Sub goalie wins Milo football crown for Rosevale HS boys
SUBSTITUTE goalkeeper July Vicente reserved his best for the last as he frustrated arch rival Corpus Christi School to give Rosevale School this year’s Mindanao Milo Olympics High School football title recently at the Westridge Sportpark football ground in brgy. Carmen.
Vicente, a recruit from Iligan City and a replacement for regular goalkeeper Dave Mendoza, saved Corpus Christi’s last penalty shot from Jesse Bajarla during the penalty shoot-out to preserve their 5-4 lead and win the school’s first Milo Olympics football title in the high school division.
Vicente earlier booted in Rosevale School’s last penalty shot and completed his heroics with the title clinching save.
The Rosevale kids dedicated their win in honour of Tita Marlen Casas, the guardian of Dave Mendoza.
Tita Marlen, a diehard supporter of Rosevale football program, died last week after suffering from a massive stroke. Two
weeks earlier her husband Marlon also died of stroke.
The couple are Mendoza’s guardians since his parents are OFW’s based in New York, USA.
Rosevale School won two Elementary category titles in 2017 and in 2013. Players in 2013 manned this year’s title winning team in the HS category.
Their elementary team this year was not very lucky as it failed to advance.
Corpus Christi marched to the finals fourth times in a row in the High School category including this year but has not won a title.
Corpus Elementary team however leaned on their Palaro veterans Kid Yanez, and Jrand Hortellano to defeat Bukidnon Faith Academy 2-0 in the final to grab the Elementary division crown.
Rosevale School was perfect from the spot as Joshua Barrera, Joshua Montecino, John Gementiza, Ino Butaslac and July Vicente found the back of the net to earn a one goal advantage.
Rosevale leaned on the lone goal of Lyle Dy in the semis to defeat Misamis Oriental Comprehensive High School,1-0, and advanced to the championship against Corpus.
The Rosevale kids advanced to the semis after defeating Malaybalay National High School, 2-0, and First Fruits Academy, 3-0. They drew with Bukidnon Faith School 0-0 in their first match.
Completing the Rosevale School team are JL Cascara, Dale Anoya, Van Arvin Orate, Amman Radiamoda, Adoms Deloria (coach) and Dennis Bongocan (coach). (l.biantan@gmail.com)