No 4th crown in 5 years for Booters
However, as the curtains closed on the drizzle-marked Final, FEU outclassed the Loyola XI, 1-0, claiming the title which they, too, missed last season by mere inches.
The Blue-and-White entered the game slightly disadvantaged. Head Coach Ompong Merida and key midfielder Fred Ozaeta (III BSM AMF) were unavailable due to fouls committed during their February 17 encounter. (See this and other related stories on http://www.theguidon.com)
They were also facing an experienced squad of Iloilo-bred footballers, some of whom are mainstays on the National Team.
From kickoff to halftime whistle, it was FEU skill that prevailed. The persistent and aggressive FEU attack led to the championship-clinching goal in the 29th minute, as a high pass was sent into the unwary Ateneo box straight to a wide open Glester Sobremisana, who capitalized on the porous Atenean defense.
Twenty minutes into the second half, the Loyola XI’s attempts at an equalizer were dealt a fatal blow as a controversial called was made and a key injury was sustained.
Key striker Gerard Cancio (III BS Mgt) was brought down in the box by a rushing FEU keeper. However, instead of being awarded a penalty kick, the Booters were instead given an offside violation much to the dismay of the Ateneo gallery.
It would turn out to be the star striker’s last minutes as he would be taken out, injured.
Ateneo would continue its equalizer attempts but, as FEU let the clock tick by, time was not on the Booters' side and the final whistle on their championship dream was soon blown.
"We had lapses in the back-third which FEU capitalized on," explained skipper Patrick Ozaeta (MBA). "[The] breaks of the game [went FEU’s way]."
"We had our chances, they had [theirs]. They converted one, we weren’t able to convert ours,"said Alvin Perez (IV AB Eu). "Live and learn, ganoon talaga (that’s how it is)."
Not empty-handed
However, it was not all heartache for the Blue-and-White.
RS Mantos (II AB DS) was named the season's Best Goalkeeper, while Miguel Tuazon (I AB Eco) was hailed Rookie of the Year. And, once more, the Best Defender accolade went to skipper Ozaeta.
"It’s been an honor playing with him. I’ll do my best to [become] near him," said Tuazon of Ozaeta. "I know I can never be like him. There can only be one Pat Ozaeta."
And even though the Booters emerged with no team trophy to show for, they were still not empty-handed, especially since they discovered the potentials of their younger teammates.
"[On the part of the veterans], we’re very proud of [the rookies' and sophomores'] achievement because they truly helped the team a lot," said Perez. "What we expected from them, they gave to us, the team, the school and especially themselves."
Moreover, the Booters had taken to heart the Ateneo battlecry of "One big fight"—the maxim Merida had ingrained in them from season’s start.
"I think this was a great year for the Ateneo Men’s Football Team. Though this lineup was not a championship caliber team, because of their hard work and their playing for the school, they reached far—this championship," said Merida in Filipino after the game. "It's like the team won the championship in itself."