CEBU CITY — The PSS Titans captured their first win of the season in the CESAFI 2026 High School Football tournament, grinding out a hard-fought 2–1 victory against the UP Cebu (UPC) Baby Fighting Maroons at the Abellana Sports Complex.
Play-by-Play & Match Flow
- First-Half Breakthrough: The PSS Titans set an aggressive tempo early in the match. Following sustained offensive pressure, PSS broke through UP Cebu's defensive line in the opening period to strike first, taking a 1–0 lead into the halftime break.
- Second-Half Equalizer: Returning from the intermission, UP Cebu pushed forward with an elevated line of attack. The Baby Fighting Maroons found their opening as SG Paual Laspoña found the back of the net to bring the match back to level terms at 1–1.
- Late Game-Winner: Undeterred by the equalizer, PSS mounted a rapid response, penetrating UP Cebu's defense late in the second half to score the decisive goal and seal all three points in their season opener.
Key Player Performances
Mendoza (PSS Titans)
- Defensive Workrate & Anchor: Served as a key presence across the backline and midfield transitions, helping neutralize UP Cebu’s high-pressure attack.
- Possession & Clearance: Contributed critical defensive clearances and successful pass completions during UP Cebu’s second-half push to safeguard the Titans' lead down the stretch.
UP Cebu Standouts
- SG Paual Laspoña: Recorded the lone goal for UP Cebu while logging 3 total shots (1 on target).
- Gamaliel Veloso & Qyel Ino Sollano: Led the offense with high shot volume, generating 4 shots (2 on target) and 2 shots on target, respectively.
Match Summary
Team | First Half (H1) | Second Half (H2) | Final Score
UPC Baby Fighting Maroons | 0 | 1 | 1
PSS Titans | 1 | 1 | 2
UPC Baby Fighting Maroons | 0 | 1 | 1
PSS Titans | 1 | 1 | 2