The Philippine side put up a gallant stand before dropping a narrow 0-1 loss to Australia’s Northern New South Wales in the final.
Prior to making it to the Girls U14 championship match, Makati FC beat the same Northern New South Wales squad, 2-1, and Australian side Fremantle, 2-1, and Football West, 5-0.
Makati FC was able to select talented girls from the province who played in the 11-aside tournament, with Philippine Airlines supporting the trip.
Pontevedra’s Sofia Galera was the team’s top goalscorer with three, followed by Bacolod’s Ushin Valencia and Maeva Javier with two apiece, while Ariana Gementiza also contributed a goal.
Joyce Gemberva, also from Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, Cebu native Jelena Soon, and Danicka Moleje, also from Bacolod, also made their impression.
“Our academy has stood for over 40 years, and I wish to continue what my dad has started in giving opportunities for the youth to fulfill their dream of becoming world-class football athletes,” said SeLu Lozano, Makati FC director and CEO.
“Creating a winning team takes a lot of dedication and hard work. We wish that one day we will be able to align our program with the national federation so we can widen our reach and help develop our local athletes to give them better opportunities to maximize their potential not only in football but in life,” he added.
Makati FC, the longest running club based in Metro Manila, competed in four divisions and brought five teams to compete in the November 5-12 which made a return after three years.
The Boys U8 squad landed in fourth place, with Pontevedra’s Renzel Grace Gella leading the way.
Van dan Benia, also from Pontivedra, and Davao native Sean Pinion played with the Boys U10 team which placed second. (PR)