UP dethrones FEU as UAAP men’s football champs

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage to take the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s football title Tuesday at the Ateneo field. The Fighting Maroons completed the feat with a 1-0 win over last year’s champion Far Eastern University, capturing their first title since 2002. Jose Adonis Santos, the Best Striker of the tournament, struck in the 49th minute to give the Fighting Maroons the championship. “We dominated the midfield area in the second half. We got a counter-attack and that is when we scored," said UP coach Frank Muescam. “This is a great blessing because everybody contributed and our efforts paid off." UP failed to claim the twice-to-beat advantage in the finals after settling for a draw with La Salle in the final day of the eliminations. Instead FEU took the incentive after winning the final six games of the eliminations. As it turned out, UP did not need the edge to nab the title. The Maroons took Game 1, 2-1, to force the deciding match. John Edward Rances of UP claimed the Most Valuable Player honor of the season. Winning the other individual awards were Allen Jose Serna of UP (Best Defender), Francis Gustillo of FEU (Best Midfielder), Jose Maria Mendezona of UP (Best Goalkeeper), and Ronnie Aguisanda of FEU (Rookie of the Year). Ateneo took home the Fair Play award. –GMANews.TV