PFF men's football: NCR beats North Cotabato, 4-1

The National Capital Region (NCR) trounced North Cotabato, 4-1, on Thursday to complete a sweep of Group 1 in the 2007 Philippine Football Federtation (PFF) Centennial Men's National Open Championships at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. According to a press statement released by the Philippine Football Federation Thursday afternoon, two first-half goals from winger Emelio Caligdong and second-half strikes from Winnie Subere and Ross Calixterio gave the NCR its third win in as many matches and a psychological edge heading into Saturday's semifinals. Midfielder Peter Jaugan scored North Cotabato's only goal in its last elimination match of the tournament hosted by the Negros Occidental Football Association, which Rep. Carlos Cojuangco as president. The loss put North Cotabato at the mercy of a Davao win over Masbate for it to become the second team from Group 1 to advance in the semifinals. In Group 2, defending champion Negros Occidental, led by Fegidero brothers Norman and Dave, all but sealed the top seeding after prevailing against Baguio lated Wednesday night. The Fegidero brothers scored a goal each, after FJ Serios and Floriano Pasilan made their contributions in a 4-1 rout that followed up the Negrenses' runaway 7-1 triumph over Iloilo. In the other Group 2 match, Iloilo recovered from its humiliating loss against Negros as it drubbed Cagayan De Oro-Misamis, 6-0. The victory gave Iloilo the second spot in Group 2, and a victory against Baguio late Thursday would seal the Ilonggos' semifinal duel with the NCR. - GMANews.TV