Cebu’s pride Val Calvo stars as Ateneo downs La Salle in UAAP football

CEBU, Philippines - Promising Cebuano booter Valentino "Val" B. Calvo swiftly made an impact in his rookie season with Ateneo, knocking in the game-winning goal as the Blue Booters soared past La Salle, 1-0, in the UAAP Season 75 men's football tournament last Sunday at Ateneo's Erenchun field.

The 17-year-old Calvo, who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Management Information System, tenaciously sneaked past two defenders to hit the killer goal at the 77th minute.

The Blue Booters of coach JP Merida then held on with their defense to frustrate La Salle at the final whistle and firm up their grip of the solo lead with seven points on two victories and one draw. La Salle, for its part, suffered its second loss with one win good for three points.

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 Athlete (MOA) award during last year's National Milo Little Olympics held in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Calvo's impressive credential and experience gleaned on his 10-year stint with Don Bosco landed him a spot at the prestigious Ateneo varsity team, becoming the second Bosconian in the lineup after Jico Noel.

Prior to their showdown with La Salle, the Blue Booters gained a big boost in their championship campaign after they fended off last year’s losing finalist University of Santo Tomas (UST) Kicking Tigers. (FREEMAN)