National Capital Region FA and Stallion FC confirmed their places as the finalists of the PFF U19 Boys National Championship – First Division after outlasting their opponents during the semi-final Tuesday 22 August 2023 at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay City, Cebu.
NCR opened the semi-final proceedings with a comprehensive 7-1 win over Panay RFA. Daniel Christensen fired a brace in the 17th and 24th minutes to set the tone for NCR
Vicemzo Solidum started the scoring in the sixth minute, before Christensen netted his double. To put NCR three goals up. Rodrigo Mariñas III added a fourth goal in the 35th minute then Lance Locsin made it five unanswered goals on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Joses Azur fired NCR’s sixth in the 63rd minute and Stephen Flores completed the rout seven minutes later.
Panay would score a late consolation goal in the 80th minute courtesy of Jan Baito, but it was NCR’s day as they advanced to their second successive final appearance in the First Division.
The second semi-final tie saw Stallion withstand a late surge from Central Visayas FA to win, 3-2.
Despite, missing several key players due to their commitments to the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team, Stallion mounted a strong start to get the second final spot.
James Detera broke the deadlock for Stallion in the 10th minute, but Central Visayas equalized nine minutes later from John Vitualla’s strike to send both teams level at the half, 1-1.
However, Stallion had a blistering second half start with Joaquin Collo making it 2-1 right after the restart before Andrei Gonzales unleashed a curling effort in the 63rd minute to extend Stallion’s tally.
Joseph Garces reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute to ensure a grandstand finish, but Central Visayas rued their chances for the equalizer giving Stallion the win.
Panay and Central Visayas battle it out in the Third Place match at 8:30 AM followed by the championship match between NCRFA and Stallion at 2:00 PM. Both matches will be played at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complexi.