By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Sta. Barbara FC of Iloilo asserted its football mastery, dismantling host team San Carlos City, 4-0, to reign supreme in the Pintaflores Cup 2025 Under-16 Championship at the San Carlos City Football Field in Negros Occidental on Saturday, November 1.

The Ilonggo youngsters displayed total control from start to finish, combining fluid passing, organized defense and lethal finishing to complete a statement win and bring pride to Iloilo.

Nikee Tinapao drew first blood early in the match, giving Sta. Barbara the early momentum.

Raymund Jamotillo doubled the cushion shortly after halftime before Joseph Jamotillo delivered the knockout blows with back-to-back goals in the closing stretch.

Despite San Carlos City’s best efforts to mount a comeback, the hosts found no way past Sta. Barbara’s composed backline and the stellar goalkeeping that anchored a clean sheet performance.

Guided by head coach Bervic Italia, a former national team standout, and supported by assistants Anthony Masculino, Mark Evan Sorongon, Nikol Vall Suay (MV Payag Founder and Vice President), Jhone Paul Somogod, and Keith Subong (MV Payag Club de Futbol President), Sta. Barbara FC executed a tactical masterclass reflective of Iloilo’s rich football tradition.

Several players were also feted for their brilliance throughout the tournament: Michael Sotaridona (Best Goalkeeper), Jan Floyd Oñate (Best Midfielder), Jomarelle Alemane (Best Defender), and Joseph Jamotillo (Most Valuable Player).

Backed by MV Payag Club de Futbol and the Province of Iloilo, Sta. Barbara FC’s championship run not only highlights the emerging youth talent from the region but also reinforces Iloilo’s long-standing reputation as one of the country’s football strongholds./ASC, WDJ