Tan Holdings FC clinches boys U15 title

Members of Tan Holdings Football Club’s boys U15 team flash the No. 1 sign after beating Kanoa FC and ruling the division during the NMIFA fall league last Friday at the Oleai Sports Complex Field. (Contributed Photo)

Tan Holdings finished the round-robin contest with a 4-1-0 win-draw-loss record, tying MP United for the top spot. The Jersh Angeles-coached team went on to win the tiebreak due to its superior goal differential—35 against the 27 of MP United.

Going into last weekend’s make-up game, Tan Holdings needed at least 19 goals to surpass MP United and by the end of the first half, the team had already scored 12 to move closer to its target.

“Actually, my instruction to the boys is to score over 20 because I am not so sure of our combined goals in the first four games. I am only sure of our 1-1 draw against MP United before the make-up game. To avoid any complication, I told my players to score more in the second half and I am thankful they responded to the challenge,” Angeles said.

Emmanuel Aniana led Tan Holdings’ barrage of goals, scoring 7 in the important match. Other members of the team are James David, Ryan Relucio, Mareko Tekopua, John Michael Roxas, James Roger Garcia, Dave and Jeremie Tanghal, Marvyn Batu, Louie Calayag, Alan Hinson, Mark Ibanez, Hark Joshua Galarion, Davy Laxa, Jonah Pohl, Albert Bergancia, Jonathan Capayas, Junsik Kim, Mark Maestro, Jherico Thiamzon, and John Mercader.

Aniana and company bagged their first U15 division crown, ending MP United’s long reign and Angeles credited the team’s intact roster and chemistry to their success this fall season.

“Most of our guys have been together for the past three years and they know how to complement each other’s game,” Angeles said.

Angeles’ crew started their bid in the fall season with a 2-0 victory over Paire FC. The eventual division champion also prevailed against Matansa FC, 5-1, and Shirley’ FC, 3-0, before facing rival MP United in a crucial match last Oct. 17.

Against MP United, Kim saved Tan Holdings’ season after scoring the game-tying goal in the second half. Earlier in the first half, Matthew Ong put MP United on top with his goal in the 34th minute. With Kim’s equalizer and MP United and Tan Holdings settling for a draw, last Friday’s make-up match became the deciding factor in the division championship.

Tan Holdings were pressed to gain at least 19 goals against Kanoa to prevail in the tie after the former remained in a deadlock with MP United in the head-to-head and goals allowed departments. Following their draw in their lone meeting this season, MP United and Tan Holdings allowed their opponents to only two goals. MP United gave up the other goal in their 3-1 victory over Paire last month.