Ateneo bags 3rd UAAP football title

Ateneo snared its third straight UAAP men’s football crown, nipping archrival De La Salle, 1-0, on a late goal by Roger Lastimado Thursday at the PhilSports pitch in Pasig City.

Lastimado scored the winner in the eighth minute of injury time — breaking loose from traffic and launching a kick that sailed past the goalie. The ball hit the goal post first though before hitting the net.

"Beating De La Salle in the championship match is a lot sweeter than winning it via sweep," said Blue booters coach Ompong Merida.

Sweet the victory was indeed for the Blue Eagles who were beaten by the same team in the 1997 finals, the last time Ateneo met De La Salle in a UAAP men’s football championship.

De La Salle also denied Ateneo an outright championship this Season 68 as the Green Archers prevented a Blue Eagles sweep in their 10th and final assignment. That Green Archers’ victory forged the championship match.

De La Salle’s bid for a sweep of football was also averted by the Blue Eagles. On Wednesday at the Ateneo pitch, De La Salle beat Santo Tomas U, 2-1, to win its fourth consecutive women’s football title.

Ateneo’s Patrick Ozaeta was named the Most Valuable Player while De La Salle’s Vaughn Mellendrez took home the award as the top scorer with eight goals. Far Eastern U received the Fair Play Award, while Tamaraw striker Jovanie Simpron won the Rookie of the Year honors.

De La Salle’s Stephanie Pheasant took her second Most Valuable Player in the women’s contest, while UST’s Maricris Ignacio was named Rookie of the Year. De La Salle’s Lazaro was awarded the top goal scorer in the tournament.

Ateneo had several opportunities to win in regulation with Tristan Tongson missing one when the ball hit the goal post in the 44th minute.

"There was this pressure to sweep and to concede a goal. But winning this one in a championship match is very sweet. Masarap Œpag pinaghirapan," said Merida, who redeemed himself from that 1997 loss to De La Salle.

"Masaya dahil after nine years we were able to bounce back. I know we deserve this because we work hard for this three-peat achievement."