Cebuano rookie soars high for Ateneo in UAAP football

CEBU, Philippines - Val Calvo makes impression as Blue Booters make finals for first time since 2008

He maybe just a rookie, but Cebu's prized booter Valentino “Val” B. Calvo has already made an impression as one of Ateneo's most lethal weapons in the 75th UAAP men's football tournament.

In his maiden season, Calvo has knocked in four goals, so far, including crucial hits in their back-to-back wins over National University and archrival La Salle that steered the Blue Booters into the championship round for the first time since 2008.

Calvo punched in two goals in their 3-0 demolition of NU last February 6 that enabled Ateneo to regain the top spot after being temporarily dethroned by La Salle.

After picking up a forward pass by Luis Mendoza, Calvo quickly fired at an awkward angle with his left boot to beat Hayeson Pepito for a 1-0 Ateneo lead. He doubled the lead when he controlled another ball dumped over the  defense. His first touch was superb and placed the ball squarely in front of him on the right side of the box. Before any of the NU defenders could relax, he banged in the goal.

That huge victory gave the top-seeded Ateneo a twice-to-beat advantage over La Salle in the semifinals.

And on the eve of Valentine's Day, the Blue Booters marched into the finals without any hitch after they  terminated the Green Booters in the penalty shootout, 4-3, with one goal coming from Calvo. The rest were delivered by Christian Noel, Michael Mabanag and Carlo Liay.

It was a sweet redemption of sort for Ateneo, which was momentarily dislodged from the top spot by La Salle, 2-0, during their second meeting in the elimination phase.

Ateneo dedicated their win to the Calvo's late father Jun, who passed away three days before their grudge rematch with La Salle.

Even in grief, Calvo has shown he has nerves of steel, an admirable act for a 17-year-old rising star who is really having an extraordinary season in his first playing year with Ateneo in the country's most prestigious athletic league.

“I always give my best shot in every game,” said Calvo, adding that the key to success as a player is “to train hard and give your whole heart in the sport you love”.

Calvo is a proud product of the extensive football program of Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC). As a Bosconian striker, he clinched back-to-back MVP trophies during the Baguio Victory Cup and the Mizuno Football Cup two years ago.

Calvo's biggest achievement by far is grabbing the Most Outstanding Athletes (MOA) award during last year's National Milo Little Olympics held in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

His impressive credential and experience gleaned on his 10-year stint with Don Bosco landed him a spot at Ateneo, becoming the second Bosconian in the lineup after Noel.

Calvo's ultimate goal is to be part of the celebrated Philippine Azkals someday. “I will always try to improve myself, to be better athlete. That has always been my aim, to be part of the national team, but I will always put my studies at the top of my priorities,” he said.