For the second time in three seasons, Ateneo de Manila University fell short at the final hurdle, this time losing to newly-crowned champion Far Eastern University in a dramatic penalty shootout during the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Final last December 15.
As another championship slipped from the Blue Eagles’ grasp—this time sealed by Tamaraws goalkeeper and eventual Season 87 MVP Mon Diansuy, who saved Jetro Flores’ penalty—there was still a sense of pride for graduating seniors Leo Maquiling and Artuz Cezar.
They came within a few spot-kicks of reclaiming the title Ateneo last won in Season 81.
“It was good because we were able to get another chance,” said Maquiling, who scored the Blue Eagles’ 72nd-minute equalizer after Theo Jico Libarnes gave FEU the lead in the 65th minute.
“I am glad to play for the blue and white. We [almost] scored in added time when it was 1-1, then we reached penalties, but we can’t do anything about that.”
“It was a well-fought match,” added Cezar. “Sobrang even nung possession and chances, but I think football is also a game of luck. In the penalties, luckily for FEU, they were able to save shots from us, and they got the championship.”
While the heartbreak of the final defeat will linger, Maquiling and Cezar found some consolation in their individual accolades, which were presented during the awarding ceremony. Maquiling claimed the Best Striker award after scoring nine goals across 14 matches for the Blue Eagles, while Cezar, with four clean sheets to his name, earned the Best Goalkeeper award.
Understandably, both players would have preferred the championship over individual honors, but they expressed pride in their contributions to Ateneo’s campaign.
“[I’m] very happy to represent Ateneo,” Maquiling shared. “I guess having that award is a bonus because we really wanted the championship for Ateneo, but we can’t do anything about it anymore.
“And yes, it’s my last playing year for Ateneo. I’m just happy to represent the blue and white.”
“Our goal talaga was really the championship,” said Cezar. “Well, I’m thankful for this award, pero the real goal talaga was to bring home the championship, pero wala. It was a great experience in the UAAP.
“Three years in the men’s division—it was really an honor and privilege to represent the school on this stage.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now that their UAAP careers with Ateneo have come to a close, the question is: What’s next for these standout athletes?
For Maquiling, his immediate future involves competing on an even bigger stage. He is currently part of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, which is set to face Thailand in the semifinals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 this Friday and Monday.
Before moving on, he left a heartfelt message for his remaining teammates and future successors.
“It’s kinda hard,” he said. “I don’t know what to say. I just hope that they give their 100% and enjoy every moment. It’s my last playing year—I was hoping for a championship, but wala.
“I just hope the next players will take every chance and not regret anything.”
Meanwhile, Cezar revealed that he is eyeing a professional football career.
“For me, I think if may opportunity to go pro, why not? I’m going to give it one to two years. Then I’m done with football—I’ll have to hang up the boots,” he shared.
Whatever the future holds for these two athletes, their legacies as Blue Eagle are secure.
