(",*) my cozy little spot (*,"): 9th ECCP Football Cup

The ECCP Football Cup is a yearly football tournament that Lear FC looks forward to. The first football cup was held last 2007 where the LFC Men’s team participated in. It was only in 2010, in its 4^th year, that the ECCP organizers added a Ladies’ category. The LFC Ladies’ Team were ecstatic that they weren’t cheerers anymore this time. The LFC Ladies teamed up with Lexmark FC Ladies and won Second Runner Up. Other participating Ladies’ team were WiPro, Convergys, and Teletech/Stream, and Aegis/PS.

I wanted to post a picture of the tournament; but when I tried digging pictures from my computer, I could'nt find a single picture of the 4^th ECCP Football Cup. Thus, I resorted to searching pictures in Facebook. It was only then that I realized that I wasn’t able to participate because I was pregnant with my second child. I even remembered that they used to tease me that I need not fret of not being able to join because I was carrying the soccer ball with me anyways.

Joining this year’s 9^th ECCP Football Cup was quite a challenge for LFC Ladies . The “Ate’s” in the group couldn’t make it in the field. Our very committed (yet injured) Team Captain, Ping, already left the company. Our best in practice attendance - Scarlet and Lairee just got pregnant (first-timers), while Brooke needed to usher her in-laws.

It was already a week after the deadline of registration when we were informed that our brothers, the LFC Men, registered without dragging us with them. (hmp!). Fortunately, the organizer still accommodated the Ladies’ team. Despite the fact that the boys left us, we were still thankful to them because we paid 200 pesos less of the registration fee - a discount given by the organizer for two teams. (Pamiya pamo sunod boys! ;P)

Another good thing, was that it was scheduled in between two HRA Tournament days. Thus, we were able to catch up with our team play. Plus, I felt better knowing that we had two returnees, Carmelyn and Glee, who decided to join because they wanted to experience playing in Abellana Sports Complex and didn’t back out even if the venue ended up in Don Bosco Technological Center.

During the very sunny tournament day on July 19th 2015, only 10 out of 15 players showed up – meaning, there were only 3 substitutes for each 20-minute play!

The day started with a Zumba as a warm up where all the LFC Ladies including the men had fund and enjoyed the dance before the battles began.

Our first opponent was Convergys FC which ended in a draw with 1:1 goals. Actually, I scored two goals on that game – one for Lear FC from a kick in and one for Convergys FC (deflected from my shin)! Sorry guys – “pera na, naging bato pa!”

Sadly though, we were left with 2 substitutes after our first game since our GK, Nancy, needed to go home to attend a very important matter. Nevertheless, we were still hopeful to pull it through till the end!

We won the second game against Bombardier FC with 2-0 goals courtesy of yours truly. One goal was scored from a free kick. The other one was scored from a kick in which was, in fact, noteworthy because the goal toppled down after the ball hit the goal. Not one from the boys made it happen - a goal to beat indeed! lol :P

The last game was against Fairchild FC where we came out as a victor with 1-0 goal from a kick in courtesy of #17.

The elimination round ended with Audionair FC ranked as 1st in Bracket A, followed by NKC FC while Lear FC ranked as 1stin Bracket B, followed by Convergys FC.

The cross-over game was with our favorite opponent, NKC FC, who beat us with 1:0 goal from a kick in by #20 and eradicated our chance towards the championship game.

The battle for 3^rd was against Audionair FC where we triumphed with 1:0 goal from Maddie – who was very overwhelmed to score a goal for the first time in a tournament! Congrats Mads!

NKC FC finished the championship against Convergys FC with 1:0 goal from #20.

The tournament ended with an unexpected award, “Best in Warm Up”, with us taking home two soccer balls and 15 pieces of car front window sun shades.

At the end of the day, I was more than happy to have ===>>> the bragging rights, sun-burnt skin, body pains, bruises, lost a few pounds, the longest drive ever, , and most of all the unforgettable experience!