Football
Football match highlights Philippine-Spanish friendship day
Carlos Juan Juan
Bolstered by members of the Philippine team to the Homeless World Cup, Real Jeepney FC escaped with a 6-5 victory over La Roja de Manila, a team composed of members of the Spanish community in the country, in the Copa MAPFRE Insular friendly match last June 30 at the Manila Polo Club as part of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day celebrations.
Playing coach Rudy del Rosario bagged a hat trick by scoring three goals to help Jeepney endure La Roja’s comeback.
After grabbing a comfortable 3-1 lead, Alfonso Ancheta, Antonio Elizalde and Kim Smit conspired to help La Roja claw back and tie the match at 4-all.
But del Rosario sank two more goals to seal the victory for Jeepney. Smit drilled another goal at the end of the match, but it was not enough to help La Roja avoid the loss.
Smit led the way for La Roja with three goals, while Jeff de Castro, Larry dela Cruz and Global FC standout Lexter Maravilla each scored one goal.
“Way to go Jeepney! Make us proud when you defend our colors in the Homeless World Cup in Mexico,” MAPFRE Insular CEO and President Javier Warleta wrote on Twitter after the match, which is also organized to help members of the Philippine team competing in the 2012 Homeless World Cup in October.
A member of the Weekend Futbol League, Real Jeepney FC is backed by Jeepney Magazine, which has been conducting street soccer programs in the country. It has also been supportive of the Philippine team to the Homeless World Cup.
The friendly match, made possible by Fundacion Santiago and was sponsored by MAPFRE Insular, KIA Cars, InterAksyon and CeMex, aims to promote better understanding between Spain and Philippines.
