As goalkeeper Jacob Salavante walked off the pitch following De La Salle Zobel’s 2–1 loss to the University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Football Tournament, it marked the end of an era that began nearly 13 years ago.
Salavante has worn green and white since first picking up a football in kindergarten at La Salle.
Now 18 and a graduating Grade 12 student, the senior shot-stopper saw his high school career come to an end, despite a valiant effort from him and his teammates to force a do-or-die decider.
Despite the loss, which ended the Junior Green Booters’ hopes of reaching the final for the first time since Season 85, Salavante remained composed.
While he never reached the big dance during his three years in the high school division, he refused to let the result diminish the bond within the squad.
“What’s done, is done. It’s over. My dream was to play the finals with this team — the strongest team — but it’s okay. As a senior, we move on,” he said. “Always, there’s still something kulang in the team, and there’s still room for improvement.
“But me as a senior — like, I’m leaving already — so I just want to say I’m so thankful for all the changes that have been done in the field.”
Coming into the Final Four as the third seed, the Junior Green Booters knew they had their work cut out for them, having failed to defeat the Junior Golden Booters in both elimination round encounters.
La Salle, however, managed to quickly recover from an early setback as Iñigo Ramirez leveled the match after UST midfielder Joshua Moleje gave the defending champions the lead in the 30th minute.
In the second half, Jayden Gayoso had a golden chance to give the Junior Green Booters their first taste of the lead, only for his attempt to sail well over the goal. Gayoso’s miss would come to haunt La Salle as Roy Panunciar Jr. scored the winning goal for UST in the 57th minute.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
When the final whistle confirmed La Salle’s elimination, the entire team graciously shook hands with their UST counterparts, signaling the end of their campaign. The full-time whistle also marked the moment for this batch of Junior Green Booters to go their separate ways.
“The transition will always be hard, but as a team, you learn how to adapt. Our coaching staff is built together with all professional players and professional coaches. With that, truly grateful lang,” said Salavante.
“Head up lang, move on… I know that Zobel will still be left with a good group of players — young players — and still have wonderful coaches. I believe that they still got this next year.”
As he prepares for the next chapter, Salavante is already balancing his academics with the search for a collegiate home. The future holds two possibilities: a reunion or a rivalry with his older brother Jason, a third-year goalkeeper for De La Salle University.
“I’m looking forward to schools that are open in offering me a scholarship,” Salavante noted.
“Wherever I go, I have my brother who is in La Salle — either I can be his teammate or even be an opponent to him. So, let’s see. It’s God’s plan.”
While he remains open to opportunities from different schools — even hinting at a potential move to Katipunan — the pull of the La Salle jersey remains strong.
“I would love to see the opportunity playing it tough and bringing it home once again. No problem with going with the green and white.”
As one of the longest-serving homegrown players in the program, Salavante’s departure marks the end of a childhood journey.
While the ending wasn’t the dream finale he hoped for as a graduating senior, he has no regrets and leaves the Muntinlupa school proud, fulfilled, and ready for his next chapter.
“For the three years that I’ve been here, I’m just so truly grateful for the opportunity. It’s been a long journey.”
