It was a clash of contrasting styles in the final of the PFF Futsaliga U17 Girls’ Division.
On one side was an offensive juggernaut that scored 51 goals in eight games. On the other was the league’s best defense, which conceded only four goals over the same stretch.
In the end, attack proved to be the best form of defense, as Beach Hut—a club composed of some of the country’s most promising teenage footballers—overwhelmed grassroots side Silangan Cainta, 5-0, to win the inaugural PFF Futsaliga title presented by the Philippine Sports Commission in front of a packed Philsports Arena gallery.
Sofhia Muros secured the Golden Boot with a brace, while Santi Balajadia also delivered two goals. Most Valuable Player Azriella Casero anchored Beach Hut’s relentless high and mid-press, disrupting Silangan’s deliberate buildup play.
“Basta yung game plan kasi namin really is to press high kasi I saw na yung Cainta nga, hindi pa ganoon ka-experienced, so we really planned to press high [and] win the ball as early as possible,” Beach Hut head coach Joyce Landagan said after the game.
The press paid off early. In the second minute, Baasha Aurelio intercepted the ball at midcourt and combined with Venise Favis before finishing the opening goal.
Favis nearly added another on the next possession following another high press but struck the woodwork. Despite the early pressure, Silangan held firm for the next 25 minutes, anchored by Goalkeeper of the Year Crisha Mae Madia. They also created a few chances in the attacking third but were denied by Casero and goalkeeper Richelle Matondo.
(C) PFF
Beach Hut finally broke through again in the 26th minute, when Muros beat Rodelyn Quiale in a one-on-one situation to double the lead.
Balajadia then showcased her attacking quality, shaking off a double team on the left flank before firing a left-footed strike in the 33rd minute.
Muros struck again in the following minute after Sofia Arago intercepted a loose pass from the low block and fed the league’s top scorer, who calmly completed her brace.
Balajadia, named Bootcamp Player of the Match, sealed the title in the final 28 seconds with a lob toward goal. Madia—who had conceded only four goals prior to the final—was unable to handle the attempt.
“To my teammates, thank you sa hard work na binigay nyo. Thank you sa teamwork na ginawan natin and sa trainings,” said Muros, who finished the inaugural season with 16 goals.
For Silangan, team manager Joao Pajaro expressed pride in their grassroots side’s remarkable run to the final of the PFF Futsaliga.
“I think all the teams that have participated in this tournament are all winners. To experience this kind of league, to experience this kind of play make us all winners,” he said.
In the third-place match, PasigLaban—led by MVP runner-up Jazz Sosa, Golden Boot runner-up Dhea Cebe, and Martha Pagaran—overpowered Nemesis Gaia FA, 6-2, to secure the bronze medal.
Star claimed the Plate title and finished fifth after edging Sporting QC on penalties following a 2-2 draw (3-2). Antipolo City and EMA Bulacan Highlanders completed the standings in seventh and eighth place, respectively.
