Most 18-year-olds mark their birthdays with a party or a quiet dinner with family. Andres Hizon celebrated his with something bigger: a match-winning goal under the floodlights of the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Hizon, in his third year playing for Ateneo de Manila University, rose highest to score in stoppage time, handing the Blue Eagles a dramatic 1-0 victory over PAREF Southridge in matchday one of the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Football Tournament last Saturday.
The win wasn’t just about three points — it was sweet revenge.
Last season, Southridge eliminated Ateneo from the Final Four, leaving Hizon and his teammates stung by the loss.
“Feels good because last year we ended the tournament against Southridge,” Hizon admitted after the match.
“We couldn’t win, but now we started the season strong and came home with the win.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
It took a near-perfect set piece to break the deadlock in a match that saw both teams cancel each other out for 90 minutes.
As the clock ticked toward a scoreless draw, Ateneo earned a corner.
Manu Simpao stepped up to take the kick, executing a play the team had drilled repeatedly during the off-season.
His delivery was flawless, finding Hizon in the heart of the box.
The birthday boy rose above the defenders and powered a decisive header past Southridge goalkeeper Reign De Ocampo. He sent the Ateneo crowd into jubilant celebration — even breaking into a chorus of “Happy Birthday” after the final whistle.
“First of all, Manu Simpao was the one who took the corner kick,” Hizon said. “We’ve been practicing a lot in training for set pieces. I was not surprised that we were able to score through a set piece.
“I (also) like how we were able to step up in the second half, knowing our first half was not so good. Thanks to our coach (JP Merida), he was able to give us the motivation, and our teammates lifted each other up. Yeah, we’re happy to go home with three points.”
Beyond the personal milestone and the thrill of victory, Hizon’s goal symbolized a breakthrough for Ateneo against a Southridge side that had dominated recent encounters.
“Feels good because, after how many years, we always either lose to Southridge,” explained the grade 12 student.
“But then for our first game, we were finally able to win, and hopefully, we keep this going for the rest of the season.”
