PFF Futsaliga semis race heats up

The PFF Futsaliga presented by the Philippine Sports Commission returned to the Philsports Arena on April 11–12 with Matchday 5 producing decisive results across all divisions as the race for semifinal spots tightened.

The latest round brought emphatic wins, comeback performances, and key results from both youth and senior clubs, reflecting what organizers described as the league’s growing depth and competitiveness.

The Philippine Football Federation also said fan interest has continued to build, with the PFF Futsaliga Facebook page reaching 2.3 million views in just three weekends.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the return to the Philsports Arena marked an important point in the competition.

“PFF Futsaliga shows that the House of Futsal is truly alive, with players, clubs, and fans fully invested in the competition as it enters a crucial stage. As the semifinal race intensifies, we are seeing the quality, passion, and competitiveness that define the future of Philippine futsal.”

“With the continued support of the Philippine Sports Commission through the steadfast leadership of Chairman Pato Gregorio, this platform is not only sustaining momentum but also elevating standards across all levels, bringing us closer to building a complete futsal ecosystem in the country.”

In the Girls’ U17 Division, Beach Hut FC opened Matchday 5 with a 7–0 rout of Sporting QC behind a five-goal performance from Filipinas U17 standout Sofhia Muros, who was named Bootcamp Player of the Match.

Silangan FC Cainta then secured its fourth victory through a 5–0 default win over EMA Bulacan Highlanders.

Star FC also ended a three-game skid with a 3–0 victory over Antipolo City FC.

In the marquee matchup of unbeaten teams, PasigLaban edged Nemesis FA, 2–1, to stay perfect after five wins.

Dhea Nicolly Cebe scored both goals for PasigLaban, including the winner in the 25th minute shortly after Nemesis equalized.

Coach Michael Eguillos said the team’s approach centered on direct attacking play.

“Yung ginawa naming plan is more of attacking kami. Puro forward passes at puro penetrating sa depensa ng kalaban.”

With the win, PasigLaban moved atop the Girls’ U17 standings with 15 points.

Beach Hut, Silangan, and Nemesis Gaia shared second to fourth places with 12 points each.

Star remained in contention for a semifinal berth with six points.

In the Boys’ U17 Division, EMA Bulacan Highlanders pulled away late to beat Nemesis FA, 8–6, in a high-scoring contest.

Captain Christian Vidal scored four goals for EMA in the final two minutes to seal the win.

Star FC maintained its unbeaten run with an 8–1 victory over PasigLaban as Ramil Fraga delivered four goals.

Paul Stiga Academy figured in a 6–0 draw against Sporting QC, with Jon Marl Rebanal again turning in a standout performance.

Antipolo City FC also entered the top four after a 5–1 win over Manila Futsal Team behind a hat trick from JM Bautista.

Star FC remained undefeated with 15 points and was described as a shoo-in for the semifinals.

Paul Stiga Academy strengthened its chances for the Cup rounds with 12 points.

The other six teams remained in contention for semifinal spots.

In the Women’s Division, the Azkals Development Club opened with a 7–2 win over the Philippine Women’s University for its third victory.

Former Filipinas standout Dai Dolino led ADC in the result.

The University of Makati recovered from a 0–2 deficit to force a 2–2 draw against Beach Hut FC.

Lizzie Torre scored the equalizer in the comeback, while Beach Hut goalkeeper Junah Cuerpo made a crucial last-minute save off a Taif Salama attempt to preserve the draw.

Enderun College continued its strong run with a 3–0 win over winless Forza, led by captain Kry Palangpangan.

Far Eastern University also stayed dominant with a 7–0 demolition of Azzurri.

Lenlen Cristobal scored a hat trick and earned her fourth Bootcamp Player of the Match award.

FEU remained on top of the standings and firmly in the semifinal race, while Beach Hut followed in second with 13 points.

Five other clubs were still in contention for the semifinals.

In the Men’s Division, ADC stayed unbeaten after a 4–2 win over the PUP Radicals.

Christian Gabriel Vendiola scored a brace to continue his strong scoring run.

Enderun College produced one of the most lopsided results of the matchday with an 11–1 victory over Sporting QC.

Zymel Moreno scored four goals to boost Enderun’s semifinal bid.

Tondo FC bounced back with a 7–3 win over the University of Makati as MJ Libre scored all seven goals.

Libre said the result followed a difficult stretch and reflected both preparation and motivation.

“Pinakita lang namin na mas matanda kami sa kanila,” referring to his younger brother Jeric and Tondo FC’s Edmar Adonis’ younger brother Cristan, who are playing for UMak.

The Philippine Women’s University closed the matchday with a 2–0 win over the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Goalkeeper Lourence Dalumpines delivered a standout performance and kept a clean sheet to preserve PWU’s unbeaten record and hold on the semifinal race.

With five matchdays completed, the league has entered a critical stretch as teams fight for position and momentum heading into the final phase of the elimination round. (PFF)