After forgettable performances in its last three matches, the University of San Carlos (USC) finally showed why it’s the defending champion in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. collegiate football with a 3-0 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation on Nov. 30 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
USC, which won the last four titles, was held to 0-0 in the first half before Areli Acuin broke the ice in the 55th. Johny Sinoy made it 2-0 three minutes later before Acuin got his second in the 58th. The win improved USC’s tally to eight points, one behind leader University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).
The Jaguars were supposed to face the University of Cebu (UC) but the game was postponed to Dec. 4.
| College | W | D | L | P | GF | GA | GD |
| USJ-R | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | +4 |
| USC | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 6 | +2 |
| UC | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | +1 |
| USPF | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 12 | -9 |
USC’s win against USPF, just its second for the whole season, means UC needs to beat USJ-R to keep its chance for a finals spot alive before its final match against USC. A draw against USJ-R means UC needs to beat USC by at least two goals to advance on goal difference. A 1-0 win by UC will see USC finishing at second place for having score more goals.
Meanwhile, the Don Bosco Technological Center is one win away from claiming the title outright after outlasting a game USC, 1-0, thanks to a lone goal by John Vitualla in the 47th. DBTC has won all five matches and another win over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in another Cebu Classico on Dec. 8 will give the Bosconians the Cesafi title.
Ateneo was held to a 0-0 draw by USJ-R in the other high school game, which kept the Jaguars hope for a second place finish should it beat USC and DBTC beats Ateneo in the final day.