Beach Hut delivered one of the most dominant performances in the U17 Girls Division on the penultimate match day of the elimination round, overwhelming Nemesis Gaia, 5–0, to surge to the top of the standings in the PFF Futsaliga presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Santi Balajadia starred with a hat trick at the House of Futsal in the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, lifting Beach Hut into a three-way tie for first place with 15 points, boosted by a tournament-best goal difference.
“As long as we give it our all, play our best and set our mind at the right place, we’ll be able to win, hopefully reach the top and win the championship,’’ said Balajadia.
The Girls’ U17 Division is shaping up into one of the most competitive brackets of the tournament, with three teams now deadlocked at the top following a series of pivotal results.
Antipolo City and EMA Bulacan Highlanders played out a dramatic 3–3 draw, with Antipolo racing to a 3–0 lead inside the opening 11 minutes before Bulacan staged a stunning comeback to secure their first point of the tournament. Althea Cahig led Antipolo’s early surge with two goals, earning her first Bootcamp Player of the Match recognition.
Silangan Cainta, meanwhile, handed PasigLaban its first loss of the campaign, securing a disciplined 2–0 victory built on cohesive team play and tactical execution. Angela Morato orchestrated the balanced attack that powered Silangan to its fifth win and a share of the top spot.
Beach Hut, Silangan Cainta, and PasigLaban are now level on 15 points, with Beach Hut leading on goal difference. Despite the loss, Nemesis Gaia secured a semifinal berth, while Sporting QC’s breakthrough 2–0 upset win over Star sent the latter into the Plate semifinals, underscoring the fine margins in the competition.
(C) PFF
In the Boys’ U17 Division, Star continued to set the benchmark, remaining the only undefeated team after another commanding performance. Paul Stiga Academy strengthened its semifinal push with a narrow 2–1 win over PasigLaban.
Prince Yana led a composed and balanced attack, delivering a crucial victory that keeps PSA firmly in the hunt for a Final Four slot.
Star extended its unbeaten run with a convincing 4–1 win over the Manila Futsal Team. Franc Obias delivered a brace to secure their sixth straight victory, further cementing Star FC’s status as the team to beat.
Nemesis showcased resilience and determination, defeating Antipolo City, 4–2, despite fielding only five players. Michael Canaman played a pivotal role, sustaining relentless energy across the full match to keep Nemesis in contention for a semifinal berth.
“Sobrang challenging itong game kasi wala kaming sub. Five players lang kami so need talagang pagsabayin yung recovery tsaka yung intensity ng game. Nasa crucial kami na kalagayan kasi need naming umangat para makapasok doon sa top four,” said Canaman.
EMA Bulacan Highlanders produced the most emphatic result of the matchday, thrashing Sporting QC, 10–0, behind an extraordinary seven-goal performance from Golden Boot leader Charlson Vidal. The result marked their fourth win and propelled them into third place, strengthening their semifinal bid.
Star remains perfect at the top, while Paul Stiga Academy and EMA Bulacan Highlanders have secured places in the Cup semifinals. Nemesis remains in contention after its gutsy win, while the Manila Futsal Team still holds a mathematical chance to break into the Final Four.
With semifinal spots on the line, young talents from across the country delivered spirited performances, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the league and the strong grassroots foundation being built for Philippine futsal.
The continued partnership between the PFF and PSC has been instrumental in sustaining this momentum, providing a world-class venue where youth players can compete at a high level and experience the demands of elite futsal.
Nemesis’ Michael Canaman played the entire match to keep his team alive in the PFF Futsaliga U17 Boys Cup semifinal race.
