Lipa Football League Round 1: Recapping the Statistics

La Salle FC's Alessandro Suarez (left with ball) scored a brace versus FC Reigning Kickers.  Image source:  Karlyn Vivas.

Nothing can be more frustrating to non-fans watching a football game than a drab uneventful goalless draw. The good opening day crowd that came out to watch the first round of matches of the Lipa Football League last 30 September 2018 at the Aboitiz Pitch of The Outlets at Lipa, however, quickly discovered that the league is anything but – drab and goalless, that is!

In total, no less than 23 goals were scored in the league’s opening four matches, for an amazing average of 5.75 goals per game! There were 17 goalscorers in all plus an unfortunate own goal conceded by Kings FC.

No surprise, Kings FC’s Season 1 hotshot Omar Mazloum just could not stop scoring yet again and turned in the opening day’s only hattrick. His heroics, however, could not stop Lipa Emmanuel FC from winning a 7-goal thriller.

Kings FC's Omar Mazloum, seen scoring twice in the video above, turned in Round 1's only hattrick.

Three players scored a brace each on opening day: Mark Fernandez for Mentors FC in their 4-2 win over Coffee Millers FC, for whom Jan Chrisandre Palad scored both goals. Italy-born Alessandro Suarez also scored twice for La Salle FC against defending champions FC Reigning Kickers.

La Salle FC were the first round’s top goalscoring team, hitting 5 against FC Reigning Kickers. Both Mentors FC and Lipa Emmanuel were not far behind, scoring 4 each against their respective opponents.

Although the defending champions FC Reigning Kickers suffered a shellacking at the hands of La Salle FC, the fact that they managed one consolation goal meant that no team was shut out on opening day.

Of the four matches played in Round 1, there was only one draw. ACF Real Molinillo de Lipa must have thought they were on their way to 3 points until Daniel Aungon pounced on a spill from Molinillo goalkeeper Christian Rongavilla to salvage a 2-all draw for his team Real Barako FC.

ACF Real Molinillo de Lipa and Real Barako FC played out Round 1's only draw.  Image source: Karlyn Vivas.

Although the matches were played under an intense midday and early afternoon sun, they were also played in good sporting spirit, with only one yellow card issued and no reds.