The 14th Sinulog Football Cup culminated in an exhilarating weekend of matches at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex in Talisay City, Cebu, with JR Impas FC securing the Men's Open championship in a heart-stopping penalty shootout.
Men's Open Division: A Thrilling Finale
In the highly anticipated Men's Open final, JR Impas FC faced off against Makoto FC in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, resulting in a deadlock after regulation play. The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, where JR Impas FC narrowly triumphed with a 6-5 scoreline, claiming the coveted title.
Individual Accolades in Men's Open
Adding to the excitement, former professional player Dan Villarico was honored with dual awards, being named both the tournament's Best Player and the Men's Open division's Most Valuable Player (MVP). His outstanding performance throughout the competition highlighted his enduring talent and leadership on the field.
Ladies' Open Division: Higala FC Takes the Crown
The Ladies' Open division also witnessed intense competition, with Higala FC from Cagayan de Oro emerging victorious. In the finals, they defeated fellow visiting team Tanjay FC 3-1 in another penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience and precision under pressure. Angel Buendia was recognized as the MVP of this division for her pivotal contributions to Higala FC's success.
Other Division Winners
The tournament featured multiple categories, each with its own champions:
- Boys' 15: Giuseppe FC secured a 1-0 win over Don Bosco FC-C to claim the title.
- Inter-Company Division: Virtual Buddy FC dominated with a 2-0 victory against Knowles FC.
- Soccer Moms Category: La Horse FC topped the league-format tournament, finishing with an impressive 13 points.
- 40-Above Division: Rongcales FC triumphed with a 2-0 win over USC Alumni.
This year's Sinulog Football Cup not only celebrated athletic excellence but also fostered community spirit and sportsmanship across various age groups and skill levels, reinforcing its status as a premier football event in the region.
