The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the inaugural PFF Futsaliga U17 Girls’ Division, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), after Beach Hut FC and Silangan FC Cainta emerged victorious in the Cup semifinals last May 9 at the Philsports Arena, the country’s celebrated House of Futsal.
Top seed Beach Hut FC delivered a commanding statement in the opening Cup semifinal, overwhelming fourth seed Nemesis FA, 8–0, to secure a place in the championship match.
Beach Hut established control from the opening whistle, with Baasha Aurelio igniting the early surge through a double brace that dismantled Nemesis’ defense and set the tone for a dominant performance.
Aurelio emphasized the importance of Beach Hut’s aggressive approach and the team chemistry that has fueled their campaign throughout the tournament.
“We try to have a hard start in all of our games because it builds momentum,” Aurelio said. “We’re really happy with the outcome because from start to finish, I think we showed great intensity. We look forward to even harder competition because we know the other teams want it as much as we do.”
The La Salle-Zobel student also reflected on the squad’s growth since the beginning of the tournament.
“At the start, our team was a bit wobbly, but over time we became closer and more developed as a team. The jokes, celebrations, and bonding really helped build our momentum. From where we were at the start to where we are now, we’ve grown much closer as teammates and as friends,” she added.
The second semifinal delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, as third seed Silangan FC Cainta edged PasigLaban, 2–1 after extra time, to book their place in the final against Beach Hut on May 16.
PasigLaban drew first blood through returning star Jazz Sosa, who scored off a pirouette move in the seventh minute.
Silangan quickly responded three minutes later when Maria Angela Morato converted from a right-corner set piece to level the score.
Both sides traded attacks in a tense and physical encounter, with neither team able to break the deadlock through regulation time. But despite playing through a bad ankle, Sophia Nicole Dela Cruz delivered the decisive moment in the 45th minute, firing home the winning goal off a through pass from the back that sent Silangan FC Cainta into the final in dramatic fashion.
Silangan manager Joao Pajaro credited the team’s tactical discipline and mental growth for the breakthrough victory.
“We went back to the basics—passing the ball quickly and opening up the corners to free the middle of the pitch,” Pajaro explained. “We also added another strategy where our forward would run from corner to corner, and that opened the defense.”
Pajaro stressed that the semifinal appearance already represented a major achievement for a squad largely composed of scholars and recently developed players.
“For us, just reaching the finals is already a win because this team was only formed a few years ago. This is about helping the girls grow mentally and believe that they can compete against the best teams. The most important thing is that they now know they can do it,” he said.
The Silangan manager also expressed gratitude to the PSC and PSC Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio for supporting grassroots futsal through access to the world-class venue.
“We thank the Philippine Sports Commission and Sir Pato for allowing us to use this beautiful facility. When I was younger, we didn’t have venues like this. This is the start of a bigger and stronger futsal league,” Pajaro added.
With Silangan FC Cainta narrowly overcoming PasigLaban and Beach Hut continuing its dominant run, the inaugural Cup Final now features a compelling showdown between the tournament’s top seed and one of its fastest-rising clubs.
Meanwhile, in the Plate semifinals, Sporting QC delivered their biggest win of the tournament with a commanding 12–2 victory over EMA Bulacan Highlanders.
Ariela Abeto erupted for seven goals to earn Bootcamp Player of the Match honors and join Tondo FC’s MJ Libre (men’s open) and EMA Bulacan’s Charlson Vidal (Boys’ U17) in the elite list of PFF Futsaliga players who have scored seven or more goals in a single game.
Star FC also advanced to the Plate Final after a balanced 6–2 win over Antipolo City FC. Jean Isabela Mari Fulgado orchestrated the attack as six different Star FC players found the scoresheet in a disciplined team performance.
The Plate championship will now feature a clash between Sporting QC and Tanay, Rizal-based Star FC, while all eyes turn toward the highly anticipated Cup Final between Beach Hut FC and Silangan FC Cainta at the House of Futsal on May 16. The games will start at 8 AM and admission to the Philsports Arena is free.
