fernandez could have given HEdCen a 2-goal lead but his attempt from Skie’s cross went straight to the goalie.

Skie scored the second goal for HEdCen and secured a semis spot from a free kick.

The pain from Almazan’s foot subsided and he was cleared to play in the semis.

SEMIFINALS: HEDCEN 1, PAYPAO 3

The time for the semifinals was extended to 15 minutes.

HEdCen lost to Paypao in the penalty shoot-out.

During regulation time, the match was even. Ball possession was 50-50.
The center forward of Paypao was the most skilled in the opposition but he was also very strong and fast. Alen did a good job of containing Paypao’s center forward.

On the 12th minute, a long ball was sent towards HEdCen’s goal. Jason kicked to clear the ball but it hit a running Paypao left winger and the ball was deflected into HEdCen’s goal. Paypao lead 1-0.

On the next possession, Rvin drove the ball down the right side. The keeper of Paypao approached him as Resuma beat his defender but Rvin was quick to release the ball to Miguel on the left who scored the equalizer.

After 15 minutes of play, the game was decided via penalty shoot-out. Alen and Miguel failed to convert their penalty shots and Paypao scored 2 consecutive goals against keeper Rvin. Paypao won 3-1.