ADC, Enderun, FEU, Beach Hut set for PFF Futsaliga finals

PASIG CITY – Four teams punched their tickets to the inaugural PFF Futsaliga Cup finals after winning their semifinal matches Sunday at the Philsports Arena, billed as the country’s growing “House of Futsal.”

The Azkals Development Club (ADC) and Enderun Colleges will battle for the Men’s Cup title, while Far Eastern University (FEU) and Beach Hut FC will clash for the Women’s Cup crown on May 17.

The Cup finals matchday kicks off at 8 a.m. with free admission, and a livestream will be available on the Philippine Football Federation’s official YouTube channel.

The tournament is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Men’s Cup: ADC stays unbeaten

ADC remained the only undefeated team in the men’s division after overwhelming the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), 7-2, on May 10.

Christian Gabriel Vendiola scored a brace to strengthen his case as one of the season’s standout players, anchoring ADC’s attack.

ADC playing coach Stephan Schröck, a former Philippine men’s national team captain, said the team is locked in for the championship clash.

“They gave us a good fight. We’re so happy we could make it to the finals,” Schröck said. “So far we have prepared very well for the games, and obviously in the final everything can happen, but we will make sure that we will be prepared.”

Enderun booked the other Men’s Cup final slot with a 9-2 demolition of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU).

Theo Appiah erupted for four goals to move into a tie for first place in the Golden Boot race, leading the Titans from the opening whistle.

“It has been a great battle since the beginning from the group stages,” Appiah said. “Now that we are heading to the finals, all we need to do is stay focused and consistent.”

Veteran Dominic Tom credited leadership and team chemistry for Enderun’s run to the championship match.

“Of course, the first goal for the team is always to win. My role in this team is to lead and guide my rookies and teammates just to secure that win,” Tom said.

The final is also a rematch — ADC handed Enderun a loss earlier in the tournament — and Appiah said the Titans are coming back hungrier.

“We are ready for them,” Appiah said. “During our first game, we lost against them, so now that we are going to meet them in the finals, we are fully prepared.”

Tom said preparation and trust will decide the title.

“It’s always about preparation,” Tom added. “Making sure the team stays focused until the last tournament, listening to the coaches’ instructions, and trusting each other. Hopefully, eventually, we’ll get the championship.”

Women’s Cup: FEU sizzles, Beach Hut survives

In the Women’s Cup, the FEU Lady Tamaraws were the first to secure a final berth, blanking Enderun Colleges, 4-0, even without head coach Let Dimzon, who missed a second straight match due to national team duties.

UAAP Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo carried over her football scoring touch to the hardcourt, netting a brace to push FEU into the title round.

The Lady Tamaraws initially squandered several chances before Arevalo broke through late in the first half, after which FEU controlled the rest of the game.

“Marami po kaming chances na hindi na-convert, so nag-adjust po kami during the last minutes and eventually na-convert na namin yung scoring chances,” Arevalo said.

She credited daily training and the team’s eagerness to prove FEU’s range beyond football.

“Araw-araw pa rin po kaming nagt-training kahit wala si Coach Let. Yung mga kulang namin noong last few games, iyon yung ini-improve namin. Gigil din po kami kasi ngayon lang po ata sumali ang FEU sa futsal, kaya gusto naming ipakita na hindi lang sa football kami magaling, pati rin sa futsal,” she added.

The other Women’s Cup semifinal was the tournament’s most dramatic match so far, with Beach Hut FC edging ADC, 1-0, in a tactical, physical showdown decided in the final minute.

Beach Hut goalkeeper Kayla Santiago, a Filipina5 stalwart, kept the match scoreless with a crucial double save against ADC’s Caitlyn Panilan entering the closing minute.

Beach Hut then struck on a counterattack, with Jodi Banzon driving past ADC captain Dai Dolino and feeding Samantha Toledo, who buried the winner with 42 seconds left.

Beach Hut head coach Fitch Arboleda called it the toughest and best match he had seen in the competition.

“Actually, with this game, I think this is the hardest game and best game na nakita ko sa Futsaliga. Yung resilience talaga ng team namin sobrang taas kanina, and yung grit na makakuha lang talaga kami ng isang goal, yun lang naman yung kailangan namin,” Arboleda said.

He saluted ADC and credited his squad’s composure under pressure.

“Hands down pa rin sa ADC dahil pinakita talaga nila na isa sila sa pinakamalalakas na team dito. Luckily, naka-score kami with 40 seconds left. Kudos sa team namin na talagang nag-show up para manalo,” Arboleda added.

He also singled out Toledo’s work ethic.

“Nakita ko talaga yung hard work ni Sam ever since she joined the team. She really showed what she can bring to the team. And now we’re excited for the final because this is the first Futsaliga and gustong-gusto talaga naming makuha ito,” Arboleda said.

Plate semifinals

Tondo FC barreled into the Men’s Plate Final with a 14-1 rout of Sporting QC despite fielding only six players. With injured star MJ Libre sidelined, EJ Esquilona stepped up with five goals to lead Tondo’s attack.

The PUP Radicals will face Tondo in the Plate Final after extending their winning streak with a 7-1 demolition of the University of Makati. Sean Gabriel Tarrobal led the charge with a brace and earned Bootcamp Player of the Match honors.

In the Women’s Plate, the University of Makati booked a final slot with a 16-0 thrashing of Forza. Jules Cabal exploded for five goals to tighten her grip on the Women’s Division Golden Boot race.

Joining UMak in the Women’s Plate Final is PWU, which escaped Azzurri, 2-1, on a decisive second-half strike by Noelle Urmeneta.

The Men’s and Women’s Cup finals on May 17 promise blockbuster matchups between the strongest squads of the inaugural PFF Futsaliga season, with admission free at Philsports Arena and a livestream on the Philippine Football Federation’s YouTube channel. (PFF)