By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI)-Elan Vita captured the Under-17 title of the NORFA Champions League after thrashing the Dolphins FC, 5-1, in the championship match in Negros Occidental’s Victorias City over the weekend.

Playing before their home crowd, DBTI-Elan Vita struck first to set the tone of the finals.

The Dolphins FC briefly threatened when they equalized early in the second half, but the hosts responded immediately with another goal to retake the lead, 2-1.

The turning point came when a DBTI-Elan Vita defender was shown a direct red card, leaving the squad down to 10 men.

Instead of folding under pressure, the champions regrouped and turned up their attack.

The Dolphins FC’s defense faltered in the closing minutes, allowing DBTI-Elan Vita to score three unanswered goals that sealed the runaway victory.

The win not only gave them the U17 crown but also underscored their reputation as one of the most dominant youth football teams in Negros.

The championship triumph came just days after DBTI-Elan Vita showcased their firepower in the semifinals, where they overwhelmed Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) with a staggering 13-0 victory.

In the third-place playoff, the Bago City FC bounced back from their semifinal heartbreak to secure a commanding 5-0 win over NOHS.

The home side displayed composure and control, neutralizing NOHS’ early aggression to secure the consolation podium finish.

The U17 tournament capped another successful staging of the NORFA Champions League, which brought together the province’s top grassroots football squads.

Organizers hailed the event as a showcase of Negros’ rising football talents and a platform for young players to hone their skills in high-level competition./ASC, WDJ