By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The quarterfinal round of the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) Champions League U16 category concluded on a high note today, with four teams emerging victorious to secure their spots in the upcoming semifinals.
The CST-R Golden Eagles delivered one of the day’s most dominant performances, blanking the Dolphins FC, 3-0.
Ron Gabriel Tambiga opened the scoring, while Juan de Marco Cutamora netted a brace to seal their semifinal berth.
The Bacolod United FC earned a hard-fought ticket to the next round after surviving a scoreless regulation against the Municipality of Ilog FC (MIFC). The match went to penalties, where Bacolod United edged MIFC, 4-3.
Shootout goals from Mike Andrie delos Santos, Kris Jay Claridad, Mark Evan Azucena, and Gabe Palu-ay proved just enough to overcome Ilog’s efforts from Hucuanova, Mendoza and Orcajada.
In another intense quarterfinal clash, the City of Kabankalan FC (CKFC) powered past the Sagay City FC, 4-0.
Ivan Mijares III gave CKFC the lead just before halftime, followed by second-half goals in the 46th, 74th, and 80+3rd minutes to complete the rout and book their place in the Final 4.
Capping the day’s action, the Classico de San Carlos FC overwhelmed USLS-IS Bacolod with a stunning 8-0 thrashing.
Kier Lorenz Martos kicked off the scoring spree in the 26th minute, followed by goals from Dirk Carlos Cloves (30’), Frances Zendril (36’), John Luke Libunao (38’, 50’), Nengasca Jerenz (40’, 54’), and Kiannel Josef Montila (71’).
The commanding victory confirmed San Carlos’ place in the semifinals in emphatic fashion.
With CST-R, Bacolod United, Kabankalan, and San Carlos advancing, the stage is set for an exciting semifinal round.
Tournament organizers are currently finalizing the schedule for the concluding stages, with adjustments under consideration to avoid potential conflicts.
Football fans are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates.
The quarterfinals not only produced thrilling outcomes but also showcased the rising talent in Negros Occidental’s youth football scene./ASC, WDJ