San Beda’s football team scores sweep, wins NCAA title

San Beda turned back a pesky St. Benilde side, 1-0, to regain the 86th NCAA men’s football title Wednesday at the Philsports pitch in Pasig City. Striker Roy Lanting unleashed a rocket-like goal in the 38th minute that proved to be the clincher for the Lions. The Lions toughened up their defense the rest of the way to keep the Blazers at bay. The Mendiola-based booters completed a historic 10-game sweep, duplicating the 18-game sweep accomplished by its basketball team in the seniors' division last year. Ace striker Bong Bong Roxy Dorlas, a national team member, led San Beda in recapturing the crown. The Lions avenged their 0-1 setback in the finals to the same St. Benilde squad last year. This is San Beda's sixth title this season following triumphs in basketball, swimming, men's table tennis and men's and women's taekwondo, giving the school some cushion in the race for the overall championship, with the centerpiece track and field events still to be played late this month at the Philsports field. “We won in football and we gained some points in our bid to win our first overall championship," said Jose Mari Lacson, San Beda's representative to the Management Committee chaired by Frank Gusi of San Sebastian. - KY, RCJ, GMA News