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.