UAAP men’s football: UP crowned champs after thrilling finals against FEU

University of the Philippines have reclaimed the UAAP men’s football crown after outlasting Far Eastern University, 2-1, Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

Ramil Bation III’s goal in the 104th minute proved to be the difference between the two squads, giving the Fighting Maroons its second championship in three years.

“FEU gave us a game to remember. Both teams deserved to be in the finals. But again, in football there’s only one winner. And tonight we came out on top,” said UP head tactician Popoy Clariño.

“The team really showed what it means to be a Fighting Maroon, fighting until the end, fighting through adversity…I’m just so proud of this team and I hope they continue this tradition,” shared senior co-captain Liam Lampayan.

The highly anticipated matchup started at a frenetic pace, with both UP and FEU looking to gain an early edge. FEU drew first blood in the 45+2nd minute when veteran Karl Absalon slotted in a thumping header off a lobbed cross from the left flank. 

Desperate to find an equalizer in the second half, UP were given a lifeline when a penalty kick was awarded in their favor after winger Florenz Tacardon was brought down inside the box during the dying embers of the game.

With their title hopes dependent on one crucial kick, team skipper Charles Lobitaña fearlessly placed the ball in the back of the net, 1-1.

“Kinuha ko na agad siya,” said the centre back when asked about stepping up to take the penalty.

“Sobrang happy. Sobrang tagal ng season na ‘to at sa mga pagod namin, training namin, at least nakuha namin ulit yung crown,” added Lobitaña.

(I just took it right away... I'm so happy. This season has been so long and for all of our hard work, our training, at least we were able to take back the crown.)

Consequently, for his consistent performances this entire season, Lobitaña was vested with the Best Defender award while also copping Finals Most Valuable Player honors together with fellow teammate Tacardon.

The other individual awardees composed of Fonzy Gonzales as Best Goalkeeper, Ateneo’s Dov Cariño as Best Midfielder, FEU’s Selywn Mamon as Best Striker and Golden Boot winner, and freshman Tamaraw Kean Niu as the tournament’s Rookie of the Year.

University of Santo Tomas took home the bronze medal while champions UP were also given the tournament’s Fair Play award.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News