Maroons blank UST XI, keep UAAP football title

MANILA, Philippines - Jinggoy Valmayor knocked down the marginal goal while custodian Tyrone Caballes stood at the forefront of defense as University of the Philippines turned back Santo Tomas, 1-0, to retain the UAAP men’s football crown at the Ateneo field yesterday.

Valmayor struck in the 61st minute, making good on Jay Eusebio’s assist, as Caballes skillfully parried the Tigers’ assaults, foiling two potential tying attempts by UST skipper OJ Clariño and Uche Ememandu, to power UP to the Season 74 title.

“The players really deserve the championship,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales. “I’m such lucky to have a determined and willed group of young kids.  This one is much sweeter because we really struggled. Last year, it was a smooth ride,” said Gonzales.

Despite the struggles, the Maroons topped the elims with 20 points on five wins and five draws to grab the twice-to-beat advantage in the finals.

It was UP’s third title in the last four years, hiking its collection to five overall. The Tigers’ title drought stretched to five years running.

“We played with pride and a lot of heart until the final whistle,” said Valmayor, a member of the Azkals Under-23 squad.

UP captain Nathan Octavio capped his UAAP stint by winning the season MVP honors, leading the honor roll that included Caballes (Best Goalkeeper), and teammate Michael Simms (Rookie of the Year).

In women’s play, La Salle forced a winner-take-all duel for the tiara against top seed UST after prevailing via shootout, 4-3.