MAKATI FC capped a productive European sortie by winning the Girls 12 (2012) and Boys 13 (2011) championships in the Gothia World Youth Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden on Saturday.
The Philippine-based youth club dominated Sweden’s Hammarby IF 5-0 in the Girls 12 final.
Makati FC overcame anxious moments in the Boys 13 finale, beating Swedish side Utsiktens BK 6-4 via penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation.
A total of 1,910 teams from 75 countries competed in the world’s largest youth football tournament.
Wrapping up its 39th year of participation, Makati FC’s title runs in the Girls 12 and Boys 13 categories reprised its championship runs in Helsinki Cup in Finland last week.
It was a dominating run for Makati FC’s Girls 12 team, as it went undefeated in eight matches and conceded only one goal in the tournament.
Captain Ariana Gementiza of Laguna, the team’s top goal scorer with 19 goals, was delighted to lead Makati FC to the top.
“Playing in the finals infront of many people including our kababayans in sweden and singing the national anthem with them at the finals is by far the best experience ive had since I started playing football,” Gementiza said. “Last year we came to Gothia the first time and we played an older division. That I believe helped us win the finals this year because we moved with more confidence on the field.”
In the semifinal, Makati defeated China’s CYDF Youth Football Team 3-1.
“The best part of winning is sharing it with the team,” said Ella Chua, who scored three goals in the tournament. “The best part of winning is sharing it with the team, family, and those back home in the Philippines who are cheering for us.”
The Girls 12 squad was simply motivated to play well right from the get-go against the finest youth football clubs in the world.
“Seeing how much support we got from strangers is very inspiring and motivating. We get to touch other people’s lives even just by enjoying and doing what we love. I am happy to have made our fellow Filipinos proud” said Gracie Gella, who logged 14 goals in the tournament.
Makati FC’s Boys 13 squad, which was the same team that ruled the JSSL Singapore tournament earlier this year, showed steely resolve to prevail over the home side.
“The whole match was super challenging, but we fought until the end. It’s so fun to have won the Gothia Cup,” said goalkeeper Kenzie Javas Niscala, who produced four clean sheets in the tournament.
Johannesbern Ortigas logged a team-best 20 goals for Makati FC, which also went unbeaten in nine matches on eight wins and a draw.
“It’s not about us winning 1 championship game but the everyday sacrifices we do. I left my family in Negros and live in Manila for football. It’s not easy but I know it will be worth it. Winning a tournament like Gothia makes all the sacrifices all worth it,” Ortigas, the striker-captain from Negros Occidental said.
In the semis, Makati FC pulled off a 3-0 victory over France’s Montrouge FC 92.
“I’ll remember the championship but i’ll remember the friends I met here in Gothia and the fun we had in and out of the field. Amazing is an experience to be here,” said Cebuano midfielder Travis Villanea.
The championship was the icing on the cake for all the hard work and commitment the Boys 13 squad did in the competition.
“We play well because we enjoy playing the game. We feel tired but we push ourselves to the limit, that’s why we deserved the win. We’re so happy we won the world biggest youth tournament,” said Davaoeño defender and left back Juan Carlo Morales.
Makati FC’s Girls 14 (2010), led by Yona dela Calzada and Shine Cadayona, put up a gallant stand before losing to eventual runner-up United States’ Iconz Elite 4-5 via penalties after a 3-3 stalemate at regulation in the semifinal.
