THE UNIVERSITY Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 men’s football championship kicked off last Sunday at the Emperador Stadium in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, with a heated draw between the defending men’s champions, FEU Tamaraws, and the UP Fighting
Maroons.

A moment of silence was observed before the game in light of the recent passing of UP winger Rogie Maglinas. The two teams wore black armbands in memory of Maglinas, who passed away after a four-month battle with a rare cancer of the muscle and soft tissues.

Come game time, both teams failed to break the deadlock as they ended goalless, thanks to a superb performance from FEU goalkeeper Ray Joyel.

UP FOOTBALLERS singing “UP Naming Mahal”

Meanwhile, the DLSU Green Archers had two reasons to celebrate: their women’s and men’s teams defeated common rival, the

Ateneo Blue Eagles, in two highly contested matches.

The Lady Archers won 4-3, thanks to a goal by Sara Castañeda in the final seconds. It was a hard-earned victory, as the Lady Eagles did their best to create trouble for the Archers with a brace from Ateneo captain, Cam Rodriguez, and a goal from rookie, Bea Velasco.
In a post-match interview, Rodriguez commended her opponents’ organization, which “allowed them to control the game.” She also hailed her team’s perseverance and cited the need to work on “minor, yet crucial, lapses” that led to their loss.

The DLSU men’s team triumphed over their rivals with a final score of 3-1, two of them late goals courtesy of Jan Cruz and Gelo Diamante. The Green Archers drew first blood with an effort from Gregory Yang in the 21st minute, and Ateneo evened up the score after two minutes, thanks to Cristian Castillo. DLSU stopper Raphael De Guzman played marvelously, saving a penalty kick from Acosta and thwarting several attempts by Teen Azkal Javier Gayoso.