Saturday, November 08, 2008

USJ-R EYES CRUCIAL WIN TODAY


Courtesy of Cebu Daily News (http://www.inquirer.net/)
Saturday, November 8, 2008 issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

With their season teetering on the brink of disaster, the defending champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) are banking on a win today when they face former champions and current league-leader University of San Carlos (USC) in a crucial matchup at the end of the elimination round of the Cesafi football tournament at the USC-Technological Center football pitch in Talamban.

USJ-R is currently holding on to the fourth slot and the last ticket to the semifinals after totaling five points off their 1-2-1 (win-draw-loss) record.

They need a win or at least a draw in order to secure them a seat in the next round, as a loss would endanger their chances since the University of Cebu (UC) is breathing down their necks with two points.

UC is expected to win and win big against the neophyte Cebu Doctor's University(CDU) squad. UC needs a USJ-R loss and a win by more than 15 goals in order to sneak in to the semifinals and boot the Kicking Jaguars out of contention. Should UC and USJ-R end up with five points each, the goal difference would be utilized to determine which team will advance to the next round.

Though USC is already assured of a place in the semifinals, a win is still necessary for the Warriors as this would give them the top spot and the privilege of facing the no. 4 ranked team in the knockout phase of the tournament which is scheduled for next weekend.

USC will be missing midfielder Melvin Elle in today's game due to double yellow cards incurred in their last match.

Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) will be facing the University of the Visayas (UV) in the curtain-raiser at 9 a.m. as they continue their pursuit of the top slot after giving it up last weekend to USC, who beat them, 1-3.

UV, on the other hand, is entrenched in third place after managing just a win and three draws in their first four matches.

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