Beach Hut FC delivered one of the most dominant performances in the U17 girls division in the penultimate match day of the elimination round, overwhelming Nemesis Gaia FA, 5–0, to surge to the top of the standings in the PFF Futsaliga presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Santi Balajadia starred with a hat trick in the House of Futsal at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, lifting Beach Hut into a three-way tie for first place with 15 points, bolstered by a tournament-best goal difference.
“As long as we give it our all, play our best and set our mind at the right place, we’ll be able to win, hopefully reach the top and win the championship,’’ said Balajadia.
The Girls’ U17 Division is shaping into one of the most competitive brackets in the tournament, with a three-way tie at the top of the standings after a series of pivotal results.
Antipolo City FC and EMA Bulacan Highlanders figured in a dramatic 3–3 draw, with Antipolo racing to a 3–0 lead in the opening 11 minutes before Bulacan mounted a stunning comeback to earn their first point of the tournament. Althea Cahig led Antipolo’s early surge with two goals, earning her first Bootcamp Player of the Match recognition.
Silangan FC Cainta handed PasigLaban its first loss of the campaign, securing a disciplined 2–0 victory through cohesive team play and tactical execution. Angela Morato orchestrated the balanced attack that powered Silangan to their fifth win and a share of the top spot.
Beach Hut FC, Silangan FC Cainta, and PasigLaban are now level at 15 points, with Beach Hut leading on goal difference. Despite their loss, Nemesis Gaia FA secured a semifinal berth, while Sporting QC’s breakthrough 2-0 upset win over Star FC pushed the latter into the Plate semifinals, underscoring the fine margins in the competition.
In the Boys’ U17 Division, Star FC continues to set the benchmark, remaining the only undefeated team after another commanding performance. Paul Stiga Academy strengthened its semifinal push with a narrow 2–1 win over PasigLaban.
Prince Yana led a composed and balanced attack, delivering a crucial victory that keeps PSA firmly in the hunt for a Final Four slot.
Star FC extended its unbeaten run with a convincing 4–1 victory over Manila Futsal Team. Franc Obias delivered a brace to secure their sixth straight win, further cementing Star FC’s status as the team to beat in the division.
Nemesis FA showcased resilience and determination, defeating Antipolo City FC, 4–2, despite fielding only five players. Michael Canaman played a pivotal role, demonstrating relentless energy across the full 40 minutes to keep Nemesis in contention for a semifinal berth.
“Sobrang challenging itong game kasi wala kaming sub. Five players lang kami so need talagang pagsabayin yung recovery tsaka yung intensity ng game. Nasa crucial kami na kalagayan kasi need naming umangat para makapasok doon sa top four, ” said Canaman.
EMA Bulacan Highlanders delivered the most emphatic result of the matchday, thrashing Sporting QC, 10–0, behind an extraordinary seven-goal performance from Golden Boot leader Charlson Vidal. The result marked their fourth win and propelled them into third place, strengthening their semifinal bid.
Star FC remains perfect at the top, while Paul Stiga Academy and EMA Bulacan Highlanders have secured their places in the Cup semifinals. Nemesis FA remains in contention after their gutsy win, while Manila Futsal Team still holds a mathematical chance to break into the Final Four.
With semifinal spots on the line, young talents from across the country delivered spirited performances, highlighting both the growing competitiveness of the league and the strong grassroots foundation being built for Philippine futsal.
PFF’s continued partnership with PSC has been instrumental in sustaining this momentum, providing a world-class venue where youth players can compete at a high level and experience the demands of elite futsal.