CAPAS, Tarlac — Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo pride Agtuso United Football Club delivered a gutsy campaign against local and international rivals before settling for a runner-up finish in the Boys Born 2012 (Under-14) category of the Philippine Cup 2026 International Football Festival at the New Clark City Stadium here.
Agtuso absorbed a 3-1 defeat to Crocs FC of Davao in the championship match of the 9-a-side tournament, which featured 10 competing teams in the U14 division, but the Iloilo-based squad emerged as one of the standout teams of the prestigious youth football showcase.
The Ilonggo booters were bracketed in Group A alongside Dededo Soccer Club from Guam, Crocs FC, JDFCI-A of Janiuay, Iloilo, and Clark International Football Academy.
Agtuso opened its campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Crocs FC in the eliminations, conceding on an unfortunate own goal. Despite the early setback, the team showed resilience to secure the second seed in their bracket and advance to the quarterfinals.
From there, Agtuso turned dominant.
The Barotac Nuevo side blanked JDFCI-B, 3-0, in the quarterfinals, then followed it up with another emphatic 3-0 victory over Usna Gali FC in the semifinals to punch a ticket to the finals.
In the championship showdown, Agtuso struck first against Crocs FC, raising hopes of redemption. However, the Davao-based squad countered with three unanswered goals to seize control and eventually claim the 3-1 victory and the title.
Quiel Meadriex Dela Cruz spearheaded Agtuso’s offensive surge throughout the tournament, finishing as the team’s top scorer with nine goals.
The team was composed of Thomas Benjamin Presno Aban, Kristher Kiel Armada, Christian Paul Bisuelo, Kent Buenvenida, Micoh John Buenvenida, Johriane Asher Dela Cruz, Quiel Meadriex Dela Cruz, Vinz Nerich Dillo, Jan Martin Doctora, Keith Doctora, Mikael Wenzel Dorilag, Alexis Fernandez, Gerico Zhachary Gumbao, Jose Gabriel Segura, Neig Micho Sonza, James Welljail Sudayan, Glenn Christian Superioridad, and Ranz Miguel Yotingc.
Agtuso United FC is coached by Serj Joseft Deñola, with James Salvacion as assistant coach, Joey De Asis Jr. as goalkeeper coach, Roque Empleo as assistant goalkeeper coach, and Rogelio Rotor serving as team manager.
Despite falling just short of the crown, Agtuso United FC’s runner-up finish underscored a breakthrough performance against elite youth squads, reaffirming Barotac Nuevo’s reputation as a football hotbed and signaling a bright future for Iloilo’s rising stars./PN
