Game Tomorrow
(Rizal Memorial Football Field)
6 p.m. – CSB vs Arellano (Game 1)
College of St. Benilde struck a late goal to eliminate last year’s champion San Beda, 1-0, and book the remaining championship berth Wednesday night in the NCAA men’s football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Substitute Wilmer Lopez converted a corner kick with five minutes left in the regulation to turn things around for the top-seeded Blazers and set up a best-of-three title series with early finalist Arellano University starting tomorrow.
Coming off a 2-0 defeat on Monday that forged the semifinals into a knockout match, St. Benilde refused to blink despite San Beda’s aggressive stand.
San Beda had close encounters in the second half including a header from Jerome Marzan, but his attempt was ruled offside.
St. Benilde coach Marlon Maro decided to sub in Lopez to toughen up their defense, but the latter turned out to be the offensive spark that the Blazers needed.
The Blazers and the Arellano Chiefs clash in Game 1 at 6 p.m. at the same venue.
Arellano is coming off a four-day respite after blasting Lyceum, 3-1, last Monday.
The last time St. Benilde won the crown was in 2009 while Arellano captured the title in 2015.
